Purchasing a used product can often be a gamble. Often if you buy a product like a car or furniture used than you have little or no recourse if it does not work. You also may in fact be inheriting someone else's problem. This can be especially true of home medical aids and home medical supplies. While it can be a risk to buy a used medical product, you can offset these risks in some cases.

A stair lift is a home medical aid that is used to help transport a person up and down the stairs. Typically a chair is attached to a rail system that is secured to the stairs. In some cases a small platform called a perch is used in place of the chair. While most of these devices are very reliable and well built, there is a very large potential form misuse. This is why buying a stair lift from a private individual can be such a gamble. You have no way to guarantee that the device has been properly maintained or used. Unless your stairs are the same size as the private individual, you will also probably need to purchase extra rails to fit your stairs.

Wanting to save money is perhaps one of the most common reasons to buy a product used and stair lifts are no exception. Rather than taking a chance on a product that carries your life or that of someone you love, you should ensure that you purchase the product from a reputable dealer. There are several reputable dealers that sell both new and used stair lifts, so you can still save money, but are assured that the product has been fully tested. A reputable dealer thoroughly inspects and refurbishes all used stair lifts before they leave the warehouse. The stair lift is rebuilt to factory specifications and will also be covered by a warranty. You do not get any of these guarantees when you purchase a stair lift from a private individual.

You can save a considerable amount of money by purchasing a used stair lift, but ensure that you do so from a reputable dealer, because risking your health is never worth saving a few bucks.