Advice on Buying Second-Hand Equipment

As with buying any second-hand item there is an element of risk attached to the purchase of second-hand equipment for Disabled People.  Here we offer some tips and points to consider before buying.

It is very easy to be drawn into looking at equipment which is close to what you need but not ideal.  You should not compromise on quality for the sake of a quick deal.

If you are unsure of what you need consider taking our [self assessment questionnaire] to help you identify possible options.  Alternatively contact your local Disabled Living Centre for assistance.  Disabled Living Centres can offer independent advice and most will have demonstration centres where you can try equipment.  To find your nearest Disabled Living Centre click here.  Alternatively contact the Disabled Living Foundation who have a free helpline manned by Occupational Therapists who can advise on the suitability of items of equipment.

Two main sources exist for items of second-hand equipment.  The first is through a private seller, secondly through a specialist Disability Equipment Retailer who as part of their business will buy and refurbish used equipment, although this option will be more expensive the equipment may possibly be in better working condition, and have been serviced recently.

Tips

• Before looking for equipment be sure that it is what you require.

• You must satisfy yourself that what you are buying is in good working order.

• You have some consumer rights, even when buying second-hand.  The supplier must describe accurately what it is being sold, and must also detail any faults that exist and need attention.

• You should look to get as detailed a description of the item as possible in writing, complete with a list of any existing faults.  This may help you to get your money back if it turns out that the item is not working properly.

• You should ask to see evidence that the equipment has been serviced regularly by a professional technician.

• You should ask for any literature supplied with the product to be passed on to you as part of the sale.  This is particularly important where there are user instructions required.

• If the equipment uses batteries, find out how old these are and how they have been cared for.  Rechargeable batteries do degrade over time, and it is particularly important they are charged regularly, even if the equipment has not been used for sometime.  As a guide, batteries should be charged once a month as a minimum to ensure they remain healthy.

• When looking to buy an item, consider how and who will maintain it for you if this is required.  Is there a local company who will be able to assist?

• Consider the annual maintenance charges as part of the overall purchase cost, it may appear a good deal, but if the maintenance costs are high then this may be not as good as first thought.

• Consider if there are any special fitting arrangements needed, and who would be able to do this for you, and of course the cost associated with doing this work.

• Some items of equipment are expensive.  Consider whether your household insurance will cover you in the event of damage, or theft.  For more details on this see our insurance page.

• Most sites advertising second-hand equipment will have written disclaimers as to the condition and suitability of the equipment.  Ensure you are aware of the possible risks associated with the equipment should it fail.

• Shop around; prices vary significantly for second-hand equipment from one individual seller to another, check you are getting a good deal.

• If it looks too good to be true - it probably is!  Beware, as in buying any second-hand goods there are people who will look to make as much money as possible, occasionally at the expense of being honest.