Vintage,
second hand, pre-owned, pre-loved and used are just a few of the phrases that
come to mind when shopping for more affordable items. From electronics to
clothing, shopping with a second-hand mindset can not only save you money - but
it also has a range of other benefits too.
Whilst we
associate these phrases perhaps with material possessions, we often may not
leap to think that we should buy second-hand goods in the form of mobility
aids. An often misconception, many people associate second-hand affordable
goods with overworn, tired and bad quality items. This may mean that people
wouldn’t consider a reconditioned stairlift. However,
this blog will delve deeper, looking into whether it is worth buying a
reconditioned stairlift or if you should purchase a brand new model altogether.
Differences Between a Used Stairlift and New
Stairlift
The main
obvious difference between a used stairlift and a new stairlift is that one has
parts that have been used before, and the other is a newly manufactured
product. Stairlifts are built to be highly durable, therefore you can be
assured that no matter how old the parts are they are repurposed to work like
brand new.
You don’t need
to be afraid of clunky movement or breakages as repurposed stairlifts will need
to have been manufactured to high-quality control standards - meaning that they
will operate as if they have just come straight out of the factory.
Though
readily available in straight stairlifts, curved stairlifts are slightly
different. If you have a curved staircase then you will you need your stairlift
made to order for your home. Which extremely limits the amount of reconditioned
parts that you can have.
Plus, you may
find that some companies will offer reconditioned stairlifts - but without the
fantastic range of warranties that their new stairlifts boast. This is because,
even though breakages and issues are highly unlikely, they are more commonplace
in second-hand stairlifts rather than new stairlifts.
All in all,
despite these differences, reconditioned stairlifts are still a viable option
for a sound mobility aid for your home. Below, we will explore this further
detailing the various reasons as to why you should consider a reconditioned
stairlift.
Cheaper Stairlift Costs
First and
foremost, it is no secret that any product that is bought second hand will be
considerably cheaper than a brand new product. In fact, it has been estimated
that the price of a reconditioned stairlift could be half that of a brand new
one! For those who are economical, or
who are on a budget, then a reconditioned stairlift is a great choice - plus it
means that you don’t need to compromise on quality or comfort. After all, if
you are suffering from reduced mobility, whether from an operation, joint
condition or old age, then having a second-hand stairlift can give you peace of
mind as well as a new lease of life.
It can be a
scary thought to accept that you are getting older, or that you are unable to
do your daily tasks. Plus, it can also be unsettling, expensive and, not to
mention, stressful if you choose to move to a new residence like a bungalow or
care home. It is much cheaper, and less disruptive, to purchase a stairlift
rather than upping sticks and moving to a bungalow or assisted living.
We
understand that, for many, a stairlift is not a luxury item, it is a necessity
- it is simply a product that you need to help you live a normal and more
productive life. This is why we can understand if you don’t want to stretch the
purse strings - a second-hand stairlift is, therefore, the perfect option.
Same Level of Technology
Another
misconception about reconditioned stairlifts is that their technology and
features will not be as up to date as the newer models. As a society, we are
always drawn towards the newest, shiniest and most beautiful product on the
market, often forgetting that we already have a perfectly acceptable and
similar (if not the same) product at home.
However, this
is not the case with reconditioned stairlifts. Though they are comprised of
older parts, they still have the same high level of technology that many of the
new models possess. From automatic swivelling seats to remote control movement
and comfortable cushioning, a second-hand stairlift has all the benefits of a
newer model - just a fraction of the price!
Better For The Environment
We are
increasingly becoming more and more aware of our planets current declining
state. As a consumerist society, and our desire for more personal possessions,
we are drawn towards a constant cycle of buying a brand new shiny item and
throwing out something that is ‘old’ - rather than selling it. Not only does
this mean that we are constantly consuming energy to meet our insatiable
demand, but that we are also contributing to our global landfill crisis.
Buying
second-hand goods immediately eliminates these issues. This is because the
lifecycle of a recycled or repurposed product virtually requires less energy as
new products don’t need to be manufactured, resulting in the less burning of
fossil fuels. So, buying a repurposed stair lift means that fewer stairlift
parts are ending up in landfill.
Good Quality Brand at a Better Price
One of the
great reasons to also buy second hand is that you can get higher quality items
and brands at a much more affordable price. It is no secret that, in many
industries, a cheaper price often reflects the quality of the product you are
buying.
Whilst all
stairlift brands are manufactured to the highest standard, some brands will be
more costly than others due to their customisable extras and technology. Plus,
some of these pricier technology options are better suited to people with
conditions like arthritis, gout or bursitis. For example, you can get standing
stairlifts and joystick control that are designed purely to give maximum
comfort to people with these
conditions - depending on the joints that are affected.
Ideal for a range of living situations
There are a
range of living situations where having a reconditioned stairlift is much more
suitable than a brand new stairlift or a rental stairlift. For example, if you are
having a life-changing operation or you are having a member of the family with
mobility aids coming to live with you temporarily then a reconditioned
stairlift could potentially be a more affordable option than even a new rental
stairlift. You may be uncertain as to how much recovery time you need after
that operation, or you don’t know how long your family member is staying for.
Although rental stairlifts are great options in this case, they could end up
costing you more overall than paying for a reconditioned stairlift outright.
Plus,
reconditioned stairlifts are great options to install if you are planning on
renting out your home or purchasing a holiday home. Similarly to above, a
rental stairlift could end up costing more, as well as being a hassle, if you
need to install and uninstall each time that you go on holiday. Having a
reconditioned stairlift there at all times eliminates both of these issues,
being more cost-effective in the long term.
Having a
reconditioned stairlift installed for a rental property, as well as other
mobility aids like shower seats, will vastly open up your potential customer
base. This will save the hassle of organising a rental stairlift and the cost
of having a brand new stairlift bought. This will be attractive for large
families of all ages, older couples, and families with disabled members.
Furthermore, this will also reflect well on your potential business as it shows
personable customer service.
Alfix Stairlifts: rental stairlifts, straight
stairlifts, curved stairlifts and reconditioned stairlifts from Gloucestershire
to Warwickshire
Here at
Alfix Stairlifts, we pride ourselves on being one of the leading providers of
stairlifts in and around Warwickshire and Gloucestershire. We offer a range of
high-quality stairlifts that are created with you in mind, giving you peace of
mind as well as new-found independence.
Our range of stairlifts can be fitted to suit
whatever size and shape your stairs are. Plus, with rapid installation and a
guarantee, you can be assured that our experts will provide minimal disruption
when installing your stairlift. To find out more about our range of products,
or if you have any queries,
simply
contact us today.
