FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Buying & Selling Second-Hand Disability Equipment
Second-hand or used disability equipment is available from a variety of sources. Private individuals often advertise in newsagents, local newsletters, magazines & free sheets. Retailers of new disability equipment may also sell second-hand items or ex-demonstration equipment at reduced cost. The Disabled Living Foundation has a comprehensive fact sheet on sources of second-hand equipment.
When buying from a private individual you have fewer rights than when buying from a shop. However, the seller must accurately describe the item and point out any faults that need attention. It is advisable to check that the equipment has been regularly maintained, any batteries have been regularly charged & that any manuals on how to use the equipment are included.
Consider where the equipment is located. If the item is too far away to view before purchasing there is more of a risk that it may not be suitable for your requirements. You might also want to consider what type of transport will be needed to move the item. Some types of equipment such as stairlifts, need careful removal and re-installation at their new site, so check with the manufacturer or the original supplier (if known) to find out if they will be able to do this and how much it will cost.
Further advice on consumer issues is available from Surrey Trading Standards or Consumer Direct, 08454 040506.
In all cases, whether you are a buyer or a seller, some basic safety precautions should be observed. Make sure you have plenty of information about anybody coming to your home or to whose home you are going; ask for a home phone number (not just a mobile number) & if possible, have a friend or relative with you for extra support.
Retailers of disability equipment may be willing to buy second-hand or unwanted items, but others may only take them in part exchange when buying new equipment.
Several magazines accept classified advertisements, for which there is usually a charge. Magazines about disability issues which take classified advertisements include Disability Now 020 7619 7320, Able 0141 419 0044, Arthritis Care, the Motor Neurone Disease Association 08457 626262 and Forward, the magazine of the Spinal Injuries Association 0800 980 0501. Magazines of more general interest such as Exchange & Mart 0800 680680 have equipment sections.
On the internet there are several websites concerned with second-hand disability equipment. The Disability Equipment Register and eQuip For Life deal exclusively with equipment. eBay also has disability items.
In Surrey, SID advertises equipment on their website. This is a free service for items available in the county. You do not need to have internet access. Contact SID on 0800 0439395 to place or find an item. DisCASS has a similar service. Swap It Surrey is a website where unwanted items can be swapped. You can also give items away if you dont have anything you want to swap it for. All items advertised are free or for swapping. Nothing is for sale.
Mobilise advertise adapted vehicles and mobility equipment for sale on their website. There is a charge for this service. SID, on 0800 0439395, also advertise adapted vehicles for sale in Surrey.
Manual wheelchairs are accepted by GBL Services, 0208 867 2461. Through the Roof, 0208 337 2957, take donations of childrens wheelchairs to send overseas through their Wheels for the World scheme.
+ Additional Information: > Choosing equipment
More information on living with a disability in Surrey can be found at www.askenid.org.uk and in the leaflet Information for You available from SID (Social Information on Disability), 0800 0439395.