Are there stairlifts you do not purchase?

We do not purchase every stairlift. A stairlift may be unsuitable for purchase if it is unsafe, severely damaged, incomplete, obsolete, difficult to identify, or no longer supported with essential parts. However, these points are not always an automatic refusal: we assess each stairlift individually, taking account of its make, model, condition, age, installation and whether it can be safely collected and prepared for future use.

We may be unable to purchase a stairlift in the following circumstances:

• It is unsafe or has significant faults. Evidence of electrical damage, exposed wiring, battery leakage, serious mechanical problems or other safety concerns can mean the stairlift is not suitable for resale. A stairlift that does not operate correctly should not be used simply to demonstrate it.
• It is severely damaged. Damage to the rail, carriage, seat, controls, charging equipment or safety components may make removal, transport or refurbishment impractical. Minor cosmetic wear is generally different from damage that affects safe operation.
• Important parts are missing. We may not be able to purchase a stairlift if essential components, such as the seat, armrests, control equipment, batteries, charging parts or safety fittings, are absent. Please tell us about any missing items when requesting a valuation.
• The make or model cannot be confirmed. Identifying the stairlift helps us establish whether it can be assessed, serviced and supported. If labels or model information are missing, this may limit the valuation or prevent us from making an offer.
• Suitable replacement parts are no longer available. Some older or discontinued models are difficult to maintain because compatible batteries, controls or mechanical parts cannot be sourced reliably. In these cases, the stairlift may have little or no resale value even if it was working when removed.
• It is not practical to remove or transport. The installation and surrounding staircase must allow safe access for removal. Unusual access restrictions, damage around the stairlift or other site conditions may affect whether collection is possible.
• Its condition does not support refurbishment. A stairlift may be declined where the likely cost of inspection, repair, parts and preparation is disproportionate to its potential resale value. This is considered on the individual circumstances rather than by age alone.

Age alone does not decide whether we will purchase a stairlift. A well-maintained older model may still be considered if it can be identified, removed safely and supported with suitable parts. Conversely, a newer stairlift may not be suitable if it has serious damage, missing components or an unresolved safety fault.

We also consider whether the stairlift is a type we can realistically prepare for another installation. A rail or carriage designed for a particular staircase may have limited resale potential if it cannot be adapted or matched to another property. Curved stairlifts are assessed especially carefully because their rails are usually made for an individual staircase, although the equipment may still have value depending on the model and condition.

Please do not dismantle or uninstall the stairlift before contacting us. Removing it yourself can create safety risks and may damage parts that are needed for assessment. Send the make and model, photographs of the stairlift and its controls, details of any faults or missing parts, and information about the staircase where possible. We can then explain whether it appears suitable for valuation and advise on the next step.

Any potential offer is subject to inspection and confirmation that the stairlift matches the information provided. If we cannot purchase it, we will explain the relevant issue where possible. You can still ask us about removal options, but removal and disposal arrangements may be separate from a purchase. This ensures that a stairlift is only accepted when its condition, safety and practical resale potential can be properly established.