Since the purchase of a stair lift is expensive, it is particularly important to pay attention to good quality. The principle “expensive equals good” does not always apply. Quality seals should help to identify high-quality stairlifts. But there are also alternatives in the low-price segment, for example used stairlifts from well-known brand manufacturers. We clarify what you should look for when buying a stairlift.
With stairlifts, you should pay special attention to quality and safety. Stairlifts should last a long time and always perform their task reliably and safely. Considering the high prices of stairlifts, these requirements are all too understandable. But the principle of “expensive equals good” does not always apply. There are definitely cheap offers, which can fully convince in terms of quality and safety. An example of this are used stairlifts from brand manufacturers. But there are other factors to consider when buying a stairlift. We give an overview.
How can a layman recognize high-quality stairlifts?
Stairlifts are made of high-quality materials and usually have a complex design. As a layman, it can therefore be difficult to make a clear quality judgment. Various quality seals are intended to help. The most important seals are the CE quality seal, a TÜV seal and the Europe-wide quality seal of the ESPA stairlift association. The CE quality seal confirms that the manufacturer complies with basic quality standards in production. A TÜV seal confirms that the stairlifts have undergone a safety inspection by the Technical Inspection Association.
PhotosSource: © ThyssenKrupp AGThe Europe-wide quality seal of the stairlift association ESPA, on the other hand, confirms that agreed quality norms and safety standards have been observed and taken into account in the manufacture of the stairlift. Incidentally, a quality seal is only available for the stairlift itself, but also for the specialists at assembly and service. The coordination center “Living in the age” developed for this in co-operation with the SGS TÜV GmbH its own quality seal, the test mark “examined specialist barrier-free installation and assembly”. Customers can use this to recognize a reputable company and trained specialists. When buying a stairlift, therefore, attention should be paid to all these seals.
What else should you look out for when buying?
Advice is particularly important when buying a stairlift. Therefore, one should always speak with several suppliers and have several offers made. For the decision one should take oneself very much time. As a buyer, you can also expect that the providers also take the necessary time. The consultation should take place once locally at the installation place and once with the offerer. At the buyer’s home, the provider should look closely at the structural situation.
Questions about installation and assembly should be able to be answered competently at any time. Ideally, the provider will offer the opportunity to test different types of lifts at another appointment. In the process, advantages and disadvantages of different models and types should be explained in detail. For the decision one should take then again some time. Suppliers who push for a quick purchase decision, on the other hand, should be avoided. In any case, different offers should be compared, because the principle “expensive equals good” does not always apply.
Service as a quality factor
Stairlifts are usually in operation for years. However, buyers depend on service and maintenance work in the process. The business relationship with the supplier of the stairlift should therefore never be limited exclusively to the purchase. Buyers should ask for service offers and services as early as the quotation phase. After all, in the event of damage or urgent repairs, quick assistance is required.
PhotosSource: © ThyssenKrupp AGTherefore, buyers should always also make sure that the supplier of the stairlift is represented regionally and can respond accordingly quickly and reliably. Of course, one should also ask about warranty services and whether additional service packages are offered. Stairlift providers who are only out to sell should be avoided, on the other hand, even if the prices offered are lower than those of other providers.
Does the principle of “expensive equals good” always apply?
The principle of “expensive equals good” does not always apply. There are indeed also stairlift bargains that can convince in terms of quality. Since high-quality stairlifts have a long service life, a lively second-hand market has developed. Some suppliers have specialized in selling used stairlifts from well-known brand manufacturers. The stairlifts are usually inspected, overhauled and in very good condition. Such a used brand lift is good in any case. But it is usually not expensive. Depending on the overall structural situation and lift equipment, you can save up to 50 percent compared to the new price.
Instead of the principle “expensive equals good,” the motto “inexpensive, but still good” applies in such a case. However, caution should be exercised when buying privately. Stairlifts bought privately usually have to be dismantled and checked. The costs incurred for this can quickly wipe out the savings compared to buying from a stairlift supplier. It should also be remembered that the installation of a stairlift is always a task for skilled personnel, so that safety is guaranteed during operation.
