Who Buys Used Hospital Beds Near Me? How to Sell a Hospital Bed

By Maurice

We all know that medical bills can get expensive, and the same goes for the cost of medical equipment.

Medical equipment such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and shower seats provide necessary care to the elderly and individuals recovering from illness or injury.

Because medical equipment are often highly technical products with powered adjustments, they are not cheap and often require setup and maintenance support, which is why there is a massive resale market. In fact, the global medical equipment resale market was predicted to grow to $12.52 billion in 2021.

Hospital beds are highly sought-after pieces of medical equipment, as they provide comfort and care for patients who need rest. Hospital beds run anywhere from $500 to $10,000, which means selling used hospital beds can be a profitable enterprise. Manual hospital beds with fewer features and accessories are on the lower pricing end, while semi-electric and full-electric beds sell for thousands. Even at a highly discounted rate, used hospital beds can still sell for a hefty price tag.

To learn more about where to sell used hospital beds and what buyers are looking for, continue reading below.

Can you sell used medical equipment?

Sophisticated medical equipment in the hospital critical care unit. Health technical background.

Yes, it is fully legal to sell used medical equipment, and there is an enormous marketplace for these products. The easiest way to sell used medical equipment is online, where you can buy it individually or in bulk. It’s important to shop around at different vendors, since there will be a wide range of prices and quality. It’s also important to research different legal requirements from state to state, as there may be licensing and protocols involved that a seller is required to follow.

Who buys used hospital beds near me?

A closeup of Stretchers in the hallway of a hospital

There are many companies and institutions who buy used hospital beds to either refurbish and resell, or to use in their own facility. Some of the top used hospital bed buyers include:

• Medical supply stores: Medical supply stores are everywhere and can be found with a quick Google search. These stores typically offer a wide range of high quality products that have been cleaned, repaired, refurbished, calibrated, and more. These stores also have experienced FDA certified technicians who can assist with repairs and service the equipment.
• Senior care centers: Senior citizens have health needs that require custom hospital beds with maximum comfort and care. By reaching out to nearby senior care centers and nursing homes, you can see who potentially is in need.
• Medical practices: Medical practices such as pediatrics, primary care, group practices, and rehabilitation centers are solid choices to sell your used hospital beds.
• Nursing schools: Nursing schools at universities and colleges are great ways to sell your used hospital beds. Students and professors need used medical equipment to practice and learn.
• Charity organizations: Charities such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Project C.U.R.E. are always in need of affordable medical equipment. These charities tend to prefer to accept donations versus purchasing equipment, so it may not be the number one option if you are looking to make a large profit. However, it’s an excellent way to do something good while phasing out your used hospital beds.
• Direct sales to individuals who need care: Last, but not least, you can sell directly to people who might need a used hospital bed at home. People recovering from injury, illness, or taking care of an elderly parent/spouse may need a used hospital bed in the comfort of their own home.

What do used medical equipment retailers look for?

If you’re selling used hospital beds to a medical equipment retailer, you want to make sure the equipment is in good condition and thoroughly cleaned. Medical equipment retailers are typically going to look for newer models with powered adjustments including powered head, foot, and height adjustments, since these beds provide the best care. Some popular hospital bed brands include Invacare, Hill Rom, Stryker, CHG, KCI, and Joerns. The value of these beds will depend on features, age, and condition.

Medical equipment retailers will also look for hospital beds that have ISO certifications and warranties to ensure protection on the hospital beds. An ISO certification (International Organization for Standardization) ensures that your hospital beds are keeping up with the quality care standards at the time they were originally sold. Additionally, retailers will want to make sure that your hospital beds are paid off and that you have a clear title to the device, as they do not want to owe money on financing or lease of the equipment.

Retailers also look for used hospital bed brands that have reliable manufacturers who provide support, service maintenance, and repairs. A trusted manufacturer will save time, resources, and plenty of headaches down the road.

Where can you sell your used hospital bed online?

There are numerous online retailers that sell used hospital beds. Some of these retailers include MediBid, MedWOW, DOTMed, DRE Med, and Bimedis. These businesses are great because they buy and refurbish all types of medical equipment, both new and old, and they buy in bulk.

At DRE, for instance, you can talk to experts and trade in your equipment for a cash deal or replacement equipment. They require you to fill out a request form, email them photos of your equipment, and then you can get a quote for your trade-in value.

You can also sell your used hospital beds on online marketplaces such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist. While this is a bit more manual, since you have to manage the bidding, sales, and communication, it’s an easy way to get in touch with buyers from all kinds of backgrounds.

Tips for Selling Your Used Hospital Bed Online

• Thoroughly clean and disinfect your used hospital beds. The CDC gives excellent guidelines for cleaning in healthcare facilities.
• Take quality photographs of your equipment. These days, if you don’t have photos, it’s almost impossible to sell something.
• Advertise online for the fastest sales. While you can call local retailers and care centers to see if they need equipment, advertising online will guarantee you lots of hits from interested buyers.
• Be available via email and text for prompt communication. The faster you reply and stay on top of interest, the easier it will be to sell your used hospital beds.

In conclusion, there’s a large market for selling used hospital beds. It will require time, patience, and diligence to present your product to the market, secure interest, and negotiate prices.

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