One of the best ways to save a buck on a big purchase is to find a suitable used option instead of a new product. If you can get a used version of the same thing that you were looking to buy the savings could be huge. That is true of everything, including lift chairs. If you do not want to buy a lift chair brand new there are multiple ways to find a used lift chair near you.
Where to Find Used Lift Chairs for Sale
There are a few places to consistently find used lift chairs for sale. One of the best places to look is online marketplaces. There are a handful of online sale boards that are available in almost all markets. Those online marketplaces include Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace. Check out those sites and search for used lift chairs to see if anything comes up in your area.
You can also check to see if you have any medical equipment suppliers, hospice homecare stores, or medical equipment rental shops in your area. All of these places can have used lift chairs available at any given time. Similarly, you can always keep an eye out on thrift stores and consignment shops for similar listings. Places like Goodwill and Habitat For Humanity ReStore stores sometimes get used lift chairs through their doors, you just have to look out for them.
Tips for Buying Used Lift Chairs from Craigslist
Craigslist has the benefit of keeping everything very local. This is a great way to find a lift chair for cheap that is nearby that you could potentially go see before you decide to buy or pick it up on your own so you don’t have to pay any shipping fees or wait a long time for your chair to arrive. Craigslist is an invaluable tool but it also has a few drawbacks that you should be mindful of.
Be wary of scams
Craigslist is notorious for having bad ads and scams prevalent on the site. It is largely unregulated and local, which is why it can be a great tool for finding a lift chair nearby, but that also makes it easy for people to post false adverts. Be wary of stock photographs, prices, or details that seem too good to be true or people that ask you for personal information in order to proceed with the sale.
Do not give out any personal information on Craigslist that you would not give to a stranger on the street.
Ads that are way lower than other listings are probably not real or have a catch to them. Be wary about meeting up with people at their house or locations you are not familiar with.
Ask for a demonstration or more info
One of the easiest ways to root out a bad Craigslist ad is to ask for more information. If you have a question, ask it. If you want more pictures, request them.
If you want a demonstration, demand it. If the seller is unable or unwilling to provide these things then there is a good chance that something does not add up.
If you feel comfortable with an ad and make friendly contact with a seller, Craigslist can be a fast and easy way to find used lift chairs that are both affordable and local.
Do not use your real email address
When engaging a lift chair seller on craigslist, you might decide to exchange emails for more informative communication. In such a case, avoid using your real email to keep off spammers and scammers; you do not want your inbox filled with spam emails. You can use craigslist’s provided proxy email address, or even better, use a disposable email address to stay more anonymous.
If Possible, Shop Locally!
It is often easier to pull off a deal with a locally situated lift chair seller and avoid getting scammed. With a local seller, you can organize a face-to-face meeting and negotiate. However, ensure you meet in a public place and try to bring a friend along. This comes in handy to ensure you are safe. Remember, you are engaging a total stranger whose background you do not know.
Do not give out personal information!
Scammers are bound to ask for your personal information on the pretense of running a credit check; run! Such a scammer is looking to obtain your personal information, and identity fraud can result. No matter how much you need that lift chair, never give out any personal information that you would not comfortably give any other stranger.
Do not buy what you cannot see!
It is easy to get stupefied by that one appealing lift chair picture on the seller’s listing, but that is never enough. Ask for more photos, possibly taken from different angles. Even better, if your seller is in your locality, you can request to physically see the lift chair. Remember, scammers can post appealing pictures downloaded from the internet to confuse you.
What are the pros and cons of buying lift chairs on Craigslist?
Like other online markets, craigslist has its advantages and drawbacks that you should be aware of. These could feature the following:
Pros
- You can shop locally: you do not have to incur shipping costs; you can just buy a lift chair from a seller in your locality.
- Good deals: sellers on this platform are always willing to negotiate so you can land a good deal.
- Affordable: buying on craigslist is way cheaper than buying from the store. Items are mostly used hence come at a lower price.
- Flexibility: you can shop right from the comfort of your house and choose when to seal your deal.
Cons
- It is unregulated: you only trust the words of a seller, and they can flip, do what you did not agree.
- Full of scammers: craigslist is a rich hunting field for fraudsters and scammers.
Tips for Buying Used Lift Chairs on eBay
Buying from eBay can be a great way to find a product for cheap. There are whole sections of sellers on eBay that will sell directly to you, no auctions, just like any other online retailer.
Unlike other retailers, eBay has the benefit of having a large array of used and preowned items making it the ideal place to look for used equipment such as lift chairs. But there are a few things you want to keep in mind while shopping on eBay.
Shipping concerns
Unlike Craigslist, eBay will have sellers from all over the world listed. That means if you find a lift chair you like, you might be on the hook for hefty shipping fees. Shipping a heavy recliner across the country is not cheap and some sellers will stick you with the shipping costs.
Before you finalize any sales on eBay double check the shipping policy, the shipping time, and the potential costs. It doesn’t matter much if you have to pony up postage for a baseball card collection but when you’re talking about hundreds of pounds of medical grade equipment it could mean a lot of money out of your bottom line.
Don’t be afraid of auctions
While you can buy on eBay and treat it like Amazon you should not be afraid to peek in on the auctions. There are always auctions going on eBay and if you keep an eye on them you might be surprised at the deals you can get. There is always a chance that you come across an auction for a lift chair you like that is winding down and still available for a super low price.
Send payment via eBay
To be safe, always avoid sellers who insist on transacting outside eBay. Ideally, if you transact through separate money transfer platforms such as Western Union and Moneygram, you are no longer eligible for eBay’s Money Back Guarantee. This means if the deal goes south and the seller does not deliver or delivers an unsatisfactory lift chair, your will struggle to get your funds back.
Carefully check the lift chair’s description
Before buying a lift chair on eBay, always ensure you carefully check its full description as provided by the seller. If you do not get enough information, you can also contact the seller for more. A lift chair’s description will help you decide if the lift chair on sale will serve your needs.
Typical lift chair descriptions include:
- Condition, new or used
- Size and measurements
- Color
- Country of manufacture
- Accessories
- Payment options
- Defects, damage, or any unwarranted issue
- Return policy and details
Review seller feedback
Reviewing a seller’s customers’ feedback comes in handy to ensure you avoid a problematic seller or even a scammer. Luckily, eBay keeps track of sellers’ history on the platform, including reviews from past buyers. You can check out other buyers’ engagement records with this seller to tell if you can trust or successfully buy from them.
What are the pros and cons of buying lift chairs on eBay?
Buying a lift chair on eBay comes with advantages and disadvantages. Among them are the following:
Pros
- It offers a seamless and easy buying process: you can land a quality lift chair with just a few clicks.
- You can buy a lift chair from any country.
- The buyback guarantee: if you are not satisfied with or the lift chair you bought on this platform is problematic, they have a relieving return policy that you can explore.
- Price and quality comparison: before you settle on a lift chair, you can compare its price and quality with others of its type on sale. This way, you walk away with the best there is.
Cons
- You must have a PayPal account to transact on this platform.
- You have to incur the shipping cost of your lift chair, especially if you buy far from your locality.
- It is hard to judge quality: of course, in a bid to sell, some sellers will post misinformation about the quality of their lift chairs. You can be surprised at what you get on delivery; pictures can lie.
- Damages during transport: Like other online markets, the lift chair getting to you intact without damage after transportation is not guaranteed. Along the way, your lift chair could pick up damages.
- Fraudsters and scammers: Like Craigslist, eBay is also a hunting ground for scammers. Sellers may offer incorrect information or even fail to deliver what you expected.
Factors to consider when buying a lift chair on Craigslist or eBay
Whether you are buying your lift chair from eBay or craigslist, there are some critical factors that you have to consider. These factors are an excellent guide to ensuring you walk away with a lift chair that will serve your needs in the best way possible. For instance:
- Chair type: there are different types of lift chairs, but your choice is dependent on how long you intend to use yours. If you are looking to spend a considerable amount of time sleeping, reading, or watching TV, a three-position or infinite chair will serve you well. However, if you want to spend a short time on your chair, a two-position lift chair is okay.
- Intend Use: why are you buying your lift chair? Is it for therapeutic benefits? Is it because of old age? Asking yourself such questions can always help you get the best lift chair for your condition.
- Size: Your size will determine the type of lift chair you go for on these platforms. No matter how appealing a chair might be, it is definitely not good for you if it is too small or too large.
- Price: A lift chair might be quality and have all the features you need, but if you cannot afford it, you cannot get it. The seller might be unwilling to bulge from their set price, but you can always consider other affordable options with satisfactory features.
Typical Pricing for Used Lift Chairs
Pricing for used lift chairs is not super static. They can be found for anywhere from $100 to $400 or more. It all depends on the condition of the chair, the market it is being sold in, and whether or not there are other fees involved. If you are buying local or from a private seller online you can always try and negotiate the price down. Keep in mind that a typical used lift chair runs around $600 so if you are finding prices that are too close to $600 or way too low you might want to reconsider.
If you can find a used lift chair in good working condition for $200 you are getting a great deal.
Always make sure the chair is in working condition and that it is actually a lift chair and not just a recliner.
Where to Find Used Lift Chairs for Free
Sometimes in the course of looking for a used lift chair, you might be able to find one for free instead. Craigslist is a great place to potentially find free lift chairs. Usually, people who do not want the lift chair anymore will trade the removal of the chair for the chair itself. If you can pick it up, you can have it. Keep an eye out for deals like this.
If you are really in a tight spot you can always keep an eye out for local charities, donation centers and church groups that might have lift chairs on hand that they would be willing to part with for free as well.
Related articles…
Best Lift Chair for Elderly (2020): 8 Best Lift Chairs for the Money
La-Z Boy Lift Chairs Overview (Read This Before Buying)
Best Small Lift Chairs (2022): 10 Top Petite Lift Chairs Reviewed
How Much Does A Lift Chair Weigh? Complete Guide to Lift Chair Dimensions
What is a Lift Chair? 2022 Guide to Lift Recliner Types & How They Work
La-Z-Boy Lift Chair Troubleshooting, Repair & Parts: Guide To Maintaining Your La-Z-Boy Lift Chair
Pamwilliam935@gmail.com I would love to fine a life chair I need one really bad if you could help me it needs to life up to 400lb I can pay up to 500.00. Thanks a lot pam wilmott
If you still need a chair I have a brand new lift sleep chair will trade for a medium sized new or like new