Don't Roll the Dice
Get Your Replacement Parts from a Reputable Dealer
Jan 19, 2023
Buyers Beware
If you or someone you know uses electric scooters, power chairs, or any other mobility equipment on a regular basis, it's to be expected that you'll eventually need a replacement part or two. Naturally, one would likely scour the internet looking for the cheapest option they can find, often finding it from an independent or third-party seller.
While some may seem like a good deal in theory, these parts often lack the quality assurance you would find from a specialist in the field. Rather than roll the dice and hope for the best, it's best to buy parts from a reputable dealer.
How to avoid getting burned by a bad product:
- Beware the "Too Good to be True" Deals
- Contact the Seller, if Possible
- Ask an Expert, Make Sure the Parts are Compatible
1. Seems too Good to be True? It Just Might Be
While it may sometimes depend on the equipment, if you have a part number to look up, it typically isn't difficult to find the MSRP of your part, or to have an expert get you a quote. Do this to give yourself a reference point for how good of a deal you're getting from independent sellers. For example, a quick search will verify that we sell our certified pre-owned parts at 50% or more off MSRP!
While a significantly lower price is not necessarily a warning sign on its own, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Look for listings that are as detailed as possible. For instance, a power chair motor listing should at least include: compatible models, part numbers, clear and detailed photographs, and a few words regarding its condition. Strongly consider looking elsewhere if a listing is missing any of these elements.
Can you trust this product? Probably not.
This listing has poor-quality photos from only a single angle and is missing many critical pieces of identifying information such as the specific compatibility and part numbers. It also doesn't specify which side of the wheelchair this motor is intended for.
Trust products with detailed photos and info.
This listing features photos at all angles so that you can trust in the quality of the part being offered. It clearly states what model of wheelchair this product is for and includes the motor side and all relevant part numbers for easy identification.
2. Always Inquire Further Before Purchasing
Being able to speak to an actual person will help anyone feel better about what they're buying. If possible, it is best to contact the seller before making your purchase. It may help to give you some peace of mind if the vendor seems to be knowledgeable of the products they're selling.
If they seem to have limited knowledge of the mobility parts, treat it with caution. Many websites allow customers to rate the sellers themselves on a 5 star scale, so take what others have to say into account before hitting "Buy."
Most of all, be wary of websites that have no method of contacting the seller. Some users don't care about the quality of the product they're shipping out, and are just looking to make a quick sale and disappear. A lack of contact methods is a potential warning sign of just that.
We strive to be experts in our field, so if you feel stuck on where to go next, Ask the Experts and we'll be glad to assist you!
3. Talk to the Experts, Know You're Getting the Part You Need
Perhaps the most important consideration when buy a replacement part is whether it is compatible with your mobility equipment. In most cases this can be done using the serial number for your mobility equipment or the part number for the component that needs to be replaced.
However, you may difficulty finding these important numbers, or have found multiple labels and are unsure of which is the part number you need. Reach out to an expert in the field who can easily verify that information for you. We pride ourselves on our expertly trained specialists and offer a variety of repair and installation services to ensure everything is exactly where it needs to be. Click here to learn more about the services we provide.
You may not always be able to rely on independent sellers to get every detail correct. Because of this, it's best to do as much of your own research as you can. Buying and maintaining mobility equipment can be a significant financial and time investment, so it's vital that you make sure all the moving parts are exactly where they need to be.
Key Takeaways: Why Cost Isn't Everything
While we understand that the cheapest option is tempting, products from many independent sellers lack the seal of quality that Mobility Equipment Recyclers offers.
Our 16-point quality assurance process guarantees that you're getting high-quality products at the best value possible, from 50 to 90% off MSRP!
We are committed to making our listings as detailed as possible to ensure that you have all the necessary information to be confident that it is the exact part that you need.
Our listings come complete with model and part numbers, compatibility lists, and plenty of high-quality photos to showcase the item's condition.
If you have questions Ask the Experts or call us at (401) 294-4111 for assistance finding the right product or parts to meet your needs.
No robots here. Speak not only to a real person, but a trained mobility specialist who can pinpoint exactly what you need, even if you aren't entirely sure what that is yet.
Since our company's founding in 2013, our goal has always been to provide an affordable alternative for those with mobility difficulties, as well as a level of assurance most independent sellers can't guarantee.
