Selling used disability equipment

If you have disability equipment that you no longer need, you may be able to sell it. Equipment might include mobility aids, wheelchairs, beds, communication aids or adapted vans and cars.

Selling second-hand equipment online

There are many specialist websites where you can advertise disability equipment for sale. 

Mobility Market will advertise your item for a fee.

Skiggle is an online marketplace where you can sell or give away equipment to other disabled people.

On these sites, buyers can contact you using an online form, so you do not have to display your contact details.

You can also sell or advertise your equipment through general online marketplaces:

• eBay
• Facebook Marketplace
• Gumtree

Selling through local disability organisations

If there is a local disability group in your area, ask them if they could advertise your item in their newsletters or emails. They may ask for a fee or donation.

Selling to a company

Some retailers of expensive equipment, such as powered wheelchairs or stairlifts, may buy your equipment back from you. Contact the company that supplied your equipment to find out more.

Mobility Buyers will buy used mobility and disability equipment and can arrange collection.

Listing items

People are more likely to make you an offer if you give them clear and detailed information. In your advert, include the following information:

Condition

• Is your item in working order?
• Does it need any upgrades or refurbishment?
• Is it damaged?

Specifications

• What is the make and model of the item?
• How old is it?
• Has it been adapted for you?

Measurements or sizing

State the measurements or size according to the manufacturer.

Location

• Where would the buyer have to collect from?
• Would the buyer need a van or specialist courier to collect the item?
• Are you able to arrange for someone to help move the item into a car?

Be honest in your description. If you sell something that is not as described, the buyer could ask for a refund. Make sure the buyer knows exactly what they are getting.

If you have any maintenance records or guarantees, offer to pass these onto the buyer. These help to show that you are a legitimate seller.

Use photographs

Some people will not buy a second-hand item without seeing a picture so it helps to include photos. Ask someone to help with this if you need to.

Photographs should be clear and well lit. Make sure your item is clean, easy to see and not surrounded by clutter. Also include photos to show:

• any damage to the item
• the make, model or serial number
• all the functions of your equipment

You could also link to the product on the manufacturer’s website for pictures as well as product details. Make sure your listing is clear about the condition of the item.

Expect to answer questions

Be open to questions from buyers. If your equipment was adapted for you, people may need more information to work out if it will meet their needs.

Set a reasonable price

It can be hard to decide on a price if you have had your equipment for a long time. For most listings, you will need to state either:

• a fixed price
• a minimum price, for example: ‘Offers above £100’
• a preferred price, for example: ‘£100 o.n.o. (or nearest offer)’

To set your price, think about how much you would pay for the item. Search for similar used equipment to find out how much it is selling for. Think about how costly it is for buyers to collect your item, for example, if they need to hire a van or courier.

eBay gives you the option to sell your equipment by auction. People will bid up to the highest price they are prepared to pay. This means that you can start with a low price to attract more buyers. eBay may even suggest a starting price based on what similar items sell for.

eBay sellers guide

Safe selling

When selling to private individuals make sure you’re protected from online fraud.

Always give your buyer a receipt, such as a confirmation email. This should include:

• the date of purchase
• a description of the item
• payment amount
• the buyer’s name

You could ask the buyer to sign the receipt to prove that they have received the goods as described.

Always keep a copy. Do not rely on an online service to record your transaction.

Do not give away an item until you have received full payment. You should not need to give your contact details or bank details to anyone to make a sale.

Payment options

Most disability equipment websites do not offer an online payment service. Talk to your buyer in advance about your preferred payment method.

Cash payments

Cash on collection is a common method of payment for private sales.

Agree the price before your buyer comes to collect the equipment. Make sure the buyer gives you the cash before they take the item.

PayPal

PayPal allows a buyer to send money to you using your email address. You will need a PayPal account to receive money. There is no fee to send individual payments. It offers some protection to both buyers and sellers in case of fraud.

PayPal seller protection (which.co.uk)

eBay

If you sell your item through eBay, you can take payment by credit card, PayPal or arrange cash on collection. You will be charged a small fee to list and sell your item.

Payment methods (eBay)

Selling on eBay (Get Safe Online)

Bank transfer

Bank transfer can be an easy way to send money. But only sell to a person or organisation you trust, to avoid risking your bank or personal details being stolen.

Keep your bank details safe. Ask your buyer to pay in advance and send them a receipt.

Delivery and collection

In your advert, make it clear who is responsible for collection or delivery. Most private sellers state that the buyer is responsible.

If you are able to post your item, agree a postage price with your buyer in advance. For high value items, use recorded delivery. Keep a record of the tracking reference number until your buyer has confirmed receipt.