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
- adapted vans and cars
Warning Only sell equipment that belongs to you
If the NHS or social services loaned equipment to you, you do not have a right to sell it.
If you are not sure who owns the equipment, check with the person or department that supplied it to you.
If Access to Work provided your equipment, it will belong to your employer.
Read our page to find out more:
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.
Selling second-hand equipment online
There are specialist websites where you can advertise disability equipment for sale.
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, such as eBay.
If you are selling on eBay, check if the brand is on eBay’s Verified Rights Owner (VeRo) page.
Warning Watch out for scammers
Scammers often target higher value items and newer or inexperienced sellers.
Listing items
People are more likely to make you an offer if you give them clear and detailed information.
Description
Describe your item honestly.
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.
Include:
- make and model of the item
- measurements or size according to the manufacturer
- condition (in working order, needs refurbishment, damaged?)
Photographs
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.
Show:
- any damage to the item
- make, model or serial number
- all the functions of your equipment
For example, if you are selling an adjustable bed, take photos of the bed in different positions.
Price
For most listings, you will need to state:
- a fixed price
- or a minimum price, for example: ‘Offers above £100’
- or a preferred price, for example: ‘£100 o.n.o. (or nearest offer)’
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.
Paperwork
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.
Safer 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.
For example, a buyer claims a refund through PayPal even after they have collected the item.
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.
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.
Last reviewed by Scope on: 22/10/2024
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