Seating Services - How to choose a dealer
Buying mobility equipment is much like buying a car. When doing so you consider the price, its reliability, the warranty, its looks, its track record and how you feel about it. You are a consumer and need to feel comfortable that the dealer you choose is going to provide you with the best service both while you are trying to decide what you need and after you have chosen to buy a piece of equipment.
The following is a list of questions you should review with potential dealers. Your OT can provide you with a list of dealers and their phone numbers. Keep track of different dealer's responses and then compare to find the one that best meets your needs. You can also ask around to find out which dealer other clients are working with and what their feedback regarding a particular dealer is.
- What are the qualifications of the staff and of the technical support?
- What previous experience do you have with people with my type of disability and with equipment of this type (e.g. high-end power and manual wheelchairs, specialized seating products)?
- What types of equipment do you supply other than wheelchairs (lifts, commodes, bathseats, gloves)?
- How long in general will deliveries take?
- Do you have sufficient stock and staffing to be able to do equipment demonstrations in a timely fashion?
- Will I be able to keep the demo equipment for a reasonable length of time to allow me to get a good feel for it?
- Once I have chosen a piece of equipment will there be any extra charges beyond purchase price?
- Once I choose a piece of equipment, will you be able to provide me with a demo model to use until my equipment comes in?
- Do you keep parts in stock for any of the wheelchairs I might choose?
- What is your policy in terms of maintenance and replacement of equipment?
- What kind of warranties do you have for equipment?
- What kind of follow-up can you provide once I have my equipment?
- Pose a scenario: "It's Friday night, I'm planning to go out to a movie with friends and my chair breaks down. What do I do? What will you do for me? Is there an emergency number or weekend service?"
- Is the vendor located in your geographical area, or are they able to service your area easily?
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