Of all the essential purchases in life we’d all prefer not to make if we had the choice, walking aids rank somewhere very close to the top. It’s not until any given person experiences it for themselves that they can really understand what it’s like to lose the ability to walk unaided. Some become reliant on walking aids for movement across the board, while for others it’s more a case of a helpful convenience to use from time to time. Suffice to say however, in all instances it’s crucial to ensure you get good value for money.
The good news is that it’s pretty hard to find a dodgy dealer these days – strict rules and regulations have made it difficult for barrel-bottom retailers to get by. However, there’s still much to be said for putting the necessary effort in to get the best price possible – especially if looking to make a rather large investment in something like a mobility scooter.
So, with this in mind, there’s a quick look at the five most essential tips of all for making sure you get the best deal on mobility aids:
1 – Compare the Market
First of all, the fact that there are thousands of sellers all selling the same thing is something that should be taken full advantage of. Fierce competition between sellers naturally leads to lower prices and an abundance of special deals that go on pretty much for the whole of the year. As such, it’s more than worth taking the time necessary to compare the market and work out where the best value for money is to be had.
2 – Use the Web
Chances are you’ll have neither the time nor the inclination to spend weeks, months or perhaps even years going from one store to the next, so why not focus on buying online? This way, the time required to check out a whole world of vendors can be reduced to a matter of mere minutes. And what’s more, there are hundreds of providers on the web right now that don’t exist on the High Street – they sell directly to online shoppers and online shoppers only. Best of all, web-based retailers aren’t subject to the same kinds of operational costs as standard stores, which in turn means huge cash savings that are usually passed onto the buyer.
3 – Make a List
Another helpful tip when it comes to making the right choice and getting the best possible price is to know exactly what you want, what you need and what you’re willing to pay for it. If you set out with an exact blueprint of what it is you’re looking for, your chances of finding it increase enormously. By contrast, set out with a completely blank sheet of paper and no idea what you want and there’s a strong chance you’ll come away with something you don’t need. The best advice is to write down what you want and what you want to pay for it, then put this in the hands of the market’s best retailer and see what they can do with it.
4 – Consider Refurbished Models
If you’re looking to pick up a mobility scooter though aren’t exactly bowled over by the prices they’re up for, there’s always the option of seeking an approved used and refurbished model form a quality supplier. Now, these differ from normal second-hand scooters for the simple reason that they will have been checked, serviced and fully approved by professionals. In terms of downsides, they are generally sold with shorter warranties and may show signs of cosmetic damage. However, when you consider the incredible savings on offer, you might find that this overshadows the minor downsides quite convincingly. Just be sure to buy from an approved dealer you can trust – not some random guy from a classified listing!
5 – Price Promises
Last but not least, there’s one sure-fire way of getting the best deal on the market every time and that’s to only ever buy from those that offer you a full price promise on everything you buy. Or in other words, their price is the lowest or they will match the prices of any other brand on the market. This way, even if it does turn out that you could have got a better deal elsewhere, it really doesn’t matter as they’ll match it. Most retailers these days offer these kinds of guarantees as standard – those that don’t are generally not worth your time.