Buying Stairlifts Online vs. Locally
What You Save, What You Risk & What to Know First
Buying a stairlift is a major decision for any household. It’s not just a product, it’s a safety device that affects mobility, independence, and day-to-day living. With so many online retailers advertising low prices, it’s easy to think ordering a stairlift online might save money and offer the same experience as purchasing from a local installer.
But the difference between the two is larger than most homeowners realize. Understanding what you truly save, what you risk, and what happens after delivery helps you make a choice that’s not just cost-effective, but safe and reliable for the long term.
The Appeal of Buying a Stairlift Online
Online listings often look attractive, especially when you see a stairlift priced hundreds of dollars lower than local quotes. The savings usually come from one thing: you’re buying the product only, with little or no service attached. Ordering online can seem convenient if:
- You want the lowest possible upfront price
- You feel comfortable with DIY-style setup
- You’re purchasing a temporary or secondary unit
What You Actually Save When Buying Online
There are genuine savings when purchasing online. You may pay less for:
- The base unit
- Basic shipping
- No in-home assessment
Where Online Purchases Fall Short
The biggest difference between online and local options isn’t the product, It’s everything surrounding it. Stairlifts must be measured correctly, installed securely, and adjusted to your staircase and mobility needs. This is where online purchases introduce real risks.
- No Measuring & No Home Assessment: Online retailers rely on the customer to measure their own staircase. An incorrect measurement even by a small amount can result in a lift that doesn’t fit properly or isn’t safe to use.
- DIY or Third-Party Installation: Most online stairlifts do not include installation. Homeowners either attempt the setup themselves or hire a third-party handyman. A poorly installed lift can catch on the rail, stop unexpectedly, wear out faster or even pose safety hazards.
- Limited Warranty & Service: Online units often come with a parts-only warranty. If something goes wrong, you may be responsible for diagnosing the issue, ordering the parts, finding someone to repair it and paying full labour costs.
Returns Are Usually Complicated or Costly
Stairlifts are large, heavy, and custom to your staircase’s angle. If the unit doesn’t fit or doesn’t feel safe, returning it can be difficult or impossible.
What Local Stairlift Installers Offer That Online Retailers Don’t
Local installers approach stairlifts the way a professional should, with accurate measurements, proper setup, and ongoing support. While the price is higher upfront, the value extends far beyond installation day.
Accurate Staircase Assessment
A trained technician evaluates:
- The exact angle and length of your staircase
- Landing space
- Clearance near doorways
- Rail positioning
- Safety considerations
- This guarantees you get the right unit, fitted correctly.
Certified Installation
Professionals install stairlifts every day. Their work is:
- Precise
- Safe
- Fast,
- and fully warrantied
Warranty Coverage That Includes Labour
Local companies often include:
- Parts + labour warranties
- Priority service
- Technicians who can diagnose issues quickly
- If something goes wrong, help is one phone call away.
Long-Term Support
Local installers offer maintenance, repairs, battery replacements, and safety checks.
So Which Option Is Better?
The choice depends on your priorities:
- If you want the lowest possible upfront price, buying online can work but expect limited support and DIY effort.
- If you value safety, reliability, proper installation, and long-term peace of mind, a local installer is the far better choice.
Contact Mark Today!
Mark & the team have installed over 1000 Stairlifts, so you can count on us to do the job right. We understand the difficulty of this transition, so we go the extra mile to show that we care. Always transparent about our process and pricing, we’re here to answer any questions about your new mobility solution.
