Where to sell mobility scooter – UK

Where to sell your mobility scooter?

There are several options available for selling a mobility scooter in the UK:

1. Online marketplaces: Websites such as eBay, Gumtree, and Facebook Marketplace allow you to list and sell your mobility scooter to a wide audience. These platforms are easy to use, and you can set your own price and arrange for delivery or pickup with the buyer.
2. Mobility scooter retailers: Some retailers, such as Clearwell Mobility and Pro Rider Mobility, offer a trade-in program where you can exchange your old mobility scooter for a new one. Alternatively, they may buy your old scooter outright. It’s important to be aware that, while the trade-in program may be convenient, it may pay you less for your mobility scooter than its actual worth.
3. Local classifieds: Consider placing an ad in your local newspaper or community newsletter to reach potential buyers in your area. It may have a lower impact than other selling methods, and as a result, you may receive a lower response rate from potential buyers.
4. Local mobility shops: Some mobility shops may buy used mobility scooters for resale or may be willing to sell your scooter on consignment.

When selling your mobility scooter, be sure to provide accurate and detailed information about the condition of the scooter, including any damage or wear and tear. This will help you get the best price and ensure a smooth transaction with the buyer.

Ebay

Ultimately, whether or not selling your mobility scooter on eBay is a good option for you depends on your specific needs and circumstances. It’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons before making a decision, and to do your research to ensure that you are setting a fair price and protecting yourself from scams.

Pros and cons of selling your mobility scooter on eBay:

Gumtree

Gumtree can be a good option if you want to reach potential buyers in your local area without paying fees. However, the audience on Gumtree may be more limited than on other online marketplaces, and there is still the potential for scams to occur.

Pros and cons of selling your mobility scooter on Gumtree:

Before you sell – What to do list

Before advertising your mobility scooter for sale, it’s important to take the following steps:

1. Clean and prepare the scooter: Thoroughly clean and prepare the scooter for sale, ensuring that it is in good working condition. This includes checking that the batteries are charged, the tires are properly inflated, and all components are functioning correctly.
2. Determine a fair price: Do your research to determine a fair price for your scooter based on its age, condition, and market value. Consider the original purchase price, any upgrades or accessories that you have added, and any wear and tear on the scooter.
3. Take clear photos: Take clear photos of the scooter from multiple angles to give potential buyers a clear view of the product. Make sure that the lighting is good and the photos are in focus.
4. Write a detailed description: Write a detailed description of the scooter, including its make, model, year, and any special features or accessories. Be honest about any damage or wear and tear.
5. Decide on selling platform: Determine which platform you want to use to sell the scooter, whether it’s an online marketplace like eBay or Gumtree, a local classifieds website or newspaper, or a mobility shop.
6. Protect yourself: Be aware of potential scams and take steps to protect yourself during the sale. This includes not accepting personal checks, being wary of buyers who offer to pay more than your asking price, and meeting potential buyers in a public place. It’s important to exercise caution when accepting payments via credit cards or money transfer platforms like PayPal, especially if you’re not familiar with the process or unsure of the buyer’s intentions.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure a smooth and successful sale of your mobility scooter.

How to avoid SCAM when selling your mobility scooter

What to do:

1. Be cautious: Be cautious when dealing with potential buyers, especially those who offer to pay more than your asking price or who seem too eager to buy your scooter without asking questions about its condition or specifications.
2. Ask for identification: Ask potential buyers to provide identification, such as a driver’s license, to ensure they are who they claim to be.
3. Meet in a public place: Always arrange to meet potential buyers in a public place, such as a shopping mall or community center, to ensure your safety and to discourage fraudulent activities.
4. Test the payment method: If the buyer wants to pay via check or money transfer, test the payment method before you hand over the scooter. For example, deposit the check and wait for it to clear or verify the money transfer before completing the sale.
5. Write a bill of sale: Write a bill of sale that clearly outlines the details of the sale, including the price, the date, the names of the buyer and seller, and the condition of the scooter.
6. Research the buyer: Do your research on the buyer, including their name, phone number, and email address, to ensure they are legitimate and not known for fraudulent activities.
7. Communicate via platform system: If you sell on a marketplace platform, it’s important to keep all conversations and transactions within the platform’s messaging system. This provides a record of all communication and can be useful if any disputes or issues arise during the sale. Additionally, some platforms have policies that require all communication to be conducted within their messaging system to ensure the safety and security of their users.

What not to do:

1. Accept personal checks: Do not accept personal checks as payment, as they can easily be forged or bounced.
2. Accept credit cards payment: It’s best to be cautious and avoid accepting payments from credit cards, as they may have been stolen or used fraudulently.
3. Give out personal information: Do not give out your personal information, such as your social security number or bank account information, to potential buyers.
4. Ship the scooter before payment: Do not ship the scooter before you receive payment, as scammers may claim that they never received the scooter and request a refund. It’s important to ensure that the shipment is both insured and requires a signature upon delivery.
5. Rush the sale: Do not rush the sale, even if the buyer seems eager to purchase the scooter. Take the time to verify payment and to ensure that the buyer is legitimate.
6. Meet in a private location: Do not meet potential buyers in a private location, such as your home, as it can be dangerous and increase the risk of fraud.

By following these tips, you can protect yourself and ensure a safe and successful sale of your mobility scooter in the UK.

Recommended methods of payments when selling mobility scooter

• Cash in hand: If you are selling an item locally, cash in person is the most secure payment method. However, make sure to meet in a public place and do not accept large denominations.
• Bank transfer: A bank transfer is a safe payment method as long as you receive the payment before you release the item. Do not release the item until you see the money in your account. Also, make sure to use a reputable bank and verify the account details.
• Escrow service: An escrow service is a third-party payment service that holds the payment until both the buyer and seller are satisfied with the transaction. Escrow.com and Payoneer are two reputable escrow services.

Other methods (less safe):

• PayPal: PayPal is a popular and secure payment method. The buyer can pay using their PayPal balance, credit or debit card. Make sure to use the “Goods and Services” option when invoicing the buyer as this provides additional buyer protection. It is important to be aware that transfers made through PayPal have the potential to be reversed.

Summary

In summary, if you are looking to sell your mobility scooter, it’s important to take the time to prepare it for sale, determine a fair price, and choose the right platform to reach potential buyers. Additionally, it’s important to protect yourself during the sale by being cautious, meeting potential buyers in public places, and avoiding common scams. By following these tips and doing your research, you can ensure a safe and successful sale of your mobility scooter.