Because the purchase of a stairlift is associated with large costs, questions about the warranty and the guarantee must always be considered. This is also reinforced by the fact that the installation of a stairlift can sometimes be very costly. This also complicates the replacement of a defective lift. Even before buying, you should therefore find out exactly about the service conditions of the manufacturer or specialist dealer.
People who buy a stairlift want to be able to use it safely and without incident for years afterwards. The brand manufacturers therefore pay attention from the outset to a good quality, high-quality materials and a solid construction. Services nevertheless play an important role. In the event of a defect, it also depends on the warranty and guarantee.
Legal warranty when buying a stairlift
Warranty and guarantee are two terms that are often used in parallel. However, in terms of content and law, they mean different facts. The warranty is anchored in law. This can be read in the BGB § 433 ff. According to German law, the buyer has various rights if a defect occurs within the first 24 months after purchase. These include supplementary performance (= repair), withdrawal from the purchase contract, a reduction in the purchase price, damages or compensation for futile expenses.
Photo: © Ljupco Smokovski / ShutterstockAll these rights are also available when buying a stairlift. However, it should be noted that the defect must have already existed at the time of delivery to the buyer. The burden of proof lies with the seller during the first six months after the purchase. In short, defects that occur within the first six months after purchase must usually be repaired by the seller. Unless he can prove that the defect arose later or was caused by the user.
Warranty after six months
If a defect occurs only after the seventh month, it is up to the buyer to prove that the error was already present from the beginning. This is also the case, for example, if it is a design-related defect. In individual cases, however, such proof can be difficult and lead to a long legal dispute.
PhotosPhoto: © ThyssenKrupp AGUp to 24 months after purchase, you still have the option of having the defect repaired by the seller. It should be noted that wear parts are excluded from the warranty regulations. If there are repairs to the stairlift within the first 24 months, which can be traced back to the use and the resulting wear of wear parts, the buyer must pay for these himself.
The situation is different if the manufacturer or seller offers an additional warranty for the stairlift which covers these damages. The statutory warranty therefore primarily gives the buyer only a kind of basic security against the seller.
Voluntary warranty as an additional service
In addition to the statutory warranty, voluntary warranties may exist as an additional benefit. As a rule, they are granted by the manufacturer. The manufacturer can then also precisely influence the warranty provisions. For example, the maintenance interval of a stairlift may be stipulated in the warranty provisions. The provisions also regulate what damage is covered by the warranty and what services can be expected in the event of damage (for example, a 24-hour service).
Photo: © simbos / ShutterstockThe warranty is always in addition to the guarantee. It does not replace the latter. In most cases, the guarantees of stairlift manufacturers are much more extensive than the statutory warranty. Extensive warranty services are therefore always welcome when buying a stairlift. However, manufacturers are more or less free to determine the scope of the respective services, as well as the duration of the stairlift warranty. A close study of the warranty conditions of the supplier is therefore essential.
Consultation and service when buying a stairlift
The quality of advice and subsequent service is at least as important as the warranty or guarantee when buying a stairlift. The supplier of the stairlift not only sells the device itself, he usually also installs it and then takes care of service and maintenance work. A good, personal relationship is a great advantage here. Of course, it is also important that the buyer gets a contact person on site.
Photo: © Photographee.eu / ShutterstockWhether the stairlift is purchased on the Internet, whether it is a new lift or a used stairlift, the requirements for high quality advice and service is always the same. This is the only way to ensure that buyers are fully satisfied and the stairlift will have a long life.
Warranty for used and rented stairlifts
Only a limited legal warranty applies to used stairlifts. Additional warranty services are therefore of particular importance when buying a used one. Reputable suppliers know this and sell used stairlifts only with an appropriate warranty. Before the sale, the used stairlifts are also checked and important wear parts are replaced. When buying from private, you usually get neither warranty nor guarantee. If there is damage or repair, you have to pay yourself.
A popular alternative to buying is renting or leasing a stairlift. Warranty and service benefits are usually already included in the rental costs, which are usually payable monthly. With such a complete package you are therefore on the safe side. Rental offers that do not include any services or guarantees, on the other hand, should be viewed rather critically.
Dear Sir or Madam, I have an outdoor stairlift Lifta model 320 for sale at current value. (New price 5,012 euros). The lift was installed in October 2012 and not even used 100 times. It is covered. Also included are two maintenance vouchers from the company Lifta worth 198 euros each. If you are interested, please send me an offer price for the purchase.
Kind regards from Lydia Zundel
Hello, I have a stairlift for sale. This is a curved stairlift brand Lifta, year of manufacture 2011. I can gladly send a photo.
My mother bought a new stair lift. The installation was flawless, the subsequent service was very poor. Even now my mother is waiting 3 weeks for a technician. The company is not recommended