The Elevator Company recognizes that you have several options when it comes to purchasing your accessibility equipment. We hope that we will be your first and final choice, but feel an obligation to provide consumers with basic insight about the dangers of purchasing this type of equipment over the internet, or purchasing it uninstalled.  While some items such as books or computers might be acceptable things to purchase on the web, accessibility equipment sold directly to the consumer for self-installation is not. A transaction of this nature can become a major problem. Buyer beware…don’t waste your time and money…or risk your family’s safety on something that could be problematic, unsafe or even illegal to operate.

• The sale of accessibility equipment over the internet is contrary to policy of the leading organization for accessibility manufacturers and dealers, AEMA (Association of Members of the Accessibility Industry)*.  The AEMA site, www.aema.com, can provide additional insight into their position on internet transactions.  Reputable manufacturers and dealers of accessibility equipment generally would not sell their products directly over the internet.
• Purchases made through the internet are typically “sight unseen”. It is difficult to assess exactly what the equipment looks like, how much room it will require or how it operates.  At The Elevator Company, we have showrooms located nationally .  We provide the opportunity to touch and see the units, ride them, and truly get a feel for how they would fit into your home life. Please call for the location nearest you.
• Internet companies lack both interaction with their customer and the ability to evaluate unique home environments.  Each home environment presents its own application challenges such as physical limitations of the user and adequate space for equipment use and functionality. An internet purchase provides limited assurance that equipment will work in the end user’s home. At The Elevator Company, we provide free in-home estimates to assess your personal lifestyle, accurately measure your site and recommend the proper equipment to suit your needs.
• Many internet sites advertise that their equipment is “easy to install”. Without skilled experience, however, an installation could take days, weeks or longer. Improper installation could result in poor operation and hazardous use. You can rest easy knowing that all technicians at The Elevator Company are factory certified, and possess many years of hands-on training and experience to ensure that our equipment is installed efficiently, effectively and with your safety in mind.  We stand by our work, and offer a 5 year warranty on parts and labor. 
• Internet companies tend to sell inferior quality products and equipment. Research performed online will reveal the same brands appearing time and time again. Most of these brands are so poor in quality that local dealers will not sell them.  Dealer familiarity with problems in quality and workmanship associated with those brands, makes it difficult to represent the products.  The Elevator Company sells only the highest quality equipment, and backs it up with expert installation, service and warranties.  
• Purchasing from a local, reputable dealer also provides more choices and options to suit your personal needs and tastes.  Internet sites offer standard base units which may not be suitable for all uses and applications.  The Elevator Company provides flexibility, and can accommodate almost any design request. From curved stairway elevators to single person elevators to large round elevators, our systems can accommodate thousands of pounds of capacity.
• Most internet sales companies require their customers to pay 100% of the purchase price in advance of shipping or installation. Also, once a unit has been sized, they will not allow it to be returned for refund of your money. The potential exists that you could be left with an expensive piece of equipment that may never work for you. The Elevator Company, on the other hand, offers competitive terms and only requires a small deposit to place the order, with most of the balance due once the unit is installed and you are completely satisfied with our product.

*The Elevator Company is a proud member of AEMA and abides by their guidelines. Matthew Hyde, Co-owner of The Elevator Company, resides on the Board of Directors. 

• Most internet sales companies provide no labor warranty for their products.  If you experience a problem with your lift, you may have to disassemble it and return it to the factory at your own time and expense. If the manufacturer determines that the problem was caused by improper installation, they may not cover the repair and you may have to pay.  You could also be without the use of your equipment for several weeks. The Elevator Company has factory certified technicians with fully stocked, radio dispatched service vehicles. We respond to service calls immediately, and are generally able to dispatch our technicians within one day.
• Some jurisdictions require that installers of accessibility equipment be certified.  If you install accessibility equipment yourself, or hire a local handyman with no training, you could be in violation of state laws and subject to fines. The Elevator Company technicians are employees of the company, have been factory trained and certified, and carry full liability insurance.
• Most internet sales companies are neither manufacturers nor dealers. They simply take orders over the internet and place them directly with the manufacturer, who then ships the equipment to the customer. This process can take several weeks.  These companies exist solely in cyberspace without a warehouse facility, sales staff, or technical support.  Internet vendors are merely middle-men with very limited liability. Once a transaction is complete, any issues that arise are between the customer and the manufacturer.  It would be very difficult to place a claim with an internet vendor if something were to go awry.  The Elevator Company is a local company, and is fully insured.

Thank you for taking the time to educate yourself about this important topic.  We hope that it proves helpful in your decision to purchase mobility products.