Second Hand Podiatry Equipment Guide

Setting up a podiatry or chiropody practice can be an expensive business.

What is often advertised as a low cost business by many of the podiatry schools and colleges, often ends up costing practitioners when they start buying practice equipment & supplies.

Buying a second hand podiatry couch for example can be an excellent way to save money. If the item last six month’s or even a year, then at least you’re up and running.

There are ways of saving money. Second hand podiatry equipment can be found if you look in the right places.

I have listed below some of the more common places that you can find items such as, chairs, drills & autoclaves.

Where can you buy second hand podiatry equipment?

Ebay

Easily the world’s largest online marketplace! Ebay is the place to go if you are looking for second hand podiatry equipment.

Larger items such as patient chairs and drills are not very common but bargains can be found.

You may find yourself having to arrange collection, many older patient chairs and workstations are big and bulky.

Autoclaves are sold, but you should always proceed with caution as they are temperamental and sensitive devices that need regular maintenance.

It is wise to purchase a second hand autoclave with service history, and recent service with calibration. Much the same as if you when purchasing a car.

Chiromart

Based in Bognor Regis, Chiromart are the only dedicated company selling second hand podiatry equipment.

A friendly and helpful company, they offer a selection of equipment at reasonable prices.

All equipment is backed up with warranty, PAT testing and certification where necessary.

Visit the Chiromart website here.

Top Tip: How old is the item, are there still spare parts available? Can it still be serviced?

Trade Companies

Many of the larger trade companies buy and sell equipment on a regular basis.

Items come up for a variety of reasons, the better the condition the quicker they sell.

Second hand Podiatry equipment items that have been returned incomplete, lightly used or repaired under warranty can no longer be sold as new.

Returned items can often be brought for a significant discount.

You may expect the item to be missing it’s original box, or associated packaging.

It is a good idea to have a clear idea of what you’re looking to buy and then ring around to see what’s available. It can often be a matter of timing.

Industry Trade Listings

Podiatry industry listings in magazines from the larger associations such as Podiatry Now or the Alliance have classified adverts near the back for podiatrists looking to sell second hand podiatry equipment.

There is even a section for selling complete podiatry surgeries.

Podiatry Forums

Whilst not the ideal place to look, online forums like Podiatry arena and That Foot Site could be used to make inquiries. **thatfootsite.com recently went offline, only to be redirected shortly afterwards to the SMAE website. 10.10.2013.

You will need to register for Podiatry arena to make a post but that is relatively straightforward. That foot site is almost completely anonymous.

Tip: Contact Your school or association, they may know of a practitioner who may be selling items.

Summary

Whilst careful consideration has to be taken into account, it is possible to make significant savings buying second hand podiatry equipment.

Timing is key, knowing what your looking for and being able to make a quick buying decision can all help.

If you have any experience buying or selling second hand podiatry equipment why not share your experience below?