Last updated: 28 August 2026
Buying and selling podiatry equipment safely requires checks by both parties. Podiatry Supplies publishes third-party classified advertisements but does not inspect the equipment, handle the purchase payment or guarantee a transaction.
Use this guidance before agreeing to buy or sell an advertised item.
Understand who you are dealing with
Confirm the other party’s:
- Full name
- Business or practice name, where applicable
- Telephone number
- Email address
- Collection or business address
- Status as a private or trade seller
A business seller should identify themselves as a trader. Your legal rights can differ depending on who sells the item and the purpose of the purchase.
Be cautious if the seller avoids telephone contact, refuses reasonable checks or provides details that do not match.
Inspect before paying
Inspect valuable equipment in person wherever practical.
Check that:
- The item matches its description and photographs
- The make, model and serial number are present
- All stated parts and accessories are included
- There is no undisclosed physical damage
- Cables, plugs, controls and moving components appear intact
- Guards and protective covers are fitted
- Safety labels and manufacturer information remain legible
- The equipment has not been modified unexpectedly
- Manuals and operating instructions are available
Do not use equipment that appears damaged or unsafe.
Ask for records
Depending on the equipment, ask the seller for:
- Purchase documentation
- Operating and maintenance instructions
- Service and repair history
- Electrical safety records
- Calibration or validation records
- Decontamination information
- Details of replacement parts or modifications
- Current warranty information
- Previous fault reports
A lack of documentation does not automatically mean that an item is unsafe, but it increases the checks you may need before use.
Check servicing and safety
Previous service or testing does not guarantee the item’s present condition.
Consider having equipment inspected by a competent engineer before purchase or before placing it into clinical service. This is particularly important for:
- Autoclaves and sterilisers
- Patient chairs and treatment couches
- Podiatry drills
- Electrical workstations
- Diagnostic equipment
- Compressors and pressurised systems
- Equipment with lifting or moving mechanisms
A portable appliance test can form part of an electrical safety assessment, but it does not prove that every function of a machine is safe or clinically suitable.
Autoclaves and sterilisers
Ask for:
- Service and repair records
- Validation or testing information
- The operating manual
- Details of known faults
- Cycle records where available
- Confirmation of included trays, printers and accessories
Do not place a used autoclave into clinical service solely because it powers on. Arrange suitable inspection, servicing and validation for its intended use.
Check recalls and safety notices
Search for the manufacturer and model before purchasing.
Check:
- The UK product recall and safety alert database
- The manufacturer’s website
- Notices from the original supplier
- Availability of servicing and replacement parts
Do not purchase recalled equipment unless the manufacturer’s corrective action has been completed and documented.
Equipment sold for parts or repair
Equipment that is unsafe or unsuitable for immediate use may sometimes be sold for legitimate repair, refurbishment, parts or recycling.
The listing and transaction record should clearly state:
FOR PARTS OR REPAIR – NOT FOR CLINICAL USE
The buyer should not place the item into service until a competent person has completed the required work and assessed its safety.
The phrase “sold as seen” does not remove legal safety responsibilities where equipment is supplied for use at work.
Protect your payment
Podiatry Supplies does not receive or protect payment for advertised equipment.
Before paying:
- Inspect valuable items where practical
- Agree the complete price in writing
- Confirm what is included
- Confirm collection or delivery arrangements
- Use a payment method appropriate to the risk
- Check bank details carefully
- Keep copies of messages and receipts
- Do not allow false urgency to override your checks
Be suspicious if someone:
- Requests payment before allowing an inspection
- Changes their bank details unexpectedly
- Asks for payment to an unrelated person
- Refuses to provide an address
- Pressures you to act immediately
- Offers equipment at an implausibly low price
Contact your bank promptly if you believe you have sent money fraudulently.
Collection and transport
Large podiatry equipment can be heavy and difficult to move.
Before completing the purchase, agree:
- Who will dismantle the equipment
- Who is responsible for safe handling
- Access restrictions at both locations
- Dimensions and weight
- The vehicle and lifting equipment required
- Insurance during transport
- Responsibility for any damage
- Reassembly and installation
Use suitable professional assistance for heavy, powered or pressurised equipment.
Protect personal information
Sellers must remove patient records and other personal data before advertising or transferring equipment.
Check:
- Device storage
- Internal computers
- Saved treatment records
- Printers and removable media
- Labels, paperwork and photographs
Do not advertise or transfer an item containing patient-identifiable information.
Describe equipment honestly
Sellers should include:
- Make and model
- Approximate age
- Condition
- Known faults
- Service history
- Included accessories
- Location
- Price
- Collection or delivery arrangements
- Clear current photographs
Do not hide damage, copy another seller’s photographs or describe untested equipment as fully working.
Put the agreement in writing
Before payment or collection, record:
- Buyer and seller details
- Item and serial number
- Agreed price
- Condition and disclosed faults
- Included accessories
- Payment method
- Collection or delivery arrangements
- Any warranty or return agreement
- If the item is for parts, repair or recycling
Keep a copy of the listing and your correspondence.
Reporting a listing
Use our Contact page to report a suspicious, misleading or unsafe listing.
Include the listing title or URL and explain your concern. Do not send passwords, bank details or unnecessary personal information.
If you believe fraud or another crime has taken place, contact your bank, the police or Action Fraud.
Important reminder
Podiatry Supplies provides advertising space and does not inspect or approve the equipment itself.
Publication of a listing is not a recommendation, warranty or confirmation that an item is safe, correctly described or suitable for your intended use.
Read our Marketplace Terms and Conditions before using the marketplace.