Replacing equipment, moving premises or reducing the amount of kit you use can leave you with good-quality items that another practitioner may be looking for. Selling second-hand podiatry equipment can recover some capital and keep useful equipment in service. There is a demand for second hand items and good quality kit attracts practitioners looking for a good deal.
This guide explains how to prepare your equipment, set a realistic price and create a listing that gives potential buyers the information they need.
Ready to sell? List your podiatry equipment.
What podiatry equipment sells well second-hand?
Demand varies, but well-maintained equipment from known manufacturers is usually easier to sell. Buyers commonly look for:
- Patient chairs, treatment couches and operator stools
- Podiatry drills, including domiciliary, dust-extraction and spray models
- Workstations, trolleys and drawer units
- Autoclaves and ultrasonic cleaners
- Magnifying lamps and examination lights
- Dopplers, instruments and selected clinic accessories
- Complete surgery setups, particularly where collection is straightforward
Age alone does not decide the value. A clean item with a clear model number, working accessories and service records is usually far easier to sell than newer equipment with little information.
First decide if the equipment is suitable to sell
Be honest about condition. Test the item only within the limits of your training and the manufacturer’s instructions. If it needs attention, say so clearly and price it accordingly.
Before you list, consider:
- Does it power on and perform its normal basic functions?
- Are leads, handpieces, foot controls, trays, hoses or stands included?
- Is there visible damage, wear, leakage, missing parts or a known fault?
- Do you have the instruction manual, service history or calibration records?
- Can parts, consumables and servicing still be obtained?
For equipment intended for professional use, give buyers accurate information about its intended use, condition and any known safety issues.
Autoclaves and other safety-sensitive equipment
Take extra care with autoclaves, powered drills and other equipment where safety, servicing or decontamination records matter.
Include the make, model, approximate age, serial number where appropriate, last service date, known faults and all available documentation. Do not claim that an item is compliant, calibrated, sterilisation-ready or suitable for clinical use unless you can support that claim.
If an item is not suitable for use, list it clearly for spares or repair only. Do not describe it as working equipment.
Clean and prepare the item
First impressions affect the response to a listing. Clean the equipment in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. Remove old tape, labels and loose debris, but do not use cleaning products that could damage surfaces, seals or electronics.
Then gather everything a buyer will want to see:
- Power leads, chargers, foot pedals and handpieces
- Cases, stands, trays, hoses and holders
- Spare parts, unused consumables and original packaging
- Manuals, service reports, calibration certificates and invoices, if available
Remove or cover patient information, old address labels and any personal data before photographing documents or the item itself.
How to set a fair asking price
This is a very common question we get asked but with a bit of thought is easy to work out. As the old saying goes, you can always go down but can’t go up, when selling something.
Start by looking at comparable sold equipment, not only optimistic asking prices. Value depends on condition, age, service history, availability of parts, included accessories and how easy the item is to collect.
Price a well-presented item with good records at a level that leaves room for sensible offers. A vague listing with poor photos often attracts low offers, even if the item itself is sound.
If you are uncertain, set a realistic starting point and state that you will consider reasonable offers.
Take photos that build confidence
Good photos often do more work than a long description. Take them in daylight or even lighting, against a plain background where possible.
Include:
- A full view of the equipment from the front and side.
- A close-up of the make and model label.
- The handpiece, cables, controls and accessories.
- Any wear, cosmetic marks or faults.
- Manuals, service paperwork and cases, with personal information removed.
For large equipment, include a photo that gives a sense of scale. For chairs, couches and workstations, photograph the upholstery, controls, drawers and all moving sections.
What to include in your listing
A useful listing answers the main buyer questions before they have to ask. Use this checklist:
- Make and model
- Type of equipment
- Approximate age
- Condition, including faults or missing parts
- Service history, calibration or inspection details where available
- Included items, such as leads, handpieces, foot pedal, case and manuals
- Price, including if you will consider reasonable offers
- Location, without publishing your full address
- Collection or delivery arrangements
- Contact method, preferably through the listing enquiry route
Listing description template
To make life a little easier we’ve made up this handy listing template you can use to describe your item. If you need any further advice just drop us a message on our contact page.
[Make and model] – [type of equipment]
Purchased approximately [year]. It is [working / requires attention / for spares or repair] and has been used in a [clinic / domiciliary] setting.
Included: [list accessories].
Condition: [brief and honest description of condition, cosmetic marks and known faults].
Service history/documentation: [details, or “not available”].
Collection from [town/area]. [Delivery/courier wording, if applicable].
Asking price: £[amount].
Collection, delivery and payment
Large or delicate equipment is usually best collected in person. Let the buyer inspect the item before they take it away, and agree in advance who will move, pack and load it.
For courier delivery, check the equipment can be packed safely and that the courier accepts the size, weight and value. Photograph the item before packing and keep proof of dispatch.
Do not release an item until you have confirmed that payment has cleared. Keep communications on the listing platform where possible, and be cautious of messages asking you to move the conversation elsewhere or send a payment before a third party can collect.
Common mistakes that slow a sale
- Posting only one distant photo
- Leaving out the make and model
- Hiding faults that will become clear on collection
- Pricing without checking similar sold equipment
- Listing without key accessories or saying what is missing
- Providing no collection or delivery plan
- Giving no indication of servicing, age or documentation
- Leaving an item shown as available after it has sold
Need to buy rather than sell?
If you are replacing a piece of equipment, read our guide to buying second-hand podiatry equipment and view current second-hand podiatry equipment.
List your equipment with Podiatry Supplies
Podiatry Supplies connects practitioners who have equipment to sell with people actively looking for used podiatry equipment. Create a clear listing, add good photographs and provide as much practical detail as possible.
Have equipment ready to sell? Create your listing.