Should you buy a mobility scooter from Amazon?

ARE AMAZON THIRD-PARTY SELLERS LEGIT?

Amazon allows third-party sellers to sell items alongside Amazon's mobility scooters listings for sale, just like Walmart and eBay. 

Like any online marketplace, Amazon's Marketplace is full of legitimate and excellent third-party sellers and some bad apples. Even though Amazon has anti-counterfeit measures in place, you still have a chance of ordering fake or defective products from not authorized mobility scooter dealers. 

Do your research, only order from authorized dealers that are allowed to sell manufacturer's mobility scooters, and use common sense with our tips below!

A report from the Government Accountability Office revealed many products purchased from third-party sellers on five major e-commerce sites, including Amazon, not only were counterfeit but potentially harmful to your health.

According to USA Today, some third-party sellers “scam” Amazon by closing down and opening up under another name after they’re paid by Amazon. 

TIPS ON AVOIDING AMAZON MARKETPLACE SCAMS

PRICE-GOUGING

When an item sells out at the retail price, third-party sellers quickly list their items for double, if not triple, the price. 

Solution: Check other e-commerce sites specializing in mobility equipment products with an extensive collection of mobility scooters for sale.

Shop for mobility scooters here.

DISCONTINUED PRODUCTS

Many Amazon seller listings may have discontinued products listed for sale. Or even some older scooter models are being marketed under a different look or store name. Visit the mobility scooter brand's website to make sure the model you want to purchase is being manufactured. 

FAKE REVIEWS

As a savvy shopper who is in the market to purchase a mobility scooter, you may have noticed odd things about the seller’s reviews. They sound similar in their wording, or there’s a ton of 5-stars in a short period. This can usually mean the third-party seller paid for fake reviews to increase their product's credibility.

Solution: Use Fakespot, to spot fake reviews. It's an online tool where you can copy and paste the link of the Amazon Marketplace product to determine the legitimacy of the reviews. 

LONG SHIPPING TIMES AND DELAYS

Sometimes, a new third-party seller will notify you that your product will arrive several weeks after placing your order. This may be because it gives the seller time to get their payments released. So before shipping your mobility scooter, the seller has to be paid by Amazon first. Sometimes it can take up to several weeks or until the product is shipped before the seller receives any funds. 

Avoid sellers who tell you it will take up to a month for delivery. Find other sellers with similar brands or scooter models with the standard shipping times (usually 5 to 14 days)

NOT RESPONSIVE SELLERS 

Amazon requires its sellers to respond to customer emails within 12 hours. Many of the negative seller reviews for 1-star ratings are from customers who complained about the lack of communication and unanswered emails. 

If you bought a mobility scooter from Amazon and your seller is not responding, contact Amazon's customer service. 

Amazon tracks and keeps emails between their sellers and customers and reviews them to resolve any potential disputes.

RETURN POLICY

Amazon.com and most sellers on Amazon offer returns for mobility scooters within 30 days of receipt of shipment. This minimum return window is 14 days for electronics and luxury items and 30 days for other items. 

All returned items must be in their original condition with no signs of wear, damage, dings or scrapes and include all original packaging, manuals, warranties, accessories, etc.

 
CONSIDER THIS

- Can I return it to an Amazon Seller?

- How long is my return window?

- How much are the restocking fees? Usually, it's 20%.

BOTTOM LINE

Shopping with Amazon's third-party sellers of mobility scooters for sale is protected. Follow our tips above, and you should have a good buying experience. Do your research and do not just purchase the cheapest mobility scooter. After our research, Amazon did not have the lowest price on some of the popular mobility scooter brands and models.

It is easier to shop at specialized mobility scooter stores or online e-commerce retailers that have a large selection of products and knowledgeable staff.

Look for FDA-approved and airline-safe models from top brands and manufacturers.

Many online mobility scooter retailers also have a large selection of the newest models, great customer service, and fast shipping.

Ask us about current specials, coupons, and fair financing options with PayTomorrow.

🛑We do not accept insurance or Medicare. 🛑

Order safely online or give us a call at 1-800-711-1940. Our phone agents are standing by to answer any questions you may have. You may also use our product filter search to find the right mobility scooter for you.

Interesting Amazon Statistics

Read some of the amazing and interesting facts and statistics about Amazon.

Sources:

https://www.statista.com/topics/846/amazon/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2021/10/20/the-most-surprising-stats-from-amazons-2021-small-business-empowerment-report/