Garage Lift purchase query

[Paul Henley]

Hi all. For some time I've been looking for a company that will supply, deliver and install a new garage car storage lift. Although there are many suppliers, there are not many companies who will also deliver and install. I've managed to source such a company and on the face of it, there is nothing to suggest there are any issues with them.
My concern is that although the company say they have the lift I want in stock, they want 75% of the total fee paid up front before the lift is delivered and installed with the remaining 25% of the balance paid following installation and commissioning.
Can anyone advise if this is normal business practice and I have nothing to fear or should alarm bells be ringing?
My concern follows my research in a suitable supplier where I have read reviews on a different supplier who took the fee and failed to deliver.
I realise there are other options regarding having different companies supply, transport and install a lift but I'd rather pay one company to do it all "in house".
Thanks for your input
Paul

 

[MCBladeRun]

I would ask for references and speak to their customers. If it's legit then, the company wouldn't have any issue handing contact information out etc.

Don't hand out your money like that, and explain to them that you aren't comfortable with the situation. Genuine company would be able to see that from your pov.

Applies to everyone with anything really

 

[Faster Behr]

I always do my own due diligence on a firm, the amount of which varies on the the risk factors - location, cost etc. Sometimes this is a quick look at reviews, sometimes it’s looking at their company’s annual returns and key people. When I was in business it wasn’t uncommon to use an investigator!

if you’re in any doubt then pay by credit card to gain the protections afforded by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Even paying the deposit will protect the whole transaction.

Section 75 refunds

Section 75 protects your purchases over £100 if you use a credit card. This MoneySavingExpert guide tells you how to reclaim if something goes wrong.

www.moneysavingexpert.com

​

 

[Bazzateer]

If you intended to fit it yourself would you be happy to pay up front and await delivery? Of course you would. Seems to me the 75% covers the materials and delivery, and the 25% the installation?
References are always a good idea. Are they on Trustpilot and the other online review services?

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

who are you looking at? which lifts?

 

[Paul Henley]

I always do my own due diligence on a firm, the amount of which varies on the the risk factors - location, cost etc. Sometimes this is a quick look at reviews, sometimes it’s looking at their company’s annual returns and key people. When I was in business it wasn’t uncommon to use an investigator!

if you’re in any doubt then pay by credit card to gain the protections afforded by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Even paying the deposit will protect the whole transaction.

Section 75 refunds

Section 75 protects your purchases over £100 if you use a credit card. This MoneySavingExpert guide tells you how to reclaim if something goes wrong.

www.moneysavingexpert.com

​

That's a good point, I hadn't considered that.

 

[Paul Henley]

If you intended to fit it yourself would you be happy to pay up front and await delivery? Of course you would. Seems to me the 75% covers the materials and delivery, and the 25% the installation?
References are always a good idea. Are they on Trustpilot and the other online review services?

Hi thanks for the comment, my concern is that I maybe paying for materials and delivery before actually receiving anything, for such a large cost its quit a risk to an unknown internet seller.

 

[Paul Henley]

who are you looking at? which lifts?

Hi this is the link to the lift and company I'm interested in, I haven't seen many reviews on them or anything detrimental.

https://www.garageequipmentonline.com/products/parking-lifts/geo-m3-and-m3s-4-post-parking-lift

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

Hi this is the link to the lift and company I'm interested in, I haven't seen many reviews on them or anything detrimental.

https://www.garageequipmentonline.com/products/parking-lifts/geo-m3-and-m3s-4-post-parking-lift

I tried to buy from them once. they were just a nightmare to get hold of and answer questions.

These were much more helpful

AS-4T36 Mobile 4 post parking lift - Automotech Services Limited

The AS-4T36 is the ideal lift for vehicle storage when space is tight. The lift can be moved within minutes with the aid of the mobile wheel kit provided. The perfect lift for Classic car restoration enthusiasts as the lift can also be used as a conventional 4 post lift. Features: Lifting...

www.automotechservices.co.uk

 

[Paul Henley]

I tried to buy from them once. they were just a nightmare to get hold of and answer questions.

These were much more helpful

AS-4T36 Mobile 4 post parking lift - Automotech Services Limited

The AS-4T36 is the ideal lift for vehicle storage when space is tight. The lift can be moved within minutes with the aid of the mobile wheel kit provided. The perfect lift for Classic car restoration enthusiasts as the lift can also be used as a conventional 4 post lift. Features: Lifting...

www.automotechservices.co.uk

, Funnily enough I've emailed them for a price, thought I'd check before I made a commitment. Not sure if they'll install as far north as Cumbria. Did you pay up front before your lift was delivered and installed? Thanks.

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

, Funnily enough I've emailed them for a price, thought I'd check before I made a commitment. Not sure if they'll install as far north as Cumbria. Did you pay up front before your lift was delivered and installed? Thanks.

I ended up getting a used Bradbury one, it was about £1200 delivered with a jacking beam. however I'm looking to sell and get another as the ram on mine is in the post, so I'm limited by how high it'll go. I made a mistake basically!