Now that you know which manufacturers you can trust, how can you find a dealer who sells their products? Once more, how can you find a dealer you can trust?
An individual looking for wheelchair accessible vehicles could literally spend hours trying to find a local mobility dealer. Often when they do find a mobility dealer, that dealer does not have enough inventory to match the wheelchair user’s needs, desires, or budget.
Anyone wanting to purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle also needs to research the dealers they talk to. Here are some qualifying questions to use to determine whether or not you want to do business with any dealer you talk to.
Can your dealership provide an option from more than one manufacturer?
If a mobility dealer sells only one line of wheelchair accessible vehicles, do you think they will recommend another, even if it fits your needs better? Of course not! They want to sell you what they have. This is why it is important to learn if your mobility dealer has several options available. That way, you know they put your interests first.
Is your dealership QAP certified?
Without going into great detail, QAP stands for “Quality Assurance Program.” QAP is the highest level of certification provided by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. To make a long story short, when you work with a dealer who is QAP certified, you are assured of that dealer’s workmanship and integrity.
Is your dealership a member of ADA?
The Adaptive Driving Alliance (ADA) is a select group of dealers who not only meet the rigid QAP standards, but also go above and beyond those standards. To become an ADA dealer, one must pass a strict set of guidelines and maintain that level of quality and service.
Have your service technicians been factory trained and certified?
Factory trained and Certified Technicians ensure that the wheelchair accessible vehicle you buy has been thoroughly inspected. It also ensures that any additional modifications that are necessary will be done to factory specifications, which in turn meet all government requirements.
Have your mobility consultants been factory trained and certified?
Factory trained and Certified Mobility Consultants ensure unbiased information based on your needs, not what they have to sell. Factory trained consultants can make recommendations on quality products which would work well, as well as products to stay away from.
Do you have a website where I can see your inventory and prices?
In today’s information age, a company’s website will tell you a lot about the company you are dealing with. Is it easy to use? How much information do they give you? How often does their inventory change (if they display their inventory)? If a company’s website appears unkempt or does not display all information, it may reflect on their entire attitude toward how they do business.
Do you sell anything besides wheelchair accessible vehicles?
If a company sells other used vehicles or products unrelated to wheelchair accessibility, their sales staff may not be as knowledgeable as a company who focuses strictly to mobility products. Would you buy a wheelchair van from a grocery store? Of course not, because no check out clerk could possibly have the expertise of a Certified Mobility Consultant. When searching for a wheelchair accessible vehicle, you want to work with a company who has expertise in the product you are buying, not another product that does not fit your needs.
Do you offer financing?
If a company does not offer financing, it may reflect on their attitude toward customer service. If a company is unwilling to work with you on something as simple as financing, imagine how difficult it will be to work with them on other issues.
How many financing options do you offer?
If a company only offers financing from one bank, or does not offer leasing as an option, the payments for your van may stretch your finances beyond your comfort level. Make sure your mobility dealer offers several financing options from more than one bank to lock in terms that fit your budget.
Will you take my trade in (either wheelchair accessible or not)?
The best mobility dealers will always give you a value you could expect to get on your trade. A select few will even take a non-wheelchair accessible vehicle in on trade. These are typically the easiest to deal with—you don’t have to deal with the hassle of selling your current transportation.
How many wheelchair accessible vehicles do you sell each year?
A company which sells less than 50 vans per year may not have the expertise or experience to match a wheelchair van with your needs. Make sure you deal with a company who sells enough products to make them an expert.
