Buying a mobility item from overseas

[zanadoo_56]

Here's the story.  I need to buy a walker/pick up frame of a particular style and size not currently available in Australia.  (I was told the original supplier went out of business).  I have searched suppliers in Oz (online, emails, phone calls) with no luck.  In fact I've lost count of how many I've contacted.  One mobility company in Oz had been trying for months to track one down, not just for me but for other customers. but I got the call - they have given up and will refund my money.

The issue with companies buying overseas equipment is that it must pass the Aust Standards approval process.  Without that they can't sell them.  Fair enough...however....  I called the Oz branch of the company that makes one that fits all my criteria, but it has not yet been approved for sale here and according to the company there is a backlog of equipment requiring approval and the process can take 18 months or longer.  I don't know if the item I want is in the approval backlog or not, but it's possible.

So...I've seen the walker for sale on eBay from many US mobility suppliers.  All use the GSP which sticks in my craw, but the situation is getting desperate.  Has anyone successfully bought one from overseas?  I hesitate to test it on two grounds.  Is it legal to source one from overseas for private use (ie not to sell)?  I have no wish to get into trouble with customs or whatever govt department this comes under.  Secondly, even if it is OK, is it something Pitney Bowes are likely to refuse to honour due to their tendency to reject items on a whim?

I don't know what to do.  I am frustrated and angry at how this has been dragging on with months and months of trying with no good outcome.

[zanadoo_56]

---

Hi Zanadoo.

I found one (different brand, but the same never the less) on a website in Australia called Independant Living Specialists Australia

http://ilsau.com.au/department/seat-walkers/?filter_weight-capacity=198

C&P the link if the one at the bottom doesnt work. 🙂

Becuase its over $125, its free shipping anywhere in Australia.

Hope that helps.

xxj

http://ilsau.com.au/department/seat-walkers/?filter_weight-capacity=198

---

It's not quite what I'm looking for. 

That one has wheels and I don't want wheels, but the important factor is, looking at the specs, it is too wide.  There seems to be 3 width sizes for these kind of walkers and it's the middle size I'm looking for...which is the one size that doesn't seem to be available in Oz.  The widest walker won't fit through some doorways...unless you are used to getting around sideways like a crab. 😉

Thank you for looking though.  Appreciate it.

[lyndal1838]

I was going to ask you why it was important to get that specific walker.   I have looked at several of the suppliers who will send overseas and it looks very complicated.

The model you are looking at seems to have the ability to move each side independently....is that a feature you really need?

 l

[springyzone]

I think if you're getting it for private use, you should be fine by the sounds of it.

I wouldn't worry about the fact it isn't approved in Aust yet. It is in USA and their standards are often higher than ours.

[lyndal1838]

Not to mention that Drive Medical is also located in Australia but just don't import that particular model that is wanted.

I would not have any worries personally buying from that manufacturer.

[zanadoo_56]

---

@lyndal1838 wrote:

I was going to ask you why it was important to get that specific walker.   I have looked at several of the suppliers who will send overseas and it looks very complicated.

The model you are looking at seems to have the ability to move each side independently....is that a feature you really need?

Now I'm puzzled about what you mean by moving each side independantly.  Do you mean how the sides can fold up or is there some other issue?

[imastawka]

I think she means, like a waddling action, rocking it side to side to move forward.

Rather than picking it up to move forward.

Can I weigh in on this one?  Confused about sizes though

    http://ilcaustralia.org.au/products/18214

[zanadoo_56]

I understand the sizes but I have a few issues with this design. 

I'd rather have the button style clips and I especially want a frame with two heavy braces on each side.  Also the front top brace is too high.  If is was lower it is possible to hang carry bags off the sides.  On this frame they could slip off.

[lyndal1838]

---

@zanadoo_56 wrote:

---

Now I'm puzzled about what you mean by moving each side independantly.  Do you mean how the sides can fold up or is there some other issue?

---

You seem very sure of the model you want so I will not even try to change your mind.

When I read the description on the Drive Medical site I definitely thought that each side could be moved independently....as Stawks says, a sort of rocking action.  Never having used a walker (haven't got past a walking stick yet, thankfully) I wondered if it was a necessary feature or not.

My brother in law (in the USA) used a rolling walker...he had a number of S hooks attached to his walker in various positions that he could hang things on....it was very handy to move things in the house.  When outside he mainly used a wheelchair.

Several of the agents on the Drive website are selling on ebay....before you make your decision on buying ask them if they can get the model you want rather than assume they don't have it.  

There are a lot of price variations on ebay....try searching price plus postage lowest first and see how the prices compare with the off ebay prices.   You may be surprised.

[zanadoo_56]

---

@lyndal1838 wrote:

---

@zanadoo_56 wrote:

---

Now I'm puzzled about what you mean by moving each side independantly.  Do you mean how the sides can fold up or is there some other issue?

---

You seem very sure of the model you want so I will not even try to change your mind.

When I read the description on the Drive Medical site I definitely thought that each side could be moved independently....as Stawks says, a sort of rocking action.  Never having used a walker (haven't got past a walking stick yet, thankfully) I wondered if it was a necessary feature or not.

My brother in law (in the USA) used a rolling walker...he had a number of S hooks attached to his walker in various positions that he could hang things on....it was very handy to move things in the house.  When outside he mainly used a wheelchair.

Several of the agents on the Drive website are selling on ebay....before you make your decision on buying ask them if they can get the model you want rather than assume they don't have it.  

There are a lot of price variations on ebay....try searching price plus postage lowest first and see how the prices compare with the off ebay prices.   You may be surprised.

---

The sides of the frame can fold in independantly which is handy, but once they are opened out and locked into place they stay there.  This frame is the closest design I've seen to the one borrowed from the hospital which of course will have to be returned - hopefully not right away but who knows.  This is my biggest worry.

I have looked at the various prices on eBay and I'm stunned at how expensive a frame like this would cost me from an Oz supplier (if only there had been any) in comparison to even a few of the highest eBay prices.  I'm guessing you have found the US prices off eBay to be higher also?

[lyndal1838]

The prices of the walker are quite reasonable but the shipping prices are astronomical for the most part.

I looked at several of the agents sites that do ship overseas and their prices were nearly as bad as the GSP.  I would suggest that you have a job ahead of you going through a lot of them to find an acceptable price.

I know you said that Drive Medical in Australia do not ave that model but have you thought to ask if they can get it for you.  It may be cheaper in the longrun as they obviously import in bulk.

Another suggestion....it is possible to rent medical appliances such as walkers.  Could you perhaps try a walker that is available in Australia with the view to eventually buying it.  While not cheap it may be a more economical option in the long run.