January 6, 2025
Good news! We are clarifying our equipment condition ratings.
As most of you know, REquipment refurbishes donated durable medical equipment and assistive technology and provides it for free in our online inventory. For years, our “fair” rating has been an obstacle for some of our program users.
What is the difference between “fair,” “good,” and “excellent?”
That’s a good question. Even excellent. (See? What’s the difference?)
Soon, here is what you’ll find in REquipment inventory listings:
Good
The equipment is in good working order, cleaned, sanitized, and shows ordinary signs of use. If there are additional signs of wear, these cosmetic details are noted in the device description.
Excellent
The equipment shows little or no signs of normal wear and tear. It is in “nearly new” condition.
New/Never Used
The equipment arrived with tags still on or “new in box.” To our knowledge, it has not been used.
Remember that REquipment is not Ebay. Our non-profit organization keeps valuable serviceable equipment out of landfills and off curbsides. Everything we post at REquipment is in good working order.
Sadly, we do dispose of donations that do not meet our standards. We try not to approve these donations, but sometimes we collect equipment and immediately take it to solid waste. Your health, safety, and trust are too important.
Of course, it can be unappealing to select visibly used equipment, especially for a child or senior. We do our best to post photos of the equipment from different angles and accommodate further inquiries about a device’s condition as necessary.
We also never encourage consumers to take used equipment instead of applying for the new equipment they may be eligible for from insurance. REquipment devices will not last as long as new equipment.
Program users, especially clinicians contacting the program on behalf of their clients, should apply for new equipment and use REquipment devices while waiting to receive it (or when waiting for a repair). Once the new device arrives, consider keeping the REquipment device as a backup or for use in another environment. These are not “loaners.” They are yours to keep, and we understand the need for multiple devices.
Donate the equipment back to REquipment for use by someone else if it’s still in good condition, with no rips or tears, and only if you no longer need or use it.
Thank you for your trust, generosity, and understanding.
