Helpful Tips For Posting an Ad for an Available Item (s):

1. Consider posting pictures of the item you have to sell, donate or exchange. You can place up to 4 digital photos of your item with each ad. Pictures may be uploaded to your ad while you are initially submitting it or afterwards by emailing the digital photos to admin@azatexchange.org. If emailing after your ad submission be sure to include your ad ID # in your email so that the pictures can be placed with the right ad/item. 

2. Be specific in your ad. Include as much information as you can about the item you have to sell, donate or exchange. Information like make and model, specific features, age, etc. can be important to someone interested in buying or obtaining your equipment. Remember, you may know what your item looks like, what features it has and how it works but those looking at your ad on the ATEX site probably do not. When posting an ad for an Available item under "Item Name" put the specific type and name of the item/piece of equipment you have such as "Invacare Pronto Surestep M51 Power Wheelchair" as the item name instead of "electric wheelchair".

3. For individuals with multiple items to sell, donate or exchange such as a vehicle lift, power wheelchair, bath transfer bench and a walker and who wish to list all the items in one ad please consider posting separate ads for each item. Placing separate ads allows us at the ATEX to place each item in its appropriate category; i.e. a wheelchair in Mobility/Seating & Positioning category and the lift in Vehicle Modification & Transportation category. This makes it more likely that your item is quickly found by an interested person (s).

4. If you are unsure of the price you would like ask for an item for sale consider listing the item for "Best Offer" under "listing type" when you set up or write your ad.  Consider using the following factors in determining the dollar value of the equipment or item (s) you have:

• Consider what you actually "spent" on the device/piece of equipment. If the item was paid for by insurance or a 3rd party funding source consider donating it or offering it "for free" to someone who may not be eligible for such device/piece of equipment via their own resources. 
  
  
• Consider reviewing ads as posted for similar pieces of equipment/devices already listed on the ATEX site. This can give you a baseline or basis of comparison for how much to ask for yours. From the main ATEX page you may select the category of equipment and then do a search for the name of the item to see if there are any matches.
  
  
• Consider contacting 3 retail or commercial providers of your device/piece of equipment to determining or figure an "estimated" average value. ATEX staff would be glad to provide you contact information for local commercial providers or retailers. We may be contacted via email at admin@azatexchange.org or by phone at 602-776-4699 or 800-477-9921 ext 5.
  
  

Best Practice Considerations for Users of the Arizona Assistive Technology Exchange:

The Arizona Assistive Technology Exchange (ATEX) is hosted by the Arizona Technology Assistance Program (AzTAP).  The ATEX is an online forum to donate, buy/sell, exchange or find used Assistive Technology (AT), adapted equipment and Durable Medical Equipment (DME). The ATEX is a user-driven database with entry, edit, delete and search capabilities. The ATEX is designed to facilitate transactions of AT between residents of Arizona, and is not for the sale or procurement of equipment by for-profit vendors or distributors. AzTAP does not profit in any fashion from the sale of listed devices. 

In order to promote beneficial exchanges of AT, set forth below are “Best Practices” for users of the ATEX.  The recommendations are divided into two parts – the first part is for those listing/selling/donating equipment on the ATEX and the second for those acquiring or looking for equipment/devices on the ATEX.  Each section includes a number of recommendations to help improve the experience for everyone participating in the ATEX.  Not all of the recommendations will be applicable for every transaction.

Recommendations for users listing equipment/devices:

• The Arizona Assistive Technology Exchange (ATEX) recommends that users check with the original funder (if applicable) or provider of your piece equipment/device (s) prior to listing a device to ensure that you have the right to sell, exchange or give the item away.  In most cases, AT purchased or provided by a third party (e.g. such as medical insurance, charitable groups, state agencies, etc.) becomes the property of the user.  However, in some cases the equipment/device (s) must be returned to the funder or provider company when it is no longer needed or being used.  Those listing items on the ATEX must assure that they have the right to sell or donate the equipment; therefore we encourage listers to verify their rights by contacting the original funder. 
  
  
• Individuals listing a piece of equipment/device (s) available for sale, donation or exchange on the ATEX are strongly encouraged to properly clean and sanitize the equipment/device (s) prior to posting.  This is particularly true for equipment/device (s) with hygiene related concerns, e.g.: shower transfer seats, commode chairs, toilet safety frames, etc.
  
  
• It is the responsibility of the seller or donator to provide accurate and detailed information about the equipment/device (s) specifications and condition to any buyer or recipient of the device. Therefore we encourage listers of items/equipment on the ATEX to contact the original manufacturer of the piece of equipment/device to confirm the current status of the product, availability of support and to provide this information in your ad.  Manufacturers will provide you with information about your item with the serial number and/or make/model information.
  
  
• Sellers should be clear about whether they are offering any warranties with the sale of the device/piece of equipment.  Most sellers likely intend to sell, donate or exchange the equipment “as is,” with no additional promises about the condition of the equipment or responsibility for repairing any problems.  To that end, it is important that sellers honestly disclose in their ad any known problems or defects, and inform those acquiring the technology that the product is being sold, donated or exchanged “as is.”
  
  
• Financial transactions that occur through the ATEX are the sole responsibility/discretion of the parties involved.  It is important that the seller take steps to ensure that they are properly receiving the compensation they have requested.  Direct cash exchanges are the cleanest financial transactions, as the seller can be assured he/she is being paid and the buyer can be assured that he/she is acquiring the equipment.  Bank checks and money orders also offer security to the seller, but often come at a cost to the buyer.  PayPal (where feasible) also offer protection to both parties.  Personal checks, however, are the riskiest method of payment as there is little recourse if the check does not clear and they usually list a home address for the recipient.  The ATEX discourages the use personal checks for exchanges for these reasons.
  
  
• If the AT you are distributing required special assessments/measuring/fitting when you acquired it, it is likely that the safe use of the device will again require the assistance of a specialist for the person acquiring the technology. Please be advised that some forms of Assistive Technology and complex rehabilitation/medical equipment should only be provided under the supervision of a licensed medical or rehabilitation professional.  Consequently, we encourage you to ask buyers or recipients whether they are utilizing the assistance of a specialist, and if they need more assistance, encourage them to “Contact AzTAP” directly.
  
  
• AzTAP encourages sellers to be vigilant about their personal safety and well being.  Meet in a public place other than your home to coordinate the transaction or exchange of equipment/devices.  Never go or be alone to complete a transaction or the exchange of an item - take or have another person (s) with you at the meeting.
  
  
• If you have a negative experience with a buyer, please report the problem to ATEX.  It is important for ATEX to be informed of any problems with particular buyers, and we can only take steps to prevent future problems if we are informed of the problems as they arise.  AzTAP is very interested in your feedback and experience using the ATEX.  If you have comments, suggestions or issues arising from any equipment/device exchange on the ATEX please do not hesitate to contact us via one of the methods listed on the “We Want Your Feedback” screen.

Recommendations for users acquiring equipment:

• The Arizona Assistive Technology Exchange (ATEX) encourages buyers or recipients of AT to be knowledgeable and informed about the assistive technology they are obtaining.  Therefore, we encourage recipients to request that the seller provide the serial number of the device they are considering acquiring through the ATEX and to contact the equipment/device manufacturer directly about the product prior to buying or accepting it.  The equipment manufacturer can disclose whether the device is still being supported, provide product user manuals or guides (if none are provided or available) and check on the availability of replacement parts or services such as batteries, tires, power cords, software/firmware upgrades etc. With the serial number, the manufacturer can also disclose the last known condition of the product and any serious reported problems with the device. 
  
  
• Since the equipment/devices listed on the ATEX are from private consumers, it is unlikely that any type of warranty will be offered.  Therefore, equipment/items obtained from the ATEX will most likely be “as is” with no warranties unless otherwise indicated or offered by the seller.   If a warranty is offered buyers or recipients of the item would be encouraged to get it in writing from the seller or donator.  Otherwise, the buyer or recipient of the item will be responsible for all future repairs and/or maintenance to the item/piece of equipment.
  
  
• Whenever possible the ATEX encourages individuals to involve or use a Rehabilitation Professional such as an Assistive Technology (AT) Specialist, Occupational or Physical Therapist, Speech & Language Therapist or Rehabilitation Engineer to assist with the selection and/or acquisition of any form of assistive technology.  If you do not have direct access to any of these aforementioned Rehabilitation Professionals and would like to access this support please click here:  “Contact AzTAP” to contact an AzTAP AT Specialist. 
  
  
• Buyers or recipients are also encouraged to fully clean and sanitize any piece of equipment/device obtained via the ATEX prior to usage.  Even though it is encouraged, do not presume that the seller or donator of the equipment/device has taken the time to properly clean and sanitize the equipment/device.
  
  
• Financial transactions that occur through the ATEX are the sole responsibility/discretion of the parties involved.  Direct cash exchanges are the cleanest financial transactions, as the seller can be assured he/she is being paid and the buyer can be assured that he/she is acquiring the equipment.  Bank checks and money orders also offer security to the seller, but often come at a nominal cost to the buyer.  PayPal (where feasible) also offer protection to both parties.  Personal checks, however, are the riskiest method of payment as there is little recourse if the check does not clear and they usually list a home address for the recipient.  The ATEX discourages the use personal checks for exchanges for these reasons.

AzTAP encourages users of a forum like the ATEX to be vigilant about their personal safety and well being.  Please consider the following guidelines when buying, selling, donating or exchanging equipment/devices via the ATEX:

• Meet in a public place other than your home to coordinate the transaction or exchange of equipment/devices
• Never go or be alone to complete a transaction or the exchange of an item - take or have another person (s) with you at the meeting
• Do not pay with or bring large amounts of cash to the meeting. Consider using a more secure form of payment as listed above.

If you have a negative experience with a seller/donator of a piece of equipment listed on the ATEX, please report the problem to the ATEX.  It is important for the ATEX to be informed of any problems with particular sellers, and we can only take steps to prevent future issues if we are informed of the problems.  AzTAP as the host organization is very interested in your feedback and experience using the ATEX.  If you have comments, suggestions or issues arising from any equipment/device exchange on the ATEX please do not hesitate to contact us via one of the methods listed on the “We Want Your Feedback” screen.