The UK’s largest mobility retailer has revealed that its decision to partner with Stiltz Home Lifts is because their products are ‘unlike anything we have been able to offer customers before’.
The first of 34 Ableworld stores – based in Woolston, Southampton – last month officially became a Stiltz Home Lifts Premier Partner after staff completed a free training course at the company’s headquarters in the West Midlands.
The retailer in Portsmouth Road has achieved the highest level in the company’s three-tier partner programme. It means the store can now manage the whole customer journey; from the marketing and sales process through to building work, lift installation and servicing, using their own teams and resources. Ableworld’s other 33 stores have the option to become a Stiltz Home Lifts partner too, whether at Referral, Affiliate or Partner level depending on what suits their business needs.
Steven Newman, Director at Ableworld Southampton, said: “We’re really excited about our new partnership with Stiltz Home Lifts because we are now able to offer our customers a mobility product which is unlike anything we have been able to offer before.
“The home lift market has grown considerably over the last few years and Stiltz are the only through floor lift company we are partnered with at Ableworld. That is because we believe the Stiltz is the highest quality domestic lift available, the most accessible for the user and the most aesthetically pleasing. Home lifts are going to have a big impact on helping people remain in their own homes because stairlifts are not suitable for all users.
“We chose to become Stiltz Home Lifts Premier Partners because we’re keen to do everything in-house and for the customer to have a single point of contact through their ‘journey’ with us. We take care of everything for customers interested in purchasing a Stiltz, including the site survey, the quotation, the installation and the after-service too.”
Ableworld and Stiltz Home Lifts have both Which? Trusted Trader status – an endorsement scheme designed to help consumers find reliable traders and give them peace of mind. Mr. Newman explained: “We’re really pleased that, like us, Stiltz Home Lifts are Which? Trusted Trader partners as it gives the customer that extra reassurance that both the manufacturer and the retailer are backed by the UK’s largest independent consumer organisation.”
The Southampton retailer has become the first store anywhere to have a Stiltz Home Lift demonstration unit installed which enables customers to ‘test drive’ the lift for themselves. Mr. Newman said: “We’re thrilled to become the first ever store to have a fully-functioning Stiltz Home Lift installed in-store and we’ve already had lots of interest from local customers. It’s really important our customers get the opportunity to ‘try before they buy’ and match the product which best suits their needs. It also means OT’s can come in with their client and be reassured that they are recommending the best possible solution to help improve their lives.”
Yola Mealing, Head of Marketing at Stiltz Home Lifts, said: “We’re delighted to support Ableworld in Southampton with brand new point of sale, advertising and joint marketing programmes. Steve and the team are really passionate about our products and have some fantastic ideas. This is the first time we have installed a demonstration unit in a store and it acts as great pilot project for us. We look forward to growing relationships with the rest of the Ableworld retail network.”