Incompetence, Safety Risks, and Unresolved Issues
I wish we had never chosen Ameriglide for my parents' stairlift installation. What should have been a straightforward process turned into a nightmare filled with incompetence, poor service, lack of communication, and a serious safety concern. Issues have persisted for many months despite repeated attempts to resolve them. Please read the summary below of the main issues we faced:
1. Ordering & Installation Issues
On September 10, 2024, we consulted with Ameriglide on a custom curved stairlift for my parents. We were promised a thorough assessment to first confirm proper fit, followed by precise measurements, and professional installation. After paying nearly $11,000, things quickly went quickly downhill. On November 5, an inexperienced installer was sent and failed to meet the agreed-upon installation plan. Despite multiple requests for a more qualified installer, Ameriglide sent the same installer again on November 12, who still couldn't fix the issues. However, he was very gracious and apologized for being unable to complete the install.
2. Communication Failures
On November 12, after speaking with the VP of Sales, he promised a quick resolution. Despite multiple follow-up attempts, we received no response, leaving us no choice but to seek assistance elsewhere after weeks of waiting.
3. Damages & Safety Concerns
When a qualified installer was finally sent on December 18, he was very helpful and confirmed that the original installation was not only incorrect, but the original installer had caused unnecessary damage to our stairway carpet. Also, he immediately identified a critical safety issue: head clearance. An overhead beam obstructed the stairlift's path, making it unusable and dangerous. This major risk should have been flagged during the initial assessment, as it posed a serious hazard that could have resulted in injury to my elderly parents.
4. Refund & Compensation Issues
Ameriglide, despite being fully at fault, initially refused a refund. They then said they were "reviewing with the manufacturer to find a workable solution" which continued the delay. After escalating the issue with our credit card company, they agreed to remove the stairlift and promised a refund on January 16, but delays continued for several weeks.
Ultimately, on February 17, they offered a partial refund but insisted on keeping a non-refundable $2,500 CAD design fee. This fee was for a design based on an incorrect initial assessment - one that should never have moved to the CAD design stage in the first place. Yet they have refused to take responsibility for their mistakes.
Our request for compensation for an estimated $480 in carpet damages caused by the initial inexperienced installer remains unaddressed. Despite initially promising to review this request, Ameriglide has ignored all subsequent inquiries about it.
Conclusion: A Warning to Families Dealing with Mobility Issues
From the initial consultation in September, to the partial refund offer in February, this ordeal has spanned five months. During this time, my parents have experienced constant delays, poor communication, and significant stress. Ameriglide left my parents not only without a stairlift but also facing financial loss and damages to their home. If you value safety, reliability, and fair treatment, I urge you to avoid Ameriglide. Anyone considering a stairlift should carefully research other companies and read customer reviews. I hope this review will help others avoid the same frustrating, stressful, and ultimately unfair experience with Ameriglide. read more