Comparing Acquisition, Operational, and End-of-Life Costs in Rollator Procurement

A thorough cost-benefit analysis rollator model must include all direct and indirect costs over the product lifecycle. This article enables procurement, product, and supply chain professionals to distinguish the hidden and explicit costs that impact long-term value in rollator sourcing decisions.
1. Acquisition Costs: More Than Just Purchase Price
Acquisition costs extend far beyond the initial quote. Teams should:
Account for shipping, taxes, and import duties
Include setup, user training, and initial configuration expenses
Assess opportunity costs from delayed deliveries or poor initial quality
2. Operational and Maintenance Costs
Operational costs shape the ongoing value of rollators in service:
Estimate frequency and cost of repairs or maintenance
Identify availability and price of replacement parts and consumables
Calculate support resource needs, including call centers or service visits
3. End-of-Life and Disposal Costs
Responsible product lifecycle management requires attention to:
Recycling or environmentally friendly disposal fees
Reverse logistics and return programs for used units
Regulatory compliance and reporting for end-of-life
4. Integrating Cost Factors into Procurement Decisions
Use a unified cost model to compare rollators, ensure transparency, and avoid surprises post-acquisition. Teams that capture these categories can make evidence-based decisions and achieve better long-term outcomes.
