Process
Lift Buying Process
From Quote to Installation, We Help You Choose the Right Lift
Buying an automotive lift is more than choosing equipment from a catalog. You need to consider vehicle weight, ceiling height, floor condition, available workspace, power requirements, delivery access, and long-term service needs.
Northstar ASE helps auto dealerships, repair shops, homeowners, parking facility managers, and property developers find reliable lift solutions for service, storage, parking, and space optimization. Our product range includes 2-post lifts, 4-post lifts, parking lifts, scissor lifts, and lift parts.
How Our Lift Buying Process Works
A Clear Process for Choosing and Installing Your Lift
Our process is designed to help you move from initial inquiry to final installation with confidence. Whether you are planning a professional auto service bay or adding parking space to a private garage, we help you understand the right lift type, site requirements, delivery needs, and installation preparation before you make a decision.
Request a Quote
Share Your Lift Requirements
Review Site Conditions
Choose the Right Lift Type
Receive a Product Recommendation
Confirm Quote and Order
Prepare for Delivery and Installation
Complete Installation and Safety Review
Step 1:Request a Lift Quote
Start by contacting Northstar ASE with your lift requirements. The more details you provide, the faster we can help you identify the right lift solution for your space, vehicle type, and application.
Information to Prepare
| Information | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Installation location | Helps us understand delivery and service requirements |
| Type of property | Auto shop, dealership, home garage, parking facility, or commercial space |
| Vehicle type | Sedan, SUV, pickup truck, commercial vehicle, or specialty vehicle |
| Main purpose | Repair, maintenance, parking, storage, display, or space optimization |
| Available space | Ceiling height, bay width, bay depth, and entry clearance |
| Floor condition | Concrete condition, flatness, cracks, or previous repairs |
| Preferred lift type | 2-post lift, 4-post lift, parking lift, or service lift |
| Timeline | Helps coordinate product availability, delivery, and installation planning |
Step 2: Understand Your Lift Application
Different lift applications require different equipment. A lift for daily auto repair may not be the same as a lift for vehicle storage or parking. Before recommending a product, we first review how you plan to use the lift.
Application Types
Automotive Repair and Maintenance(h4)
If your primary goal is vehicle service, undercarriage inspection, tire work, brake service, or general repair, a 2-post lift is often the first category to consider.
Home Garage and Vehicle Storage
If your goal is to increase parking capacity or store one vehicle above another, a 4-post lift or parking lift may be a better fit.
Commercial Parking and Property Development
For parking facilities, property developers, and commercial spaces, lift planning should consider traffic flow, vehicle height, daily usage, space efficiency, and long-term maintenance needs.
Step 3: Review Your Site Conditions
Site conditions play a major role in choosing the right lift. Before finalizing a product, we help you review the basic installation requirements that may affect equipment selection and installation planning.
Key Site Factors
Ceiling Height
Ceiling height determines whether the lift can raise the vehicle safely and whether the vehicle will have enough clearance at full lifting height.
Concrete Floor Condition
Automotive lifts must be installed on a stable, level, and suitable concrete surface. Cracked, uneven, thin, or damaged concrete may require professional evaluation before installation.
Available Width and Depth
The lift area must provide enough space for vehicle entry, door opening, technician movement, lift operation, and safety clearance.
Power Requirements
Some lifts require specific electrical power. Before installation, the site should be reviewed to confirm available voltage, breaker capacity, and power location.
Vehicle Access
Garage doors, entryways, turning radius, overhead obstructions, and surrounding equipment can all affect lift placement.
Step 4: Choose the Right Lift Type
After reviewing your application and site conditions, we help you compare lift options and choose the right equipment for your needs.
Product Category Blocks
2-Post Lifts
2-post lifts are commonly used for repair shops, maintenance bays, and service environments where technicians need access to the wheels, suspension, brakes, and undercarriage. Northstar ASE currently lists Two Post Lifts as a main product category.
4-Post Lifts
4-post lifts are often used for parking, storage, vehicle display, and some maintenance applications. Northstar ASE also lists Four Post Lifts as a main product category.
Parking Lifts
Parking lifts are designed to help maximize vehicle storage and improve space efficiency in garages, parking facilities, commercial buildings, and residential properties.
Lift Parts
Northstar ASE also focuses on lift parts sales, which is useful for customers who need long-term maintenance support after purchase.
Step 5: Receive Your Lift Quote
Once we understand your lift type, site conditions, delivery location, and installation needs, we can provide a quote based on your selected product and project requirements.
Quote May Include
- Lift model and specifications
- Product availability
- Optional accessories
- Delivery details
- Installation coordination
- Site preparation notes
- Lift parts or service support
- Next steps for ordering
Conversion Copy
Not sure which lift is right for you? Our team can help compare options based on your vehicle type, garage layout, budget, and usage needs.
Step 6: Confirm Your Order and Delivery Plan
After the quote is approved, we coordinate the order and delivery details. Since automotive lifts are large equipment, customers should prepare the site for freight delivery, unloading, and temporary storage.
Delivery Preparation Checklist
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Delivery address | Confirm access for freight delivery |
| Unloading equipment | Some deliveries may require a forklift or loading equipment |
| Receiving area | Prepare a safe space to receive and inspect the lift |
| Package inspection | Check packaging and visible parts upon arrival |
| Installation timing | Coordinate installation after delivery is confirmed |
Step 7: Prepare Your Site for Lift Installation
Before installation, the work area should be clean, accessible, and ready for the installation team. Proper preparation helps prevent delays and creates a safer installation environment.
Installation Preparation Checklist
- Clear the installation area
- Remove vehicles, cabinets, tools, and storage items
- Confirm ceiling height and overhead clearance
- Review power location and electrical needs
- Keep the work area well lit
- Prepare access for installers and equipment
- Confirm the installation contact person will be available
Safety Note
Automotive lift installation involves structural assembly, anchoring, hydraulic systems, electrical components, and safety lock testing. Installation should be performed according to the product manual, local requirements, and qualified professional guidance.
Step 8: Complete Installation and Safety Review
After installation, the lift should be inspected and tested before regular use. The installer or service professional should review basic operation, safety features, and maintenance expectations with the customer.
Final Review May Include
- Structural assembly check
- Anchor and leveling check
- Hydraulic system inspection
- Cable, pulley, chain, or runway inspection
- Safety lock operation
- Lift movement and synchronization
- Vehicle positioning guidance
- Basic maintenance reminders
- Safe operating instructions
Lift Buying Process FAQ
The right lift depends on your vehicle type, main application, ceiling height, floor condition, workspace, and budget. A 2-post lift is often used for service and repair, while a 4-post lift or parking lift may be better for storage and parking.
Please provide your location, vehicle type, installation space, ceiling height, intended use, floor condition, and preferred lift type.
Yes, some lifts may be suitable for home garages, but ceiling height, concrete condition, available space, vehicle size, and power requirements must be reviewed first.
Professional installation is recommended because automotive lifts involve structural assembly, anchoring, hydraulic systems, electrical requirements, and safety mechanisms.
Yes. Northstar ASE states that the company focuses on lifts and lift parts sales.
Ready to Start Your Lift Project?
Tell us about your vehicle, space, and application. Northstar ASE can help you choose the right automotive lift, parking lift, or lift parts for your project.