Laugh ruefully? Okay.
When husband was in hospital after his stroke and almost immobile, son and I decided to put in a chairlift on our staircase. Chose the least visually objectionable among several options. Contracted and paid 2/3 down. Was informed that since custom crafted for our curved staircase it would take 6-8 weeks.
Fast forward, husband + rehap -> he is able to bounce up and down the stairs, the equipment was delivered to the local dealer and we postponed installation for over a month. Finally let them set it up today. As you might anticipate, it is butt-ugly and cost as much as a new small car.
I keep telling myself that sooner or later it will be useful, and at a minimum the techs told us that, yes, it could be used as a dumb waiter, hauling up and down stairs anything less than 400 lbs per trip. Cheers.