June 29, 2008 First-aid for the purchase of equipment and instruments
The secret of getting the equipment and intrumenats you want, on your terms, is to ask a lot of questions, get solid answers, and then deal under the conditions that really suit your needs.
This is what we recommend:
1. PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Unless you are taking a very wide assortment, look for a test period for the equipment in your shop. This should include a live demonstration, which is otherwise shown on the exhibition shows, but it can also be done on the spot. Also look for a lecture in person, i.e, the practice of work on the machine in the shop. If the trial period expires before you think you can make a better decision, seek an extension of the deadline.
2. VISIT THE HEAD OFFICE
Consider solution of visiting a manufacturer of equipment in his head office to see the most of the assortment of equipment and instruments that are avaliable and try them on the spot.
3. TEHNICAL AVAILABILITY
Look for details of how will the service be performed. Ask the contractor how many employed service technician do they have to make sure they are covering the area that you need. Whether there are nearby and can he / she come to your location quickly and easily?
4. SERVICE OPTIONS
What steps are necessary if you must return the equipment to the service technician?
What is the time period for return from the service?
What are the costs of one or an other option when the warranty expires?
How easily or hard will be for your employees to work on the machine?
5. WARRANTY AGREEMENT
Read warranty contract carefully until you are sure you understand all the tricks of the contract. Exactly what happens when the warranty expires?
If there is an extension of guarantee, make sure that it matches your needs and that it pays out before acceptance.
6. RECOMMENDATIONS
Always look for recommendations, not only by suppliers but also from friends, colleagues, on fairs, through advertisements on the Internet and any other source. Get the reviews, which include the performance of equipment, availability of parts and expert opinion.
7. INVESTED AND OBTAINED
You must know exactly what will your work be and look for equipment that satisfies these requirements. Today’s machines have a configuration such as drilling, polishing, making the slot in one and much more. Decide what tasks will you do now, and what in the next five years and be sure to purchase equipment that will encompass all aspects of your business.
8. EVALUATION OF PRICES
Do not buy just because of the price. You can estimate wrong, because maybe it was this equipment that has a lower efficiency in relation to the type of work you have to focus so you’ll give more than receive. Inquire about all your payment options and consider the parameters of price before signing the contract.
9. REPUTATION
If a supplier has a good reputation, he will do what is necessary to maintaine this reputation.
If the reputation is questionable, he doesn’t lose much if he looks at your needs less. Ask questions and do not look only equipment but also the delivery company.
10. MONITORING OF ACTIONS
Will you be able to constantly work with the same people? A solid business relationship is very important. Ask how the company plans to develop and thus maintain your business partnership.
Well managed companies understand the challenges of production, and possess the knowledge to provide permanent sources of parts and allow a good service. Think of long-term partnership.
11. SAFETY
You need to feel security in the company and your purchase. When you have that, your job will develop and concern about your investment will be facilitated. If you’re all done, and yet you are unsure, consider another supplier. If you are still not sure, think about your own supplier company.
Just to facilitate you, we created this section Equipment review, so do not hesitate to ask questions, and we will try to give you better answers.