Compact Construction Equipment – Seldom Considered Buying Tips
May 19, 2010
By Larry Helfrich
Vicepresident
When buying compact construction equipment, there are many factors that a buyer needs to take into account.
Although equipment may be a common purchase for many companies, the amount of thought and research behind the purchase doesn’t always correspond to the amount spent on the equipment. Since equipment is usually a large purchase with maintenance and repair costs down the road, you should take an adequate amount of time to make a buying decision:
Manufacturer
- Is the manufacturer well known and financially sound?
- Is the equipment I am buying the main focus of this manufacturer or is it something else (cars, trucks, larger equipment, buses, other)? No one is tops at everything.
- Is the manufacturer known for producing higher-end, more expensive products? (They probably are expensive if that’s the reputation)
- What is the manufacturer’s market share for the equipment I am buying?
- Is the manufacturer easy to deal with on warranty issues? Will they consider policy adjustments for an out-of-warranty situation?
Dealer
- Is the dealer financially sound?
- How long has the dealer been in business?
- How easy is it to talk to the manager?
- Are the sales staff and other employees friendly and knowledgeable?
- Is the product I am buying the main focus of the dealer?
- Will other customers who bought larger or more expensive equipment be the dealer’s priority?
- Does the dealer employee factory trained technicians?
- Does the dealer have mobile technicians?
- What is the labour rate for repairs compared to competitors? This can easily be a $30.00 to $50.00 per hour difference.
- How large is the inventory of equipment and parts for the equipment I am considering?
- Does the dealer have rentals available? Are rental rates reduced for a replacement machine while mine is being repaired?
If you can answer positively about most of these points, you are very likely going to have greater confidence in your purchase decision and a positive ownership experience.