Buying new factory equipment is expensive, so you need to get it right. Often, all it takes to buy the correct equipment for a good price, is to ask the right questions.
If you aren’t sure what you’re looking for, here are eight things to consider asking or looking for when it comes to buying new factory equipment.
- Safety and legalities
What you should check for when buying machinery is that it is firstly safe, secondly that it comes with user instructions and a ‘Declaration of Conformity’ and finally it is CE marked, these are the basic legalities that come into play when you are looking to buy new factory equipment.
- Get recommendations
Send your buyers out into the areas where people are using the equipment and see what they’d like, what they might change and something that they are missing. For example, something as simple as a trolley in a hospital could be improved with fixed castor wheels that help with directional stability instead of having to steer and push all at the same time. Get recommendations when it comes to equipment and ensure your buyers are making the right choices.
- The location
Before ordering new equipment, consider where it’s going to be used and how often, to ensure it can withstand those conditions. This will help you decide what is suitable and whether you need something say that is quiet, tough, water resistant or of a certain height.
- Health and safety
Of course you will be thinking about health and safety when you buy equipment, but have you thought long term? Consider long-term risks to employees such as RSI (repetitive strain injury) that they may get from using the equipment and look to see whether any manufacturers have put this into consideration and made alterations.
- Talk to suppliers
If you’re buying something new that even your employees don’t know about then it’s best to talk to the supplier about the products. They know what will work best for your specific requirements and advise you on the best solution.
- Shop around
Don’t be satisfied by one supplier’s answers and prices when it comes to buying new factory equipment. Make sure you do your research and get a variety of different advice and quotes before you commit to a deal, this way you know you’re not overpaying or missing out on a great deal!
- Save with more
You will find that with lots of products, you’re likely to save money if you increase your quantities. Work out how much of a product you’re going to need and see whether doubling up works for you.
- Consider leasing instead of buying
There are lots of pros and cons when it comes to the leasing or buying debacle with work equipment. Leasing is best for the big, expensive equipment that needs maintenance whereas buying is better for smaller, more personal equipment. You can read more on this here.
Take some time to carefully consider exactly what you and your employees need and you’ll definitely make the right decision when it comes to your new factory equipment.
