As necessary as it is, buying industrial hardware is often easier said than done. It’s a big decision that requires careful considerations. Should you end up with the wrong set of equipment, it will cost you a lot of money, and hit your productivity very hard.
Whether you are purchasing the equipment from a local industrial hardware supplier or an offshore trader, you need equipment that will help complete your project on time. The problem is, you could end up buying low-quality or faulty equipment, especially if you don’t pay attention.
So, what factors must you consider before buying industrial hardware?
Let’s check them out.
- Quality Of The Industrial Hardware
When you purchase heavy equipment, you would want it to last long. You would most probably be using it in harsh work environments like steel mills or mines. To top that, the equipment will also need to tolerate weather elements such as pouring rain or extreme heat and cold. Only the equipment made from high-quality materials can face such adversities 24/7.
Buying run-off-the-mill industrial equipment would be a huge mistake. For starters, it will bring your project to a standstill, thanks to frequent repairs. The longer your equipment stands idle, the more money you will lose. Instead of facing irreversible losses down the line, you are better off spending more money upfront.
Make sure to talk about the quality of the equipment with your industrial hardware wholesaler. Ask them about the manufacturer’s warranty, when it will expire, and whether you can buy an extended warranty.
- Technical And Performance Specifications
When it comes to industrial hardware, technology and performance go hand in hand. Buying heavy equipment powered by the latest technology is always a good idea.
Here’s why:
- Improve the overall performance.
- Use less manpower.
- Reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and damages.
- Easier to replace damaged parts and/or make upgrades.
- Attract more business and make more profit.
Moreover, the latest technology often provides you with higher fuel efficiency. It is always a smart move to choose equipment with higher fuel economy. Industrial hardware doesn’t come cheap. You don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on fuel and cut down your profits. Fuel economy is one more point you must discuss with your industrial hardware supplier right out the get.
- Overall Cost Of The Purchase
It always pays off to buy high-quality industrial equipment. That doesn’t mean you should splurge. As buying industrial hardware is a significant part of your budget, you will have to factor in the overall cost of the purchase. It’s better to talk about this with your industrial hardware distributor.
However, the overall cost of equipment generally comes down to:
- The actual cost of the equipment.
- Packaging cost.
- Shipping cost.
More often than not, there is very little or no wiggle room to negotiate the cost of the equipment. If you are buying used industrial hardware, you might get a discount based on the age and quality of the machine. But, new hardware often comes at a higher price point.
The good news is, you can save considerable money when it comes to packaging and shipping. For example, heavy equipment often needs specialized packaging and shipping. These costs can climb through the roof as the shipping distance increases.
If you buy equipment from a local industrial hardware wholesaler, you can cut down these costs substantially. In fact, most suppliers can provide you with an in-store pickup facility. Be sure to factor this in when asking the supplier for a quote. Compare the quotes and choose a supplier that is within your budget.
- Reputation Of The Industrial Hardware Distributor
There are reasons why you wouldn’t want to buy equipment from an unreliable industrial hardware supplier. If the dealer is not professional, you could end up with problems like:
- Lack of customer or after-sales service.
- Lower quality of equipment.
- Higher repair and replacement costs down the line.
- Delivery, installation, and onboarding delays.
- Higher chances of mishaps or accidents.
Suppliers with a good reputation can offer better service. To find a trustworthy and professional wholesaler, you will need to analyze more than one industrial hardware distributor. Make sure to scan each distributor with a fine-tooth comb.
- Check their online presence, including their social media, website, and other digital accounts.
- Check the social media and third-party sites for customer feedback. Never trust an industrial hardware wholesaler with polished and numerical reviews. These could be fake, for all you know.
- Check if the supplier has won any excellence awards, certificates, and/or citations. Some of the industrial hardware may require the seller to have a sales license or permit. You can ask the wholesaler for all the paperwork. Any professional would be more than willing to share these details.
- Finally, ask the supplier for a detailed quote. Compare the quotes from different distributors before making the final decision.
In Conclusion
When buying industrial hardware, you need to think a lot of things through. From the quality of the equipment to the supplier’s reputation, these factors will help you purchase the equipment your project needs. If you are about to buy heavy equipment, take a step back, and consider these four factors first. These tips will help you make an informed decision that will improve your overall efficiency and safety.
About Author: I am Randy Gonzales. I am the President of Elite Sales Inc, rigging equipment and wire rope distribution company based in Miami, Tampa, Houston, and Dyer. I have more than 30 years of experience in the distribution and supply of the industrial hardware industry.
