Buying Heavy Equipment And Parts Online: Four Common Mistakes
Buying heavy equipment online can be beneficial to any company's bottom line. Often, local vendors have a lock on their regional market, and are thus able to increase their prices without necessarily increasing the value of their equipment. By purchasing equipment such as a skid steer attachment online, businesses can source the lowest prices across the globe. Still, there are some common issues you might want to look out for before you make the purchase.
Always Check the Warranty
When reselling goods, they often aren't going to come with a warranty -- and that's not a good thing when you're dealing with heavy equipment. Even if you're getting a very good deal in a part or machine, it's important to have a warranty of at least a few months. Otherwise you could easily find yourself having to replace it at your own cost. A lack of warranty can often be construed as a lack of faith from the vendor about the parts that they are selling.
Compare Shipping Prices First
Shipping prices are often hidden until you're about to complete your purchase. It's the shipping prices that will usually be the most significant aspect of your transaction, as it costs quite a lot to ship and handle heavy equipment. Before you decide on a vendor, you have to have the shipping prices for each company -- with any potential taxes included. You also need to make an apples to apples comparison with the types of shipping, as some sites may require additional fees to ship your items as quickly as others.
Look at the Model Year
Just because a part is the right model doesn't mean that it's the most current part. Remember, older parts will often be cheaper but may not be as solid or durable as newer parts. This is true even if they are brand new and not used. On the other hand, if you are willing to purchase an older part, you may be able to save money. You just have to make sure you're comparing the prices of the same year of part through different vendors.
Try to Find Brand Names
There are many after market replica parts for heavy equipment. Some are affordable and reputable, but others are "no name" brands that have no reputation for quality. Not only could these parts break down or become dangerous, but they could even void the warranty on your equipment. Only licensed and acceptable replacement parts should be used with equipment if you want to maintain their safety.
Apart from the above, it's generally important to deal with reputable vendors -- not just the cheapest vendor that you can find. An easy way to compare vendors is to look up their reviews online. This will give you a better idea of their customer service, shipping times, and product support. Once you've located a good resource, you can continue purchasing with peace of mind.
