When you’re out to sea overseeing a 24/7 operation, you don’t get much time to shop around for the best heavy equipment distributors. Often times, you’re making purchases by phone or online-- meaning that you need an outfit that you can trust to provide all the products and services you need to keep business running.
Here are five tips to follow when determining whether heavy equipment distributors are worth your time and money:
1. Seek out heavy equipment distributors who aren’t afraid to help
Vendors offering outstanding, reliable products are great, but sometimes you need installation tips, advice about which brands work well together, and some best practices to help guide the operation you’re building up. See if you can get a live human on the phone and gage how willing he or she is to help you beyond the sale.
2. Take inventory
Before you purchase parts and equipment from an online storefront, check inventory carefully. Even make a call or two. Are you sure the machinery is in and available? Is the inventory kept in real time? Is there a wide assortment of brands, featuring both new and used products? Because you need to take the time to carefully select a credible vendor, you want to make sure they can supply you with the marine diesel engines, gensets and other equipment you need – whether you’re caught in a pinch or planning for the future.
3. Look for heavy equipment distributors who guarantee marine parts and machinery
When vetting potential heavy equipment distributors, look for those who offer more than lip service when it comes to protecting your investment. This is especially true of purchasing used or rebuilt equipment; gain a solid understanding of how the distributor takes in, tests, and cleans previously owned equipment. Perhaps most importantly, get clarity on any quality assurances – how long can purchases be returned, what fees are involved and how long the guarantee is good for. Top companies won’t make you ask; they’ll tell you up front.
4. Seek out seamless order fulfillment
Is shipping and handling extra? Are the heavy equipment distributors websites you’re looking at utilizing real-time inventory? Can parts and equipment be delivered directly to your site – even if you don’t have an address? If flexibility is something that matters for your operation, confirm that your supplier can accommodate.
5. Leverage third-part resources to establish credibility
So you’ve done your due diligence and are ready to select heavy equipment distributors to supply your operation. One last step: vet the supplier through the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org/), social media, and search engines. Just because there is a negative review doesn’t mean you should rule out a vendor; weigh the good with the bad and use this as another piece of information to inform your distributor selection.
Each day, there are more and more heavy equipment distributors vying for your business. But many of these are simply internet storefronts without the experience or ability to do anything more than sell you a product. Follow these tips to help you find a partner who can supply you what you need for the long haul.
