Heavy Duty: How to Find the Right Supplier when your Business Requires Complicated or Heavy Machinery

Dixie Somers

February 19, 2015

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As an entrepreneur, you might have a handle on the business side of the company, but you may need a little help when it comes to suppliers, vendors, and manufacturing your products. Heavy duty equipment purchases are important financial decisions, and selecting quality machinery that can support existing and future business needs determines the success of the business. Finding a reputable supplier can make a difference in whether or not the business can secure the desirable contracts and opportunities to continue growing. Here are a few tips to help you find the right supplier when your business requires complicated or heavy machinery:

Aligning Needs with Performance

It is important to match supplier product line to company equipment needs for most common projects. In taking an inventory of all of the projects completed, you can anticipate the equipment needs for future projects. Go with a supplier that has both the caliber and type of equipment you need for the typical project you’d handle.

Pricing

Before deciding on a supplier, consider budget needs. Determine whether or not you can secure the pricing you need from your supplier to have a reasonable margin on your project. Some companies may find it more affordable to go with a leasing option. Others will find that buying used or new equipment outright makes the most sense for their business.

Think Ahead

Evaluate the maintenance program. This is especially important if you have decided to invest in used equipment. You want to be able to examine the quality of the equipment to determine how well the equipment is maintained. You may also want to consider any ongoing service plans that may be in place. For example, a company may have a maintenance plan attached to a warranty offered for all used equipment purchased. A supplier should offer the most popular brands of equipment so that replacement parts are easier to find.

Plan for Future Company Growth

Gauge future needs. You may be in the process of expanding your business in a different direction. You may even be planning to expand. Whatever your business goals, it is important to evaluate your future business needs when it comes to manufacturing and machinery. Taking a long-term approach in considering your future business needs and matching it with the supplier’s capacity to support them is important in choosing the provider.

Finding a heavy duty equipment supplier takes a significant amount of research. In addition to assessing current and future business needs, flexibility, quality and reliability should be considered when selecting a supplier. Getting to know the supplier and being comfortable with the terms and equipment options they offer is essential in identifying a supplier. Having a back-up supplier is also recommended in the event that your primary supplier is unable to meet your project needs. The information for this article was provided by the professionals of Advantage Manufacturing Ltd., who specialize in steel fabrication in Edmonton.