You’re thinking about purchasing equipment for your business but are aware of the fact that their prices aren’t exact pocket-friendly. At least, brand new ones aren’t. But after seeking advice and reading about how to go around it, you’ve settled on buying used machinery.
And that’s a definite go-to of many business owners. However, there ARE steps you need to be aware of when scouting for where to buy used metalworking equipment for sale in order to get the best machines and the best deals. Take a look at the guide below.
Steps In Looking For Where You Can Buy Used Machinery
1. Seller Information
There’s an importance in finding out what the reputation of the seller is, especially if this is your first time doing business with them. Look for information about them online, go through their website and learn about when they were established. Experience in this field is a good sign.
In a different context, popularity shouldn’t have to count. But in this case, it may very well be a factor to weigh in. How well-known are they in your locale? How’s their customer feedback? What of their recommendations?
Buying used machinery should have your eyes peeled even wider than when going for new ones precisely because these have already been utilized before. If the seller has a spotless background, you can be sure that they check what their wares before making them available in the market.
2. Age And Maintenance
Secondly, ask about how old the machine is. Who was the previous owner? Where was it employed? Do they have information about how many times it has been repaired before it was sold?
Wear-and-tear is natural with machinery. On that note, if they’ve had to be sent to the repair shop too many times, it might not be worth your money. On the other hand, if they’re still quite fresh of the pan and have seen only one or two repairs, that’s an excellent deal right there.
Also, ask what upkeep is required to keep it running smoothly. There are times when a used machine is cheap but you’ll get undercut with maintenance pricing. Be sure to balance these out.
3. See It Firsthand And Have A Test Run
It’s not enough for you to rely on chat and phone conversations with the sellers, or pictures and videos of the machine online. Drop by the shop itself and look at the item in person. Often, this is the make-or-break of the sale.
You’ll get to check its specs personally. Signs of heavy wear-and-tear, or the opposite, how it runs when plugged in, etc. All of these aspects are must-sees firsthand.
4. Documents, Licenses, And Transfer Of Ownership
Regarding the legalities of the purchase of machines, you simply need to ask for the documents such as ones for a transfer of ownership, maintenance records, and the like. Likewise, don’t forget to double-check the license of the software that’s tied-in with the device (if the machinery has something like this).
5. Price
Of course. Price. This can never be out of the picture. Compare rates online not just with other used machinery of the same brand type, but with their brand new counterparts, too.
You may be interested in: “5 Benefits of Buying Used Manufacturing Machinery”