Scissor Lifts, Bendi, Combi, VNA etc... More...
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Your business needs a new forklift truck and the last one you had was inherited from the farm next to your distribution unit. You need to replace the forklift but are not sure where to start the buying process. Like most industries there are companies that sell products and there are those that sell them better and look after you more, how do you decide which is which?
The first step should be to source local and national suppliers that service your area. A quick google search or even the old trusty yellow pages should give you half a dozen or so choices. Send them an email or give each a call and inquire about their trucks. Make sure you note down some information from each of them, a quick list grid is a good way to compare. If they ask you about your business and take an interest in how the truck will be used and what type of environment it will be used then record that. A company focused purely on sales will need to replace customers repeatedly whereas a business focused on retaining customers and growing through recommendations are much more likely to provide you with a more suitable machine.
Arrange to visit the offices if they are local but at least visit one to try out the forklift you are about to purchase. If you are not a forktruck driver or won't be driving the machine regularly take whoever will be and has in the past as their unique experience will be beneficial. Including them in the procurement process will also give them a motivational boost compounded by the prospect of their new tool equivalent to at least an office party or two!
Once you have spoken and visited the companies check out their maintenance and service contracts ensuring they will look after you and your fork lift truck next month and the month after. Request a couple of contact numbers or emails from existing clients and contact them. Have a chat and learn from their experience with the company, was it good, great or just average? Did they have any problems and how were they resolved? Were they made to wait for 8 weeks while a fork truck part was shipped in from China? Is the company a subscriber to industry standards and practices?
Obviously cost is going to play a major part in your choice of forklift truck company, however it is only a part of your consideration - service, support and the relationship between you and the company that will ensure your forktruck operates correctly on a daily basis are also important factors in your decision.