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In today’s modern world, buying equipment online can offer many benefits to the consumer. Often, you can find the best price online because there are more competitors vying to sell you the same equipment.
However, it’s important to consider some of the disadvantages of buying online, especially when it comes to large and expensive equipment like forklifts.
Here are some factors you should consider before you make your next purchasing decision.
Parts and Services
One significant advantage of buying locally is the aftermarket services that come with the purchase. This includes planned maintenance, parts, and services that can usually be packaged along with the equipment. When you buy from a local dealer, they will usually have your forklift information on file and have parts in stock. This means that when it’s time for maintenance or repairs, you can be confident knowing that any necessary parts or services will be readily available without requiring you to shop around.
This is important because many online dealers cannot guarantee any parts or services for their forklifts. They may not be able to service it themselves, or they will hire an outside company that may not be familiar with your particular machine. This can increase your repair cost and downtime, and your business may be out of an important piece of equipment, bringing your business’s efficiency down or even stopping it altogether.
Local dealers who sell you the equipment will always have the equipment’s documents and history on hand, which allows them to quickly and easily identify any problems that may arise, leading to faster and easier service. They may also be able to rent a replacement so your business can continue while your equipment is in the shop. For this reason alone, it’s advisable to buy locally, as it can save you large headaches later when deciding who to call for service and repairs.
Customer Experience
One of the main problems with online shopping is not knowing where your product comes from and how it was treated by its previous owner if it was used. Many shoppers encounter issues when buying online, such as not receiving the same equipment that was listed online. Many online-only retailers may not have the equipment in stock, even though it is listed on their website. They will sell the equipment for a discounted price as they do not have any service, parts, or warranties like local dealers. When it’s time for delivery, they will buy it from another equipment dealer that is close to the delivery address to save money on transportation fees. This means that the equipment that was listed is not necessarily the same equipment that you will get, and the company that delivers the equipment is not the same one that you bought it from. Therefore, if there was an issue with the equipment, you will have to go through the grueling process of tracking down the online retailer and trying to get a replacement, refund, or service from them, which is not easy as they could be halfway across the country. Buying locally is much easier, as any issues that come up can be quickly resolved through an email, phone call, or visit to the dealer’s address, without jumping through any complicated hoops. Most customers who buy locally always have a better customer service experience, as they know where and how to contact the local dealers should any issues arise.
Is It the Right Equipment For Your Business?
It’s easy to find and buy a forklift online nowadays, but many people forget to ask themselves a simple question: is this the right forklift for my needs? This simple question can mean the difference between getting a 3,000 lbs. forklift or a 5,000 lbs. forklift and paying for more than your business needs. Buying online means that you will need to do your own research, and you must know exactly what you need, as online dealers will not be able to tell you if that 5,000 lbs. machine will be right for your business.
Here is a list of questions and considerations that you’ll need to know when buying online:
- What kind of power will my forklift need? Will I need to have a charger installed in my warehouse?
- How wide are my aisles?
- Will I need a narrow aisle forklift?
- How high do I need to lift my product?
- Is there a height restriction? (Doorways or overhead obstructions)
- Is there a weight limit? (Elevators or 2nd floor warehouses)
- What kind of product am I lifting?
- Will my product use a pallet?
- Will my product be larger than a standard pallet?
- Will my product need a special attachment?
- Do I need to move and turn my forklift without turning the product?
- Will I need non-marking tires or non-static ratings?
- Do I need to comply with any safety regulations with regard to my new equipment?
- Will my employees need any special operator or maintenance training for the equipment?
When it comes to moving small pallets and boxes, a pallet jack or small forklift will usually do the job. But what if you need to move larger or unwieldy items like carpets or metal rods? In these situations, you’ll need to consider factors beyond weight capacity. For example, you may need a forklift with a higher weight capacity than the maximum weight you’re lifting if the product is particularly large or if you’re lifting it to a high height. And if you’re dealing with wide products like steel rods, a side-loading forklift may be necessary.
These are important considerations, and an online-only dealer may not be able to answer your questions. That’s where a local dealer comes in handy. A local dealer can send a sales representative to your business, take measurements on-site, and consider all of your requirements to provide you with the right equipment that fits your needs. Plus, if they have equipment in stock, you can look at and test drive it before making a purchase.
Don’t know which forklift is right for your business? Use our forklift finder.
Lead Time
Another factor to consider is lead time. If you buy from an online dealer, the lead time can be long, depending on where the equipment is coming from. Negotiation times between the online retailer and the dealer, delivery times, and any time required for negotiation between you and the online retailer can add up to months of waiting time. This can be costly for your business if you need a forklift during that time or need to rent one. Buying locally is often faster, as dealers can tell you if they have equipment in stock and can order it more quickly than an online dealer.
Conclusion
When you’re in the market for a forklift, it’s important to consider whether buying online or locally is the best option for your business. While online prices may be lower, you may be sacrificing customer service and experience. Local dealers can provide personalized service, send representatives to your business, and allow you to test equipment before making a purchase. If you’re looking for a forklift in CT, NY, or MA, check out local dealers for the full service and experience you deserve.