For those of us involved in the business of buying and
selling used machinery the decline of the global economic crisis over the last
few years has presented itself as somewhat of a double edged sword.
As the number of businesses forced into foreclosure
increases, so the quantity of redundant and repossessed assets on the open
market increase with it. The positive outcome of this being that this upturn in
readily available machinery means that bargains are definitely there to be had
for both dealers and end users alike.
Is the price right?
It has always been the ethos of any trader to buy cheap and
sell high maximising profit wherever possible, but clearly those days are now
well and truly behind us. Whether you like it or not it has become a buyer’s
market and the inevitable consequence of this is a vastly decreased expectation
of value and price.
The used marketplace has become diluted and profit margins
for dealers and resellers diminished as buyers and end users start to reconstruct
and indeed dictate the valuation model to traders. This is all well and good
but it does beg the question “do you really only get what you pay for?”
It wouldn’t be unfair to state that getting suppliers to
drastically slash their pricing model when being played off against each other
might indeed result in reduced quality of product and service. This is
something that end users in particular really need to consider when purchasing
second user machinery. If your chosen provider has capitulated and
significantly reduced their price to win your order are you confident you will
receive the product as described when first quoted?
Consider the long
game
For those companies like ourselves that strive constantly to
produce quality refurbished machinery getting customers to understand the
benefit of paying that little bit extra for quality and peace of mind is
becoming harder by the week.
Buying a used machine for a great price in as is condition
is great provided you don’t end up with a pig in a poke. Consideration should
be given to the cost of dismantling, transportation, installation and
commissioning. Also, as a business how familiar are you and your staff with the
technology you have just purchased? In many cases it is likely that there will
be additional training costs. A quick win on purchase price does not guarantee
a profitable pay back in the long term.
A word of caution
You need to ask yourself are you really going to get the
production performance you expect from your purchase. When you invest in used
equipment that has been refurbished correctly its performance should not be far
from what it could do when first purchased as a new machine.
And here’s the warning, a machine that has been cleaned,
repainted and had some belts replaced is NOT a refurbished machine unless it
has had all worn or near end of life components replaced including main drive
shafts, gears and cams as well as motors and pumps reconditioned and the
machine itself reset and calibrated to original technical specification and
then fully tested, preferably by you, the customer prior to delivery.
Additionally make sure you have taken into consideration all
relevant health and safety legal requirements. Does the machine meet with
current regulations?
In conclusion
To conclude here are a few things you should really consider
when purchasing used machinery.
Buying ‘As Is’
Buying equipment in as is condition ensures you will benefit
from a reduced initial capital expenditure depending on age, condition and
technical specification. In most cases the item will be available direct from
its existing location and you are likely to have to cover the cost of
decommissioning and dismantling, loading, transportation and installation at
your works.
Additionally the machine may require some additional
remedial work or a service and depending on your familiarity with the
technology purchased additional training for you staff may be required.
Before committing to the purchase make sure you have the
equipment inspected by a competent engineer with proven technical knowledge of
the machine. Yes there will be a small fee to pay for this but it could save
you considerable unexpected financial outlay in the future.
Buying ‘Checked and Cleaned’
Purchasing equipment checked and cleaned is likely to cost a
little more than buying ‘as is’. It is likely that you will also be buying from
a dealer. If the machine has indeed been checked make sure you ask for a brief
report of the inspection findings. If they cannot provide you with this then it
is likely the machine has not been thoroughly inspected.
Also, you need to be able to see the machine running and if
possible running an example of the type of work you hope to be producing within
your business.
Ask about delivery, installation and training. Can the supplier
include this in the deal?
Buying ‘Refurbished’
As previously mentioned a refurbished machine should be
exactly that. There is a big difference between a machine that has been
cleaned, painted and serviced and one that has undergone a full refurbishment.
Ask them to provide you with proof of the work undertaken.
If you have put a deposit on a machine not yet refurbished make sure you visit
the supplier’s workshop during the refurbishment process to get a better
understanding of the work being done.
The price of a refurbished machine will usually include
delivery and if location permits installation. You should also expect to
receive a comprehensive warranty or guarantee.
And Finally
Investing in new or used machinery is not something that
should be taken lightly. In difficult economic times it is important that your
purchase is the right one. Do your homework. Are you considering a particular
type of machine because you are familiar with it, because it is a brand leader
or because a member of staff has ensured you that in his or her experience it
is the right direction to go?
All valid reasons but most importantly you need to make sure
that your purchase will fit the profile of work you need it for, not just now
but in the long term. Consider your clients, your industry and new
technological developments.
Invest for the future
as well as for now. After all, you will only ever get what you pay for!
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