With new companies across industries increasingly entering high-stakes markets, there’s more pressure than ever to ensure sizable business growth as soon as possible. Unfortunately for companies operating on limited initial budgets, this goal can be much easier said than done and
relies on making the best decisions for your business while also keeping spending to a minimum.
As you might already know, this is no easy task, which is why new business owners are increasingly turning to cost-cutting options like secondhand equipment. The question is, with equipment closely linked to workplace safety, do these used options ultimately mean cutting corners?
We don’t think so. In fact, company closures seen throughout the pandemic mean that used equipment can be high quality in every industry. That said, with used equipment at a significantly increased risk of malfunction or employee danger, success here is also dependent on taking the following steps before investment.
Check the reputability of your seller
Whether you’re purchasing warehouse machinery from a company closure or vehicle parts from tractor salvage yards, the reputability of your seller will be your main telling point. If a seller has bad reviews or a complete lack of reviews when you research, then it’s certainly a sign they’re perhaps not the best for reliable purchases. By comparison, sellers famed for their high-quality equipment, parts, or expertise are far more likely to provide you with the finished product that you need. Reputable sellers will also generally offer things like money-back schemes, as well as advising you during your purchase to make it far less likely that you’ll need to claim on that offer.
Know what you’re looking at
It’s all too easy to jump into a seeming bargain without noticing things like dangerously worn parts, misshaping, or even severe damage that means purchase would be both a false economy, and that you put everybody at risk by making this investment. Instead, always do your research, taking time to understand everything from the shape of the equipment to things like stamp marks and other quality indicators. Again, finding a reputable seller here can help as they’ll advise you, but make sure that you fully understand how this equipment should look when new, and thus when used damage takes it beyond its best or even safest.
Get help in-house
Your employees will be the ones most often using this equipment, meaning that they’re likely to have a far better idea of what ‘good’ looks like. Seeking in-house help and advice from your warehouse manager, IT team, or even on-field experts depending on what you’re buying will certainly provide you with a much-needed professional eye. As well as importantly getting your employees on board, this is guaranteed to result in far more informed and wise used purchases than you might make from going in blind otherwise.
Used equipment could be a genius way to save money in your business, or a foolish attempt to cut corners. Make sure you stay on the right side of that divide by always implementing these pointers before signing on the dotted line.
