Industrial parts come in many different packages, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for before you start your shopping trip. Not only will this preparation save you time and money, but it can also help you make smarter purchase decisions about items, brands and warranties. Here are just a few tips if you’re in the market for industrial parts.
1. Create a Budget
First things first: How much can you afford to spend on your new pump, hose or mixer? Keep in mind that you might also be responsible for delivery charges or installation costs. Your budget should be flexible enough to accommodate unforeseen expenses but solid enough that you won’t go into the red with your new industrial purchase. If necessary, create a spreadsheet with different sections for things like “listed price,” “shipping costs” and “product insurance.”
2. Consider Your Wants and Needs
Maybe you need something of a specific size. Maybe you have power requirements handed down from your warehouse operator. There’s no wrong answer when you’re dealing with personal preferences or project parameters, so make sure that you’ve talked about these potential purchase factors with your bosses. You don’t want to wind up with an industrial product that’s a half-inch too big or made with steel plates instead of aluminum.
3. Scour the Warranty
Some people don’t even look at the warranty before they buy an industrial product, and this is a big mistake. You’ll want to know everything about replacement policies and return shipping costs before you commit to your purchase. Don’t be afraid to go over the warranty with a fine-toothed comb, and contact the manufacturer if you have any questions about what you’ve read.
4. Read Customer Reviews
Last but certainly not least, look for customer reviews of whatever product that you’ve been eyeballing. Do people seem pleased with their purchase? Do they have any warnings for future buyers? Is there anything that they wished they’d known in advance before they bought the product themselves? Paying attention to reviews can help you avoid a lemon, so don’t discount them during your shopping process.
These are just a few tips for buying industrial parts. Whether you’re looking for deaerator pumps or hydraulic mixers, make sure that you’ve selected a product that you can trust. If you don’t feel confident about your decision, don’t buy it!