With 638,583 businesses in the US that run manufacturing operations, the market for manufacturing supplies is booming—and that’s a good thing! It means more manufacturing companies and more American-made goods. But it also opens the floodgates for potential scammers looking to make a quick buck selling low-quality supplies.
With more manufacturing businesses than ever before, it can be hard to tell which suppliers are good and which ones aren’t. You could end up with the wrong machine that doesn’t fit your needs and won’t improve your production rate.
So how do you find the right supplier? Use this guide! It gives you all the tips and tricks you need to make the best choice for your profits.
What to Know Before You Buy Manufacturing Equipment
To get the most out of your new manufacturing parts, you need to make sure that you’re buying a high-quality piece of machinery and that you know how to properly use it. Here are some tips on what to think about before buying a new machine:
Make Sure That the Manufacturer Is Well-Regarded
The credibility of the manufacturer is key here. You want to be certain that they have experience producing other high-quality industrial supplies and are known for being trustworthy among buyers like yourself.
When it comes to making this important choice, there’s no room for guesswork. Look at the vendor’s previous clients and see if they have worked with any of the top companies in your field.
Be Aware of Short and Long-Term Costs
While it might seem cheaper upfront to buy used equipment, you’ll likely end up paying more in maintenance and repairs in the future. Buying an inferior product will ultimately cost you more money than if you had spent a little extra on something that has no wear and tear on it.
How to Choose the Best Manufacturing Supplies Vendor
Make sure that any suppliers you consider have experience working with manufacturers like yours. They’ll be more experienced in helping you reach your goals because they’ve done it before with companies just like yours.
Here are a few other things you should keep in mind when you’re searching for a new supplier:
Know Your Needs
Before you start shopping, take the time to sit down and think about your needs. To what extent will this vendor be involved in the production process? What is your business looking for?
For example, if you run a manufacturing company that produces a lot of branded products, you’ll need a manufacturing supplier like Universal Engraving to provide your engraved die and the tools to apply it.
Do Some Research
If this is your first time buying from a particular supplier, take some time to do a little digging around online to make sure they’re reputable and trustworthy.
Check out their website, and see if they’ve won any awards or been mentioned as rising stars in industry publications. You can also see what other people are saying about them on social media, online review sites, and through word of mouth.
Get References or Reviews From Former Customers
If you find yourself narrowing down the list of possible vendors, contact each one individually and ask for references or reviews from other customers who have purchased similar products in the past. If they refuse to provide this information or make excuses not to do so, move on and cross them off your list immediately!
Find the Right Supplier
Once you’ve evaluated your needs for a supplier, set up a budget and start looking around. Regardless of the supplier you choose, ensure that their machines come with a long warranty. You should also have easy access to service representatives who can quickly help if any issues arise.
If you’re looking to purchase manufacturing supplies and equipment, our other articles will show you more steps to finding the right suppliers, cost-saving strategies, and more.
