Purchasing heavy equipment is a significant investment, so you’ll want to ensure you’re working with a trusted partner. Before beginning your search for a dealer, take time to outline your requirements. Answer key questions such as:
- What equipment do you need?
- Is the brand important?
- Would you like to buy or rent?
- What is your timeline?
- Do you want new or used?
- What is your budget?
With your requirements firmly in place, you are ready to start visiting dealerships. Let’s dive into how to choose the best heavy equipment dealer for your business. These tips can help you feel comfortable and confident going into a sale.
1. Research Dealerships
You want the dealership you work with to be professional and reliable, so do your homework to learn all you can about your options. Ask around to see what colleagues have to say about their experiences with dealerships in the area. You can read online reviews to discover dealer reputations and what sales practices they use.
When researching dealerships, look at how long they’ve been in business. Are they a well-established brand with a long history? Do they have proper operating licenses and permits? Also, it’s important to consider how the dealership measures up against industry standards and competitors. Discover if they offer the new or used equipment you need and the brands and models you are interested in.
2. Consider Location
Checking out dealerships close to your location is best. Transporting heavy machinery over long distances can be difficult and time-consuming. Even if the dealership offers other perks, the costs and time delays in receiving your equipment and any required service or parts may impact your productivity and bottom line.
When you work with a heavy equipment dealer close to your job site, you can reduce transportation costs and delivery times. Proximity also makes it easier to order parts and for technicians to come out if your equipment needs maintenance. The convenience of a closely located dealer can offer many cost and time-saving benefits.
3. Ask About Warranties
Heavy equipment can pose a few risks for your business. You use these machines in rugged environments and all types of weather, meaning they can receive quite a beating day in and day out. Unplanned repairs could set your business back without adequate warranty protection.
You’ll want to find a reliable partner to help you navigate equipment complexities and protect your business from the unexpected. Discover what kinds of protection plans the dealer offers and if their coverage level can meet your needs and budget. Discussing details with dealers beforehand can save your business money in the long run.
4. Examine the Dealership
When you arrive at the dealership, take a good look around the place. The property’s condition can say a lot about the dealership’s priorities. A clean, well-maintained space speaks to organization and thoroughness, while chaos and dirtiness are red flags.
Evaluate the dealership’s fleet while you’re there, too. Ensure the equipment is in good condition before purchasing or renting it. See if they follow a regular maintenance plan to keep their fleet in top shape.
5. Learn About After-Sale Service
Does the dealer see you as a one-off sale or a long-term partner? You want to work with a dealership that will support you and your equipment long after the sale has been made. A dealership should do more than sell equipment — they should be invested in your success. One way to evaluate a potential relationship is to learn about their service offerings post-sale.
Do they provide regular maintenance? What servicing options can they perform? Do they employ well-trained technicians who can come out quickly to address repair needs? A full-service dealership can assist with these needs to help you maximize your equipment investment. If the dealership doesn’t offer any after-sale service, you’ll have to seek out other places to receive parts and critical equipment service.
6. Evaluate Customer Service
A good dealership should be just as interested in building a long-term relationship as you are. When you visit the dealership, observe how staff members treat you. Are they professional? Do they seem knowledgeable about the equipment they offer? Do you feel like they are holding anything back?
Look for a dealer who demonstrates their commitment to you and your business by:
- Greeting you with a warm welcome.
- Responding quickly to your messages.
- Keeping their technicians up to date on training.
- Working with you to develop personalized solutions.
- Solving problems with innovative ideas.
- Ensuring your experience is seamless.
7. Assess Financing Options
A good dealer understands the investment you are making and offers a variety of financing options to help you pay for your equipment without breaking the bank. Review what kind of financing packages various dealerships offer to see who can provide the best value for your money.
Pricing should always be transparent. You should feel confident that you can make the best financial decisions for your business when you work with the dealer. If quotes don’t match up with final totals or hidden fees start to pop up, you may want to look elsewhere for your heavy equipment needs.
8. Shop Around
Go around to multiple dealerships to find the best deal for your needs. Keep your business’s future in mind by looking for the one that offers the most promising relationship. As you explore your options, write down a list to help you visually compare the different dealerships. Cross options off as you consider factors such as:
- Business reputation.
- Location.
- Coverage.
- Ongoing maintenance and repair services.
- Customer service.
- Financing plans.
- Upfront costs.
Where to Buy or Rent Heavy Equipment
When you want to partner with a reliable new and used heavy equipment dealer, choose Inland Truck & Equipment. For over 70 years, we have provided heavy equipment solutions for our clients. We provide a variety of equipment brands and models to ensure you find the right fit for your business. Our team is happy to create a tailored financing plan that works for your budget.
In addition to a variety of equipment types and brands, we offer the parts, service, and maintenance you need to maximize your investment. Our comprehensive suite of services gives you the flexibility and peace of mind you need to meet your business’s unique needs. Our technicians receive industry-leading training and use the latest tools and equipment to provide efficient and effective equipment service.
Visit One of Our Dealerships to Learn More
Inland Truck & Equipment is one of the best places to rent and buy heavy equipment — but don’t take our word for it. Come to one of our dealerships to see the benefits for yourself. Our team is eager to help you find the right heavy equipment for your projects.
Browse our list of dealerships to find your closest location today.
