3 Tips On Choosing A Warehouse Equipment Supplier
What are some tips on choosing a warehouse equipment supplier?
- Make a list of the things you need
- Set a budget for the equipment
- Pick a company that meets your expectations
Warehouse management involves choosing the right equipment to help you ensure a more organized site and help your workers become more efficient. But choosing the right type of equipment and supplier can be difficult, especially with so many things to consider. In this article, you will learn some tips on choosing a warehouse equipment supplier. Keep on reading!
Make A List Of The Things You Need
Before you can choose a supplier for your warehouse equipment, you first need to know the equipment you need. By having an idea of what to buy, your search for a supplier will become easier. Here are some suggestions:
Lifting Equipment
Lifting equipment refers to machines that can make transportation and storage of goods so much easier. You need to consider what type of goods you’re transporting when choosing this type of equipment. Below are some recommendations:
- Forklifts: Small industrial vehicle that has a power-operated forked platform attached at the front. The platform can be raised and lowered to lift and move cargo. This type of equipment is typically powered by combustion engines or electric batteries.
- Pallet Jacks: Also called a pallet truck, this wheeled trolley has a jack that can raise and lower the forks to lift and transport pallets. There are manual and electric pallet trucks available.
Conveyors
Conveyors are machines that can move cargo from one location to another. These involve little human intervention and improve picking, packing, and dispatching times. Examples of conveyors are the following:
- Gravity roller conveyor: Moves products on rollers using the force of gravity. This type is simple and affordable.
- Belt conveyor: Moves products through the use of motorized pulleys with a conveyor material looped over.
- Chain Conveyor: Powered by a continuous chain for the transport of heavy loads.
Storage Equipment
The right storage equipment can help organize your inventory, allowing workers to find the right products efficiently. There is various storage equipment you can have in your warehouse, such as the following:
- Shelving
- Racks
- Carousels
- Bins
Set A Budget For The Equipment
Now that you have an idea of what types of equipment you need in your warehouse, the next step is to set a budget. To set a budget properly, you need to canvas for prices first. You can do some online research and inquire with different suppliers to compare prices.
Prices between suppliers can vary, so it’s important to shop around first to get the best deal. There are suppliers that can offer discounts on their equipment, and others that offset higher costs with better quality equipment.
You may also consider renting out equipment such as forklifts if you want to try them out first before investing. There are several benefits of renting. You can utilize equipment for lower costs, maintain uptime when your own equipment breaks down, meet temporary increases in workload, etc.
Pick A Company That Meets Your Expectations
The final thing to do is to choose a warehouse equipment supplier! There are several things you should consider:
Reputation And Experience
Remember that when you’re choosing a warehouse equipment supplier, you’re entering into a long-term relationship. If you need help in using and maintaining your equipment, you will need them to help you. That’s why it’s important to see references first before deciding on one.
You can inquire with a potential supplier about clients they have worked with in the past, or research their experience on your own. This is important as investing in warehouse equipment can be costly, so you need to be sure you’re choosing someone with a good reputation and experience.
Quality Of Products
Not all warehouse equipment suppliers offer the same products. Some companies offer different brands, so make sure you do your research about the brands first before deciding on a supplier. The quality of a product is important because you’ll be using them for a long time.
For instance, when it comes to forklifts, the most popular brand is Clark. Clark offers one of the broadest product lines, with trucks with different capacities, fuel types, and designs. The forklifts are also made with built-to-last engineering, so you’re sure that they’re safe and long-lasting.
Customer Service
Lastly, you also need to pick a warehouse equipment supplier that offers strong service and clear communication. Communication is important because it helps you have a good working relationship with your supplier. From your first inquiry about the products, through back and forth communication, and after the sale, you should be able to communicate properly.
Key Takeaway
Choosing a warehouse equipment supplier is easier, once you have made a list of the equipment you need, compared prices and made a budget, and done your research on various suppliers.
Follow these tips on choosing a warehouse equipment supplier, so you can find a long-term partner that can provide you with your equipment needs! If you’re looking for forklifts and pallet trucks, you can contact us here at Multico.
We can provide you with high-quality equipment that can make transportation and storage of goods more efficient. We also have rental programs if you need them. For maintenance services, you can rely on our skilled technicians too!
