| Whether you're a drywall man or you run a heavy | | | | necessarily set your sights on the Rolls Royce of a |
| machinery business, the tools that help get the big | | | | particular machine if it's not required to get the job |
| jobs done must be in good condition or business will | | | | done right. |
| go south. Buying used construction equipment can be | | | | * Set a budget. This is very important, especially for |
| a big gamble, but oftentimes businesses just starting | | | | new businesses starting out. Be realistic and prioritize |
| out cannot afford brand new machines. Smart used | | | | your needs. If you have to buy the mid-line machine |
| buys are out there; they just have to be found. | | | | now, you may find yourself in a better position to |
| Although it's certainly true some used buys aren't | | | | buy that top model not too far down the road. |
| worth the powder to blow them up, with careful and | | | | * Research brands, models. Know exactly what |
| smart shopping great machines can be found. The | | | | features you need and which products provide the |
| key to buying the best used equipment to make | | | | best results. Look at machine specifications, reviews |
| sure business goes smoothly is to do some | | | | from past users and even look into what other |
| investigating before making a purchase. There's no | | | | industry pros you know personally say about |
| reason why well cared for machines that are passed | | | | machines. Pick a top make/model or two for each |
| on through used sales can't get the job done right. | | | | anticipated purchase. |
| It's just a question of finding the machines that have | | | | Now's the time to start searching for the machines |
| been treated properly and maintained as they should | | | | you need to get your business off the ground on the |
| be. Remember, many businesses upgrade machinery | | | | right foot. Shop around for the makes and models |
| on a regular basis and the pieces of equipment they | | | | you've determined to be the best. Make sure to |
| replace oftentimes are in great shape. The trick is | | | | inspect machines, if possible, before a purchase and |
| finding these machines! | | | | ask to see maintenance records if they're available. |
| Before buying used equipment: | | | | A used machine purchase can be a great way to get |
| * Determine your exact needs. If you're launching a | | | | a business going. Whether you need large |
| lawn care company, for example, do you really need | | | | construction machines like backhoes and earth |
| that stump grinder on a daily basis? Would a rental be | | | | movers or smaller ones like lawn tractors or forklifts, |
| smarter and money be better spent on heavy-duty | | | | the purchases you make will effect the way your |
| mowing tractors? Should you be opening a business | | | | business gets done. Take a little time to do some |
| that needs warehouse equipment, a good forklift | | | | research. Carefully consider needs and budgetary |
| might come in handy, but is it necessary to get the | | | | constraints. And, be certain to check into buys |
| biggest one coming out of the gate? Look for items | | | | before making them if at all possible. |
| that meet or exceed your expectations, but don't | | | | |