An equipment purchase is much more than an exchange of money for goods, it is declaring a commitment to a long-term collaboration between two organizations. Packaging and automation equipment can continue to produce for upwards of twenty years so you should select a supplier who strives every day to help improve your bottom line. Does your selected vendor offer preventive maintenance plans? Are you confident that they can get a service technician on site quickly if needed? Can they help troubleshoot remotely? Have they built in training to the installation? Can you get training periodically as your turnover rate may be relatively high? Do they have an inventory of equipment should we need something quickly? What is their on-time delivery percentage on spare parts? Answers to these questions should help make the decision clearer.

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