Discussion:
How do we choose which Brand to buy

Recently most forklift buyers here in the Philippines considers only price. Only multi-national companies buy what they think is a better forklift. Very rare that studies are made to compare specifications, advantages and disadvantages. Most of the time decisions are made based on price, price and price only. Is it really a significant factor?
  • Posted 8 Feb 2006 15:02
  • By leobert_b
  • joined 9 Feb'05 - 23 messages
  • Makati, Philippines
Never Say Die! in every sale, life is at stake
Showing items 1 - 2 of 2 results.
Sport5; Ditto and bravo!! In my opinion the reasons that you spelled out are the only reasons to decide what truck to buy. The dealer is the best measurement. All dealers need the wherewithall to properly take care of their customers, but I have seen many dealers that have many more tools than we have that lack the attitude of wanting to properly take care of their customers.
Factory to dealer support is a given in todays market place. Any dealer would have investigated the level of the manufacturers support before signing on with them. Any dealer that doesn't, again doesn't have the customers best interest in mind.
  • Posted 10 Feb 2006 02:03
  • By duodeluxe
  • joined 11 Feb'05 - 923 messages
  • United States
duodeluxe
The initial acquisition cost is the smallest part of the total cost of ownership for a lift truck. If a customer could negotiate another 5% discount off of a quote that is priced to the current market, the overall savings in the total cost of ownership would be 1% or less. The most significant savings come from the productivity of the truck (lift speeds, travel speeds coupled with ergonomics) plus the reliability (mean time between failures plus ease of maintenence) and fuel efficiency. Choosing the right truck here can deliver 10% to 15% or more savings over the life of a truck. The last but probably the most important is choosing the right dealer. Lift trucks are machines, machines need service and eventually breakdown no matter how well designed they are. The capability of the dealer to deliver fast reliable service including having the parts in stock, mechanics trained to work on the type of truck (gas,LPG,diesel,CNG,Electric) and equpped with the required level of technology to trouble shoot and repair the unit can play a significant factor in the total cost. What is the cost to a customer for each hour of lost productivity when a truck is down and a dealer cannot repair it promptly for one reason or another? That number will vary from one business to another however it is usually very significant.
This may be a longer answer than you wanted however, it really does encompass all of the broader measurements that should be used to determine which truck is the best value.
  • Posted 10 Feb 2006 00:55
  • By sport05
  • joined 13 Jan'06 - 34 messages
  • United States

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