From time to time, readers contact us about unscrupulous vendors who either fail to deliver forklifts after payment, or supply machines that differ from the buyer's expectation. Where a specific supplier shows up in multiple complaints, we often investigate and report on our findings - although our intervention sometimes leads to a speedy resolution. In other words, when we start asking questions, the equipment suddenly turns up!
There is a deeper issue here: the world seems to have moved on from handshake agreements. Buyers need to protect themselves by getting everything in writing and not making payment without ensuring delivery. There are several options and it's best to consult your bank about ways of protecting yourself.
Finally, anyone who has been burned should share their experiences in our Discussion Forum so that others can be warned. And you should also make it a habit to do a quick search on our site before undertaking any large purchases.