Selecting the Right Provider
Selecting a material handling solutions provider can initially be an overwhelming task. Potential customers often find themselves wading through a mire of product literature only to feel more confused about the best course of action. In addition to digesting a litany of product specifications, potential customers must also decide which provider is offering the most dependable product at the most competitive price point.
Amongst the cacophony of voices competing for a company’s business, how does a potential customer select the best material handling solutions provider? Outlined below are three steps that, if followed, should eliminate the stress associated with making a material handling product purchase.
What does the company offer?
- Provide insight into their organization;
- Clearly define their product line(s);
- Offer a variety of product information; and
- Establish clear customer/company communication channels (i.e. toll-free phone numbers, email addresses, chat features, etc.).
Additionally, companies that have experience solving unique material handling challenges will populate their website with a variety of free customer resources (i.e. case studies, blog posts, white papers, etc.) that demonstrate their undeniable product acumen.
After completing a thorough cyber investigation, there is value in scheduling an appointment to meet the prospective company’s staff and tour their facility. Information that cannot be adequately captured online will become more obvious through in-person interactions. Customers should be wary of any company that is too busy for a scheduled visit or rushes through a set appointment. In many respects, selecting a material handling solutions provider is a long-term commitment. Customers should leave every interaction feeling confident that they have a partner that they can call on for help and guidance.
Do they understand your pain points?
As customers begin to winnow down the list of potential material handling vendors, they should have confidence that their specific pain points are known and understood by their material handling company. To this end, customers should be extremely wary of any company that aggressively or exclusively promotes “off the rack” solutions. Unique challenges cannot be adequately resolved with universal solutions. Providers that are quick to promote their out-of-the-box products are not concerned with providing dependable equipment for the long term. They are most likely looking to make a quick and easy sale. Stay away!
Conversely, material handling solution providers that take the time to ask questions and investigate a company’s challenges are more likely to suggest custom products that seamlessly integrate into a facility’s operations. While this fact-finding process may initially take more time, it will yield dividends in money saved and frustrations avoided down the road. Time and again, custom built material handling solutions have been proven to improve operational efficiency, increase safety and reduce operational costs. In today’s competitive market, these advantages should not be quickly dismissed for the sake of speed.
What do their previous customers say?
Customers contemplating a material handling product purchase should not be afraid to ask their solutions provider for references from previous clients. Credible solution providers will be able to easily arrange communication between past and future customers. Additionally, a company’s case studies (typically posted on their website) are another great way to gain insight into past customer satisfaction. Case studies that specifically reference a customer by name have been read and approved by the product end-user. This process ensures that a company’s products and abilities are accurately represented in the document.
Prospective customers should also talk with other companies in their industry that have recently purchased material handling solutions. With nothing to gain from giving their opinion, former customers are likely to give their honest and unbiased insights on products and the purchasing experience. Through these interactions, prospective customers may also learn about potential solution opportunities that they may not be considering.
Wildeck, Inc. is an undeniable leader in the material handling industry. Their full range of material handling products are designed to meet your facility’s exact specifications, helping you achieve your profit, growth and return on investment goals.
In the New England area, Bode Equipment Company is Wildeck’s dealer of choice. Bode is first in class when it comes to providing customers with quality material handling solutions. Their knowledgeable staff is more than qualified to help you navigate the custom material handling landscape. Together, Bode and Wildeck, provide the New England area with high-quality, innovative material handling solutions!
Call or fill out an information request to see how Wildeck and Bode can positively impact your facility’s operations, Contact Bode