If you're a business owner whose business operates heavy machinery, you know that regular equipment maintenance is important to keep it in good condition.
However, even the most diligent owner sometimes can't avoid an unexpected breakdown.
When your equipment does break down, the last thing you want to do is wait for parts from your local supplier or waste time driving around looking for a store that has your part in stock.
The solution? Buy your heavy equipment parts online. The primary advantages include saving you time, money, and stress. It's also a great way to get parts in a hurry when you need them since some sellers can have your parts shipped within 24 hours.
You shouldn't have to take time away from more important tasks to hunt down the right parts from various vendors. Instead, you can locate exactly what you're looking for in a matter of clicks!
However, you should know a few things before purchasing heavy equipment parts online. To help, here are a few pointers to keep in mind.
Keep Track of Your Equipment Model and Serial Numbers
The first step in buying replacement parts is knowing your machine's model and serial numbers.
The easiest way to do this is to save the information after you purchase your original equipment. This will greatly reduce the time spent looking for and purchasing replacement parts.
Compare Prices across Multiple Sellers and Websites
When buying heavy equipment parts, you want to ensure you get the best deal possible.
This means comparing the cost of products across multiple sellers and websites.
Out of the entire process of buying heavy equipment parts online, this will likely be the most time-consuming part.
However, it's essential you don't skip this step to ensure you get the best price and service possible.
Find a Reputable Seller
When making a large and expensive purchase, such as a part for machinery, it's important to look for suppliers with good reviews.
One of the best ways to find reputable sellers online is by looking at their ratings and reviews online. If they have negative reviews or low ratings, try another seller instead.
Another way is by checking out how long they've been in business. If they've been around for years and still have positive customer reviews, it's likely safe to buy from them (though it's still a good idea to read a few reviews first).
You can also learn a lot about their customer service from the feedback other buyers have left.
If something goes wrong with your order, having good customer service means everything when it comes to getting a replacement part or refund quickly.
Open an Account through Their Website
Most sellers require you to register for an account with your company information before viewing their complete inventory. Some may even have you contact them for private quotes instead of having their prices listed.
The reason is to allow the parts supplier to build connections and relationships with their buyers. This allows them to run their online business just as they would if you were to purchase their products in person.
This also allows the seller to section their buyers into different price lists. Equipment costs can differ for trade, wholesale, or retail purchases.
Search by Part Number, Make, or Model of Your Equipment
Now that you have an account registered and open, you will have access to their inventory.
To make the process of finding your specific parts much faster, you can search by the part number, make, or model of the item you need.
Use this information when ordering to ensure you get the correct parts for your machine. If you don't have this information, contact your machine's manufacturer or search online for your specific model and serial number.
Once you find your part on the seller's website, you can add it to your cart just as you would on any other eCommerce store, or contact the seller for a quote.
If you want to save money, some sellers may also have options for used and remanufactured parts.
Ask about Warranties or Guarantees
When purchasing new parts, inquire whether the seller provides any form of warranty or guarantee on their items.
If they don't give one, consider buying elsewhere. A good warranty protects you against defects in materials and workmanship for a specific amount of time after purchase.
If the part fails soon after installation, a warranty will provide you with much-needed peace of mind.
Check Shipping Rates before Buying
Shipping charges may not be included in the upfront cost of an item, and they can add up quickly — especially if you're ordering several parts at once.
Before buying, look at the website's shipping policies and rates to ensure they meet your needs.
You should be able to find out how long it takes for products to ship, how long they will take to arrive once they leave the warehouse, and how much it costs to ship the product.
You can also contact the seller before placing an order so they can give you an estimate over the phone. You should also figure out who's responsible for paying duties and taxes on international shipments before committing to placing an order from outside your country's borders.
Main Takeaway
Buying heavy equipment parts online is safe and easy to do. You can find the part you need, order it, and have it shipped directly to your door in a matter of days. It's that simple.
You'll save valuable time and money since you won't have to drive around to different stores looking for the parts you need. With just a few clicks, you can return to running your business as usual!
Need a Reliable Shipping Company?
Have you found the right parts but need a shipping company to send them out to you? A-1 Auto Transport has got you covered!
We offer door-to-door delivery services to our customers across the United States. When booking a shipment through A-1 Auto Transport, you can rest assured that your order will be delivered promptly and safely by one of our professional drivers.
When it comes to serving our customers, we always aim to go above and beyond your expectations.
Browse our website to learn more about our services, or contact us today for a free quote!