You have a lot to think about when you’re buying new and used packaging machines. Which packaging equipment company has the best prices, or the most convenient delivery options, or the biggest catalog? Compared to the other investments you may make for your company, though, your machinery requires extra attention and care—it has to last for years, maintaining its current quality as best as possible. Choosing the right packaging equipment company can help you make that a reality, so don’t just think about the equipment’s cost as the price of the machine—it’s the price of the peace of mind that accompanies it.

Experts and Salespeople

There are two types of packaging equipment company: Those working for the sale, and those working for the customer. Salespeople don’t always understand their own products, let alone know what’s best for you and your production line. An expert, however, knows all about new and used packaging machines—especially the ones they offer. This is why companies with enormous inventories aren’t necessarily better—their people may not know as much about each machine as they need to. If a packaging equipment company doesn’t seem to know its own equipment, they won’t be any more reliable down the road.

Services, Maintenance and More

Your packaging equipment company should offer more than just machines. Used packaging machines should be completely refurbished, and your equipment should come with options for installation and training services. Unlike products of other industries, packaging machines aren’t just commodities—they require a combination of careful integration, comprehensive training and regular maintenance to keep them working as well as they should. If your packaging equipment company only sells machines and doesn’t service them, you can’t be completely sure that they believe in their own products. A company that sells and services, however, holds itself accountable for the quality of your machines, so you always know where to turn.

More Than a Product

Ultimately, your best machinery supplier is one that treats the equipment like you do: Not as a product, but as an investment. By understanding what makes these machines tick and knowing how to keep them performing, you and your supplier can work together to improve your line’s performance for the short-term and the long-term.