Shannahan Crane & Hoist

What to Consider When Choosing an Equipment Repair Company

The machinery maintenance and heavy equipment repair industry reached $34.3 billion in 2021. Not every equipment repair company will have the services you need, though. Before hiring a repair company, it’s important to vet your options.

You’ll have peace of mind knowing the company you hired has the experience and expertise you need. They’ll ensure your equipment runs efficiently, improving your bottom line.

Not sure who to hire? Here are six tips that can help you find the right company for the job. With these tips, you can find the experts you need!

Don’t hire the first equipment maintenance company you find online. Start vetting your options using these six easy tips today. 

1. Ask Around

First, speak with professionals you already know and trust. Reach out to other businesses within your professional circle. Ask if they’ve hired an equipment repair company in the past.

Speaking with people you already trust can help you narrow down your options. They’ve likely already vetted repair companies in the area. You can learn from their past experiences. 

Ask each professional you speak with if they would hire that repair company again. You can also ask if the company:

  • Was professional and knowledgeable
  • Was able to handle the scope of the project
  • Had the necessary tools for the job
  • Delivered the equipment in working order

You can also ask if the professional experienced any issues while working with the equipment repair company. How were those problems resolved?

Then, ask the professional if they would recommend that repair team. If they would recommend you look elsewhere, ask why.

If you can’t find a professional recommendation, that’s okay. Head online. You can Google “equipment repair services near me” and start developing a list. 

Then, use the rest of these tips to narrow down your options.

2. Look for Years of Experience

Before choosing an equipment repair company, it’s important to make sure they have the right experience. Head online and check the company’s Better Business Bureau listing.

Consider how long each company has run and operated.

Some businesses pop up overnight, scam their customers, and then disappear. Instead, look for a company that’s run and operated over the years. These companies have likely earned the respect of local businesses.

They’ve probably outlasted competing for repair businesses in the area, too. 

A brand new business, on the other hand, might still have kinks they need to work out. They might make costly mistakes when working on your equipment, too.

Instead, look for a business with equipment repair experience you can count on.

Ask if you can tour the company’s facility. During your tour, ask questions about the following:

  • Their process
  • Their repair services
  • How many clients they’re currently helping
  • How long it will take them to repair your equipment
  • If the company prioritizes safety
  • What cleanliness protocols they follow
  • How they train their team

Auditing the company can give you peace of mind about your choice.

3. Consider Their Expertise

It’s not enough to find a team with equipment repair experience. You also need to make sure their experience is relevant to your needs. Ask each company about its area of expertise.

What types of equipment do they usually work on? For example, you might need:

  • Hoists
  • Bridge cranes
  • Gorbel workstation cranes
  • Wireless radio controls
  • Magnetek variable frequency controls

Have they worked on equipment like yours in the past? If they’re not familiar with your equipment, they could make costly mistakes. 

They might even do more harm than good when repairing your equipment. 

If you’re not an expert in equipment maintenance, you need to find someone with the expertise you can count on. 

Ask each company about who will work on your equipment. Then, talk to that expert about their training. Make sure their expertise is relevant to your industry, too.

For example, you might need a team that covers:

  • Fabrication
  • Coil handling
  • Aerospace
  • Plastic injection/die handling
  • Railcar and locomotive

Choosing someone with the experience and expertise you need will give you peace of mind. 

4. Request Case Studies

Every equipment repair company will try to convince you that they’re the best in the business. You don’t have to take their word for it. Instead, ask each company for proof of their work.

Can they provide a case study? Case studies can indicate the company’s abilities. For example, you can ask about their success rate. 

Is the company able to meet tight deadlines? Do they provide routine maintenance checks?

Reviewing their case studies can help you determine if the company will meet your expectations. If they can’t, take your business elsewhere.

5. Look for Online Customer Reviews

You can learn more about each company’s abilities by asking for references and reviews. Ask if you can speak with a client that uses equipment similar to yours. Then, ask the client about their experience working with that repair company.

Did the client experience any issues while working with the repair team? How were those problems resolved?

Ask the client if they were satisfied with the work they received, too.

Try to speak with at least three of the company’s most recent clients. Otherwise, head online. Online customer reviews can give you a better sense of the company’s abilities as well. 

Over 90% of consumers trust peer recommendations. Reading online customer reviews can give you peace of mind in your choice. 

You can find reviews on the company’s Better Business Bureau and Google My Business listings. If they have any complaints filed against them, scratch that company off your list.

Choose a repair company that has a strong professional reputation. They’ll work hard to maintain that reputation when offering their services.  

6. Consider the Cost

Before choosing an equipment repair company, consider comparing repair fees. 

Ask at least three repair companies for a quote. Make sure there’s an itemized list of their services. Then, take the time to compare your options.

You don’t have to choose the cheapest company. Instead, compare your notes.

Choose a company that has the experience and expertise you can count on. A cheaper business might fail to meet your expectations. 

Start Your Search: 6 Tips for Finding a Reliable Equipment Repair Company

You don’t have to hire the first equipment repair company you find online. Instead, use these tips to narrow down your options. With these tips, you can find a repair company you can depend on. 

Their services will ensure your equipment functions properly and run efficiently. 

Want to discuss your repair needs with an expert? We’re here to help.

Contact us today to get started.

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