SEARCHING FOR THE RIGHT COMPANY
When starting out on your legal for trade truck scale journey, one may question how to go about picking the best truck scale manufacturers that fit their needs. There are things one will have to consider other than if they have the best price. This will go over some of the things you will want to consider when going through the truck scale selection process.
WHAT’S YOUR BUDGET?
The budget when purchasing a scale can be tricky because you have to think about your long and short-term goals. Determining the size of the scale and what it will be used for is one thing. Your budget is another. The first thing to realize is all that you will need for a full build. For a proper scale system, you will need to consider the truck scale foundation, if you go with a steel deck or not. When researching a scale company, it is important to go with one that fits inside of your budget.
One way to do this is looking at all that is offered from said company if you were to work with them. What is included with the purchase of a scale? Will you receive maintenance on all components including load cells? Do the scales offered fit within your budget? For larger projects, will the company work with you and your budget to find the best scale for you? These are the makings of a good company. When it comes to determining your budget, it’s all about finding the right balance between short and long-term.
Truck scales are a major investment so make sure you know what impacts the price of a truck scale before going out to purchase one. The right company will be able to identify this and help guide you through the process. Some things to consider when pricing out your scale and searching for a company are as follows:Do you need a remote display?Are you using analog or electronic load cells?What kind of scale indicator do you need?What are the weighing applications your scale is used for?Will you use additional scale accessories?
QUALITY AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE STAFF
When it comes to picking the right scale and company, there are a lot of technical factors involved. The best way to be sure that you are getting the right truck scale company for you is by consulting with experts in the field. There is nothing wrong with contacting a company to help answer the more detailed questions that can’t be answered through a Google search.
A good company with a knowledgeable and responsive staff is one of the best qualities a company can have. With minimal research, It can be easy to purchase the wrong scale for your operation, especially if you are new to truck scales in general. For example, you may need a scale for your warehouse, but decide to purchase a shipping scale thinking it will be a sufficient choice. Granted, a shipping scale may be able to weigh the products coming through. The issue comes into play when the internal parts suffer damage from moisture and dust floating around in the work environment.
With the minimal research the scale picked ended up being the wrong scale, thus costing more money in the long run.By going through a scale company with knowledgeable and helpful staff, they can help guide you and keep you from purchasing the wrong scale for your business. A good company will work with you throughout the lifespan of your scale. Going with a company that is mainly based online will have perks cost wise, but will lack on the customer service side. Consider what services the company you are considering offers.
From working with you at the start of the truck scale installation, as well as performing scale calibrations on a regular schedule (scale calibrations are meant to be performed once a quarter depending on usage). When looking for a scale company, remember to pay attention to the quality of their staff and products.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE QUALITY
Service and maintaining your scale is inevitable and when looking for a good company, knowing what services are provided when it comes to maintaining your truck scale is an important part of choosing the right company. There are common problems that you will encounter during your ownership As mentioned earlier, your budget plays a big role in your overall decision.
When looking at what is involved with maintenance, it is important to discuss with the company you are considering how their maintenance and service works. How far do they travel for service? Do they offer other services like pressure washing or calibration tests? Some of these services will be included in the warranty for a limited time. But be sure to look into what is included. For example a scoreboard or junction box may not be covered, so it is good to look to see what exactly is included. If you want to learn more about warranties then check out our article “The Guide To Truck Scale Warranties' ' to help explain what is included in larger detail.
CONCLUSION
When it comes down to it, choosing the right truck scale company will save you downtime and costs in the long run. The task can feel overwhelming when searching for the right company, but taking the time to research and contact companies will get you on the right track. When starting on your truck scale journey, it is important to keep in mind the above points. At American Scale we strive to bring our customers the best service and resources. Be sure to check out some of our more in depth articles such as How much do truck scales cost, or whether you need a stainless steel indicator or washdown. “5 Biggest Mistakes When Buying A Truck Scale” and “The Cost of a Turn-Key Truck Scale” among others.