If the price of a new CNC machine is making you think about buying it used, you are not alone. For many woodworkers, the price of a new CNC router is unaffordable. However, business owners need the machine to succeed in their woodworking venture. If you need new machines that your present budget cannot afford, you can save money by purchasing them used, and still receive reliable machinery. You have to be smart about what you buy and whom you buy from. Below are five tips for purchasing used CNC woodworking machines that work like new:
Check a Seller’s record at the BBB
Buying from a disreputable seller can only cause problems, so the best way to start your search is by checking a seller’s record at the Better Business Bureau (BBB). In addition to checking the seller’s letter grade, also check its record. If you find evidence of bad customer service, find a different seller that has an impressive record at the BBB.
Check a Seller’s Business History
Buying from a company that is not performing well could result in purchasing overpriced equipment, improperly assessed equipment, or even not receiving your equipment. The best way to check a company’s business history is to use an online business credit reporting service such as Experian.
Ask for Multiple References
Once you identify sellers that have the reputation and business history you need, ask them for multiple references. Although the references that a seller offers upfront can be helpful, they can also portray it in an untrue light. Asking for additional references can yield valuable insight into a seller’s customer service, or lack thereof.
Ask for an Official Maintenance Record
After you feel comfortable with a seller, the next step is to ask for a copy of the maintenance record for the machine you plan on buying. If the record shows that the machine has always received scheduled maintenance, proceed to step five. If not, continue to evaluate maintenance records until you find one that does not have holes.
Conduct an Inspection of the Machine
The final step is to evaluate the machine in person. If you cannot travel to the seller’s location, or you are not qualified to evaluate CNC machinery, arrange to have an expert conduct the inspection on your behalf. The expert can be someone from the seller’s area that repairs commercial woodworking machinery.
Are You Looking for a Reputable Seller?
At RT Machine, we understand the concern that comes with buying a used CNC machine. That is why we only sell machines that offer topnotch performance and reliability. Unlike sellers who sell more new machinery than they do used machinery, we specialize in the evaluation and sale of used woodworking machines. We also perform machine location. If you cannot find what you need in our stock, we can locate it in another seller’s stock and have it shipped to your location.
For over ten years, RT Machine has supplied woodworkers with quality used CNC woodworking machines. To get the machinery you need, browse through our inventory, or call us today.
