Advice for U.S. Customers
Industrial equipment is a large investment, and many people may think buying products from overseas is riskier than buying domestic products, especially when it comes to purchasing high-value items. However, purchasing equipment from overseas is the best option for many people on a budget, and if you take certain precautions, you can reduce or even completely eliminate risk. Many products in the U.S. are imported from other countries and sold in the U.S. under American brands, so it makes sense why you can save money by going straight to the source to purchase your goods. Outlined below are a few tips to help you buy reliable and affordable equipment from overseas.
Find equipment that is sourced from countries that mass-produce the product you're looking for to get the best value.
This is a simple supply and demand scenario. When supply is high, pricing is adjusted to meet the demand of its consumers. In addition, the countries that mass-produce products are able to get materials at a lower cost thus making products cheaper for consumers.
Research different models and brands of equipment.
Be highly detail oriented in your research. Ask yourself questions regarding functionality and structure of the equipment. Below are a few questions you should ask yourself while you're researching products: What are the dimensions of the entire machine? What are the dimensions of certain parts of the machine? Do these parts meet U.S. standards? Are the dimensions listed using the metric or imperial system? Is it battery-powered? If so, what types of batteries does it use? Does it need to be plugged in? Will that plug need a converter?
Read reviews about the product and company.
Outside the circle of your friends and family, the next group of people that can help you with your large purchasing decisions are those who have already gone through the same buying process as you. They are the ones who have already asked the same questions as you and even went a step farther by trying the product. See what they like and dislike and determine if that product is the right one for you. Make sure to review a variety of review websites so that you have a more well-rounded understanding of the product and the product's company. If the product you're interested in doesn't have a review, read reviews about the company itself from third-party review sites and determine if it is a trustworthy option.
View the warranty and return policy.
Make sure to read the fine print before you make your purchase. If by chance you receive a defective product, or if there is a chance you won't need the product by the time you receive it, you will want to purchase your product from a company with a warranty and return policy that suits your needs.
Purchase from a reputable marketplace rather than straight from the manufacturer.
When purchasing straight from the manufacturer, you may encounter barriers, including a language difference and a lack of customer service, warranty and return policy. Although not all marketplaces solve these problems, purchasing from a reputable marketplace will give you more security because marketplaces usually filter out products and companies that don't meet their standards. Toolots is a great choice for purchasing industrial equipment at manufacturer prices with the customer service of a distributor.
If you choose to purchase straight from the manufacturer, check your state or local treasury to see if you need to pay any state or local taxes on the equipment that you are planning on importing.
Every state will have different tax laws and regulations on importing products, so make sure you speak with someone if you don't know the laws in your area.
If you're unfamiliar with the seller, complete your payment with a reputable third-party service.
Some of the more popular payment services include Paypal, Quickbooks, and OFX.
Overall, investing in industrial equipment is a time-consuming process and even more so when you are trying to find a reliable product at an affordable price. Purchasing overseas can help you with both, but don't forget to do your research.
