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Risks of Buying Used Packaging Equipment
Thomas Bornemann, Director Sales & Marketing at Hastamat, says one of the biggest risks of buying used packaging equipment is discovering that spare parts are no longer available, so the buyer pays double in the end. Used machines may also lack newer functions, and Dennis Feldbusch, Area Sales Manager, adds that service and support are a big question. Thomas Bornemann recommends talking to a specialist first.
Key takeaways
- Thomas Bornemann says one of the biggest risks with used machines is finding out later that spare parts are no longer available, so customers pay double in the end.
- Used machines may not offer the same functions as new ones, because Hastamat continuously develops its machines based on customer experience.
- Dennis Feldbusch says support and service are a big question, and Thomas Bornemann recommends that buyers without experience talk to a specialist first.
Common questions
- What are the risks of buying used packaging machinery?
- According to Thomas Bornemann of Hastamat, one of the biggest risks is finding out after the purchase that spare parts are no longer available for the machine, so the buyer pays double in the end. Used machines also may not offer the same functions as new ones, and Dennis Feldbusch adds that support and service are a big question.
- What should I check before buying a used weigher or bagger?
- Thomas Bornemann of Hastamat recommends first talking to a specialist, especially if you have no experience with the equipment. Key points are whether spare parts are still available and whether the machine has the right functions. Dennis Feldbusch adds that support and service for the machine must also be considered.
- How long do Hastamat machines last?
- Thomas Bornemann of Hastamat says you will not find many used Hastamat machines, because they keep running. The oldest machines he knows of that are still in production have been running for 35 to 40 years.
Transcript
Tom Rougeux, President, Piepenbrock Packaging
Okay, with the advent of different auction sites, even eBay or any of those sites, a customer might be looking for a used piece of equipment. Tell me, tell us how do you make a decision whether or not you need to buy new or whether or not used will do? Walk us through that.
Thomas Bornemann, Director Sales & Marketing, Hastamat
I mean, first of all, you will not find so much, so many used Hastamat machines, because they are still running up to 35, 40 years already. That's the oldest machines I know which are still in production.
Tom Rougeux
So you're not going to find a used Hastamat, but obviously there are companies that go out of business who chose the wrong machine. So what sort of risks are involved with buying a used machine?
Thomas Bornemann
I mean, one of the biggest risks is that customers are buying used machines and find out later on that there are no spare parts anymore available for that machine. So they pay double in the end.
Tom Rougeux
Okay, and what about fit for function?
Thomas Bornemann
I mean, this is also, also very important, because the old or used machines, they cannot have the, or give the same functions than the new ones, because we are continuously developing machines. We continuously listen to our customers to put their experience into our development.
Tom Rougeux
Okay, so if a company had a very, very small budget and they found a machine that they felt like it was going to work for their bulk product, let's say they were trying to fill rice bags or something like that, what sort of things should they inspect on a used piece of equipment before they would ever buy that equipment? What sort of things would they look for?
Thomas Bornemann
I mean, first of all, they have to talk to a specialist. Yeah, because this, this is, I am receiving from time to time calls from, from customers they're exactly having that questions, you know, and then, then we are, we are a system also to, to, to, in case of available spare parts, in case of having the right functions and things like that. So if they have no, no experiences with the product, it's better to ask somebody.
Tom Rougeux
Okay, so it sounds like spare parts would be a big issue to investigate, whether or not they're even available for that equipment?
Thomas Bornemann
Absolutely, because it makes no sense to buy a machine and they cannot use it afterwards.
Dennis Feldbusch, Area Sales Manager, Hastamat
And also it's their support for the machine.
Tom Rougeux
Support? Yes.
Dennis Feldbusch
A service question is also a big thing.
Tom Rougeux
So if the company that made that piece of equipment is no longer in business?
Thomas Bornemann
For example, or they cannot, they have not the right people anymore.
Tom Rougeux
Right. So that would be hard to support if there's no company to support.
Thomas Bornemann
Yeah.
