Beware of Introductory PM Offers

January 4th, 2021 - Be aware of all the details

Who Likes to Negotiate with your Cable, Internet or Cell Phone Provider after the Introductory Offer Expires?

The short answer is “I don’t either”. Beware of similar tactics from material handling equipment service providers. Service providers often bait potential customers with low introductory PM rates for a limited period. Before making a switch, several things should be considered.

• What is really included with their PM service? Have you evaluated their checklist to understand if the same services are being provided?
• Considerations for internal combustion engine equipment owners:
  • Will engine oil and filter only be replaced as the service provider deems needed vs. each service interval?
  • Will air filter (or in cases where dual element filters are used, will both inner and outer air filters) be replaced each time vs. only as the provider deems necessary, and are they included in the quoted pricing?
  • *If the answers to the above questions are that these items are only changed as the service provider deems necessary, you likely uncovered why they can offer low prices. On a side note, if you’re OK with not replacing these filters, on a broader scale you might evaluate your PM service intervals since there’s high probability the intervals might be too frequent (cleaning air filters with compressed air is not recommended since it damages the integrity of the filter)
• What type of parts will be used when repairing or servicing your equipment (OEM or aftermarket “will fit”)? Be sure you’re comparing apples to apples when reviewing pricing.
• How does the service provider make up for the lost leader of low-price introductory offers? What is the rate after the introductory period?
• Are you unhappy with the quality or value of your existing service provider?
• Do you understand how the new service provider that is being considered invoices for their services?
  • Do they round up to the nearest hour when invoicing repair labor, or do they invoice in quarter hour increments?
  • What type of fees are charged in addition to parts and labor (is a trip charge billed to each truck being serviced on the same day vs. (1) trip charge per day)?
• Do they have the proprietary diagnostic equipment to efficiently and accurately identify mechanical issues?
• When performing PM’s, will you receive an entry level PM technician, or a breakdown technician that is also capable of completing repairs?
• Does the technician have the proper training to work on your equipment?

There’s a lot to understand when evaluating service providers, and worth the time to obtain answers to the questions posed above before making a change.

We believe in delivering quality and every day value in the services we provide…not cutting corners. Contact the Professionals at Lift Truck Center for an evaluation of your equipment type, usage and operating environment so proper service interval and program recommendations can be made.