- Find out who owns the goods. Does the seller own them, or is he selling them on behalf of someone else, such as a broker?
- Is the equipment subject to a finance agreement? If you are buying through a finance company, they can check the HPI register
- Be absolutely sure of what you are buying. Check the serial number, age of the kit and what accessories/spare parts are included
- Have a clear written agreement with the seller on the terms on which you are buying, such as the date when the product is available and whether there is a guarantee
- Check the condition of the goods and carry out a print or performance test if possible. If you are uncertain, get a technical report from a service engineer or the manufacturer’s agent
- If buying from a dealer, ask for references or, better still, talk to recent customers
- Visit the dealer’s premises to assess the company, resources and competence
- Are you confident to leave a deposit with the seller?
- If the seller is in a different country, then you can pay via Letter of Credit or against shipping documents
- Make sure the goods are insured from the moment the title passes to you and that they meet current Health and Safety standards
John Roadnight, founder, pressxchange.com
