Choosing the wrong packaging machine supplier is a mistake you pay for for years: lack of spare parts, slow service, non-compliant machines. Here are the 10 questions to ask any supplier before signing the order.
Questions about technical service and spare parts
After-sales service is the most critical factor for a packaging machine. A machine stopped for failure costs 500-3,000 euros/hour of lost production. Check: guaranteed response time, critical spare parts availability in stock, technicians in the area within 4-8 hours.
- 1. What is the guaranteed response time for urgent repairs?
- 2. Are critical spare parts in stock or on order? With what lead times?
- 3. Are there certified technicians within 200 km of our site?
- 4. Do you offer remote technical assistance?
- 5. Are original spare parts available for the next 10 years?
Questions about compliance, documentation and training
Regulatory compliance and training are often overlooked at purchase but become critical during audits. The machine must be supplied with CE declaration, technical file, manual in local language and electrical diagram.
- 6. Is the machine supplied with CE declaration and complete technical file?
- 7. Is the manual in the local language?
- 8. Is operator training included in the price or separate?
- 9. Do you have verifiable references in my sector?
- 10. What is your warranty policy?
Red flags not to ignore
Signals to watch for: no technicians locally or response over 48 hours, missing original CE declaration, zero references in your sector, spare parts only from abroad with over 2 week lead times, price significantly lower than all others without explanation.
- No local technicians: risk of slow and costly service
- Missing or generic CE: legal non-compliance, risk of fine
- Zero references in your sector: machine may not suit your product
- Spare parts only from abroad: unpredictable downtime
- Price -40% without explanation: inferior components or undisclosed used machine
Evaluating different suppliers?
EMA Pack answers all 10 questions with documentation. Contact us for a transparent technical comparison.
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