Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing Cleaning Equipment

Purchasing cleaning equipment for your business or facility is a significant investment. The right equipment can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure a higher standard of cleanliness. However, buyers should avoid common pitfalls to maximize their investment. Below, we explore the top five mistakes to avoid when purchasing cleaning equipment and offer tips on navigating these challenges.

1. Focusing Only on Upfront Cost

One of the most common mistakes when purchasing cleaning equipment is focusing solely on the initial purchase price. While budget constraints are important, choosing the cheapest option can lead to higher long-term costs. Low-cost equipment might not have the durability, functionality, or efficiency needed for long-term use. This can result in frequent breakdowns, costly repairs, or total replacements sooner than expected.

Solution: When evaluating equipment, consider the total cost of ownership (TCO), which includes not only the purchase price but also maintenance, repair costs, energy usage, and lifespan. High-quality equipment might have a higher initial cost, but it often proves more economical over time.

2. Overlooking the Specific Needs of Your Facility

Every facility has unique cleaning needs. Buying equipment without considering these requirements can lead to inefficiencies and unmet expectations. For instance, a small office space will have different needs than a large warehouse or a healthcare facility. Selecting equipment unsuitable for the specific environment can result in inadequate cleaning or unnecessary complications.

Solution: Leveraging Hillyard’s Envirologix program, which connects you with experts who understand your industry and can help you select the best equipment tailored to your needs.

3. Neglecting Training and Usability

Another mistake is choosing equipment that is difficult to operate or requires extensive training without planning for that aspect. Even the most advanced cleaning equipment won’t be effective if your staff isn’t trained correctly. Complex machinery might increase the learning curve and lead to operational inefficiencies.

Solution: Prioritize user-friendly equipment, such as Hillyard's Sentry line of floor scrubbers, and ensure that training resources are available. Before purchasing, ask if the manufacturer or supplier offers training sessions or instructional materials. This step will ensure that your team can operate and maintain the equipment correctly, resulting in better outcomes and a lower risk of misuse.

4. Ignoring Maintenance Requirements

Maintenance is crucial to the long-term performance and durability of cleaning equipment. Buyers often overlook how frequently equipment will need maintenance, whether spare parts are readily available, and how costly regular upkeep will be. This oversight can lead to unexpected downtime and higher operational expenses when maintenance is neglected or delayed.

Solution: When evaluating equipment, ask detailed questions about maintenance requirements. Consider whether you have the in-house expertise to perform routine maintenance or if outside service will be needed. Consider outsourcing machine maintenance to Hillyard's Planned Maintenance Program to ensure consistent and professional upkeep. This program provides reliable support, routine maintenance, and access to spare parts, minimizing downtime and helping you avoid unexpected repair costs.

5. Forgetting to Investigate a Leasing Option

Purchasing cleaning equipment outright can be a significant financial commitment, and many buyers overlook the possibility of leasing as a more flexible alternative. Forgetting to investigate leasing options can mean missing out on benefits such as reduced upfront costs, access to the latest equipment, and easier budget management. Leasing can also provide the option to upgrade equipment as technology evolves, keeping your facility at the forefront of cleaning efficiency.

Solution: Before making a purchase, explore leasing options with reputable suppliers. Take advantage of Hillyard’s limited-time Trident 0% Lease Program, available now through the end of 2024, which offers an excellent opportunity to access top-tier cleaning equipment with no interest. Compare the costs and benefits of leasing versus buying to determine what aligns best with your financial and operational needs.

Conclusion

Investing in the right cleaning equipment requires careful consideration and planning. Hillyard has representatives throughout the United States who can consult with you to help avoid these common mistakes. Use the form at the bottom of this page, and one of our representatives will contact you. Remember, the best cleaning equipment is not just about the price or the most high-tech features; it’s about finding the solution that fits your unique requirements, offers long-term value, and supports an efficient cleaning operation. By researching, consulting with industry professionals, and weighing all relevant factors, you can ensure a successful investment that keeps your facility clean and your budget intact.