Best ways to buy an equipment for your hotel

Many time we find out that parts or equipment is not matching to our requirement, which we just received. It leaves us to no option to return the parts or equipment to seller or dump it in the store thinking that it will be used sometime in future. It prolongs the breakdown time as you have to reorder the material, it may sometime take months to receive again due to supply chain status and not to mention difficulty in operation.

To avoid such situation, suggest some precaution.

1. Ensure what you need: Make sure you understand what you need. Sometimes due to organization structure purchasing is handled by someone who is not directly responsible for the equipment maintenance or operation. So, it is very much important to know what you are looking for. Coordinate with the technician or engineers who is going to deal with later once the material received.

2. Check if its reorder: Check if this parts or equipment is re-order. Ensure details are same, a slight variation can lead in wrong product. Google another vendor for current price.

3. Replacement equipment: Some time we need to replace the equipment due to its wear and tear. It is always good idea to repeat the same equipment as the product is tested on your site both for durability and maintenance. Please ensure you collect all the details from equipment data plate, do not rely on the manual which you have in your cupboard. Sometime exact replacement may not be available as manufacturer might have upgraded the product or discontinued the production. We need to be more careful in such situation, request replacement model from seller and compare with your requirement or existing equipment's technical details. This is an opportunity to choose more energy efficient product.

4. Check technical details: It is very important to check equipment technical details before you order your equipment like its production capacity, flow rate, utility details; voltage, amperage and frequency. Depending upon your location utility supply especially voltage and frequency may differ and can create problem to you once connected. Understand each word and even abbreviations in product literature and compare with your requirement.

5. Site location: Most people don't consider the site location on which equipment is going to be installed which result in premature equipment failure. Outside weather condition makes lot of difference in equipment selection like you may have to select corrosion resistant material or sufficiently thick gauge material with external paint for the humid and corrosive environment. Internal parts material of construction also needs to match accordingly. In a humid environment a bare electronic board is bound to fail without sufficient protection, even simple GI coating may not be sufficient on due course of time, exposed pipes without insulations may break in freezing conditions. Wind zone is also important factor to consider for external equipment. Door size, elevator capacity, weight, ceiling height etc. could be also consideration factors for inhouse equipment selection,

6. Use: Easier to operate lengthens the machine durability. I have seen people pressing start stop switch when an ice cube machine is sensor operated. Notice or signs on machine for how to use is important. Always consider ADA compatibility and environmental effect from it or from its by product.

7. Production Volume Requirement: A proper calculation for volume requirement has to be done before ordering equipment. We may end up paying more for non-required capacity or some time it may fail early due to its high use because of its lesser production capacity. Always suggest considering your both peak and low demand.

8. Numbers: It is always better to plan redundancy. Let's say if you require 120 lb. washing machine, go for two, at least. Otherwise break down will kill your profitability.

9. Accessories: check what are the accessories you need along with equipment. Many times, castor, handle or scoop etc. are not included in machine cost, check for the accessories options and include in your order.

10. Explain: It is recommended to provide detail requirement to supplier, if possible, your design detail so that they can also advise suitability for your operation. It is always better to go with supplier who will provide you an assistance in your item selection rather than online marketplace.

In summary, order your item only when you have considered all the aspects.