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A poor workman blames his tools, or so the saying goes. In actual fact, tools are important, and not providing you and your workforce with the best equipment you can afford could be damaging your business’s productivity. With the right tools, you’ll get things done faster and more efficiently, allowing you to compete with rival businesses and boost your reputation. Here’s how you can ensure you’re buying the best tools available for your business.
Replace unreliable old tech
Unreliable old tools could be resulting in downtime that could be costing you money. For example, an old computer that keeps crashing could be wasting precious minutes and even hours from the day. Know when to replace this old tech for something new and more efficient. Some old tech may not be broken but may simply be slow or too simple by today’s standards.
Avoid complex new tech
Some new tech may have everything you need, but be careful of shelling out on tech that’s unnecessarily complex for what you demand. You could end up wasting a lot of time on training people to use this tech.
Read reviews
Before buying equipment for your business, get an idea of its reliability by reading user reviews online. This will tell you not just whether a tool is dependable but whether a seller is credible (with second-hand tools, good reviews of a seller could help you to ensure that you’re getting good quality used tools).
Use specialist sellers
Specialist sellers within your field are likely to have a better range of products. Inventory such as these plastering tools and equipment from PlasterOneStopShop are likely to be more specialised to your trade. The seller is also likely to have more knowledge is you need to ask them a query and there may be better warranties and delivery methods in place.
Hire tools you can’t afford
You don’t always have to buy tools outright. Hiring equipment can sometimes work out cheaper and more effective. Tool rental companies such as HSS can give you access to top-of-the-range equipment on lease that you might not otherwise be able to afford. You can trust that this equipment is well maintained. It’s a great solutions when it comes to heavy machinery and construction gear.
Get IT support when choosing software
Software is just as important a tool in many types of business. Having the right software could help you to stay more organised and work more speedily. Because there are so many different programmes out there, it could be worth outsourcing an IT consultancy service such as AllSund that can recommend the best software for your business needs. It could even be worth building your own custom software in some trades to ensure things are organised the way that you want them to be.
Take time out for training
Make sure that you and your employees know how to use the tools you’re buying. Find time to train up yourself and then train your staff. Certain machinery may require licensing or insuring, so make sure you and your staff members have these qualifications.
