We all know that before you choose a company to fork over your cash to, it’s a good idea to make sure that you’re paying the right amount for what you’re getting. In that vein, it’s worth exploring your options and knowing how to compare these costs effectively.
At NFL Forklifts, we see any hiring relationship as a two-way street. That means it’s our job to be clear about what you’re signing up for when you hire from us. At the same time, we want to equip anyone who comes to us with the ability to make informed decisions.
To that end, we’ve put together this article to help you effectively compare forklift hire costs, no matter which vendor you’re investigating. Dive in with us here, and if you still have questions when you reach the end of this article, our team is on hand to help.
Explore the Terms Carefully
As with any other long or short-term contract, it’s important to fully understand all the terms and conditions within the fine print. It might be boring, but taking the time to investigate these terms carefully could save you money and stress down the line.
What accessories do you have access to?
Getting the most out of your forklift hire means having the right tools for the job. Attachments like fork extensions, paper roll clamps, carton clamps, and push-pulls are likely necessary within the timeframe of a long-term rental.
So, make sure to investigate what additional costs are involved if you need further equipment across the course of your contract. Ask directly or carefully look over rental contracts when they come to you to make sure you’re not blindsided by hidden costs.
For example, NFL charges transparent additional rates for short-term leases on accessories, which are calculated hourly, daily, or weekly - we charge you the lesser price within timeframes.
What are the maintenance requirements?
Ongoing maintenance is an important part of operating a forklift, especially if you’re hiring one on a long-term lease. While some vendors are more than happy to incorporate routine maintenance into the cost of monthly rental, others are not.
It’s important to understand which is true in your case so that you can walk into your long-term forklift hire with eyes wide open. You need to know if you will be saddled with the responsibility of maintaining the forklifts yourself or if the company will take care of it themselves.
For example, at NFL Forklifts, we incorporate routine maintenance and all fair wear and tear into our monthly rental fees. This is defined as per the NZ Forklift Industry Association’s Fair Wear and Tear Guide.
What are the compliance requirements?
Understanding compliance requirements is an important piece of the equation for you as the one hiring the equipment. Essentially, forklift compliance requirements define how you have to operate the machinery to stay within the lease agreement, including ensuring that any repairs or maintenance are taken care of according to the terms set out in the lease.
Working outside compliance requirements can open you up to extra costs, and you may not be covered by insurance should something major go wrong while the machinery is in your care.
For example, a licensed and skilled operator must operate NFL-leased forklifts. To this end, we offer a one-day operator training course, so when you hire with us, you can be sure you are remaining compliant.
Understand Any Hidden Fees
One of the ways many vendors increase the amount they charge is by hiding their fees in unexpected places. Unfortunately, that means you can get stuck with a bigger bill than you expected when payment time comes.
Hidden fees can look like:
· Late payment fees
· Periodic rental fee fluctuations
· Contract change fees
Carefully investigate the rental terms for any additional fees that are not clearly stated upfront. If you find them, it’s important to call them out and learn more about when they come into effect.
Ask Good Questions
Finally, and this is important, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
A reputable forklift hire or sale company should be happy to guide you through the process of finding the right equipment. Any vendor worth their salt will happily sit down with you and answer any questions you have. Alternatively, they should provide a clear resource for you to explore to find your own answers.
To kickstart this process, here are some questions to ask to make sure that you have the full picture before you sign on the dotted line:
· Are the forklifts designed for indoor work, outdoor work, or both?
· What happens if the forklift breaks?
· What are the storage requirements?
· What brands of forklifts do you supply?
· How is the equipment maintained and tested in between hires?
With all these questions asked and answered, you should have a clearer picture of the playing field before getting into the game.
If you still feel unsure you have everything you need to make the right decision, reach out to the team at NFL Forklifts, and we’ll be happy to help.
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