Choosing a dealer

Floor cleaning machines are sold by dealer networks, not directly from manufacturers. When you submit a free request for floor cleaning machine quotes through BuyerZone, you'll be matched to multiple manufacturers who will connect you to their local dealers. These dealers will assess your facilities and current cleaning methods, suggest machines that best fit your needs, and provide ongoing support for your equipment.

What to look for in a dealer
Prices are fairly consistent between different brands, so you'll have to compare dealers based on other characteristics:

• Warranty offerings — While a typical floor cleaning machine warranty offers three years on parts and one or two years on labor, some dealers may provide additional protection –up to eight to ten years on critical parts or longer guarantees on battery life. The better the warranty, the more secure you'll feel about the purchase.
• Customer support — Can you reach someone after normal business hours? Are local repair techs available? How soon can you get assistance? Getting answers to these and other questions will indicate the level of service dealers provide after the sale.

• Experience — Dealers that have been around for a long time likely know how to keep customers happy.
• Replacement parts — To ensure your machines are always up and running, dealers should have quick access to replacement parts that wear down frequently like belts, brushes, and squeegees, as well as consumables like filters and cleaning solution.
• Descriptive web site — This is a good way to learn more about a dealer's history, their product line, and whether they respond to industry trends like touchless cleaning systems or microfiber cleaners.
• Training — Work with dealers who provide hands-on training for you and your staff to learn how to safely use and maintain the equipment.
• Offers multiple products — If you need to buy several different machines, try to find a dealer that offers them all. This keeps service and support under a single umbrella so you only need to contact one company when problems arise.

Machine certification
Some dealers demonstrate the quality of their floor cleaning machines by paying a non-profit industry organization to verify the equipment. Underwriters Laboratories (UL), for example, certifies equipment so buyers know they are purchasing reliable machines that comply with OSHA and ISO 9000 regulations.

The Carpet and Rug Institute lists vacuums and extractors that will effectively remove soil and contain dust, but won't alter your carpet's appearance. They also indicate the environmental friendliness of a machine by declaring it "Green Seal certified."

On-premise demonstrations
The best way to gauge how well a machine works is to try it out at your facility. Dealers should bring the machines to your location so you can evaluate its functionality. If they can't bring sample equipment to your site, make sure they provide a hands-on demonstration on their premises.

It's always helpful to invite the employees who will operate the machines to the demonstration. Let them try out the equipment, ask questions about certain features, and provide feedback. Not only will they learn how the machines work, it will make them feel like an important part of the purchasing process.