A welding machine can be a significant investment, and while buying one used can save you money, you still don’t want to waste money on one that won’t work for what you need. You also don’t want to risk buying something that doesn’t work. Before looking into a used welder, you should have a good idea of the type and size of welder you need for the welding projects. The more you know about welding machines, the better equipped you’ll be to make an informed decision and to know if you are getting a good price. Here are three tips for buying a used welding machine.
1. Research the welder before going to see it.
When you find a welding machine for sale that’s the type and size you need, research the exact brand and model to learn everything about it. Research common problems and troubleshoot to see if it’s the model you want to go with. Make sure to look up the cost of repairs and replacements parts if you have any problems as oftentimes, the cost of replacement parts is more than buying a new machine.
Research the value of the used machine to know if you are getting a reasonable price for the one you found. Researching the welder that you’re thinking of buying will allow you to be more prepared for the transaction and the ongoing ownership of the machine.
2. Be prepared with questions to ask.
When you see the used welder, be prepared with questions about its use and condition. You want to know things like how old it is, if it had any problems, how heavily it was used, and other questions related to its use. Even if you know the answers to some of the questions from your research, asking will help you gauge how much you trust the person selling the machine.
Write the questions down before seeing the seller so you are prepared and don’t have to worry about your mind going blank. If you feel the seller is pressuring you to make a purchase, don’t be afraid to tell them you aren’t going to buy anything until you ask a few questions first. You shouldn’t be rushed into a decision regarding used equipment.
3. Ask to see it in operation.
Don’t hand over any money until you see the machine working. When buying used machines, you may not get any warranty on the machine. You need to make sure it works as stated before buying it, so you don’t lose your money. When purchasing from a reputable company with an established business of selling used welders, you don’t need to worry about that. However, it’s still wise to see it turned on.
When buying from an individual or from a sale site like Facebook Marketplace, you never know what you are getting, so it’s critical to see it in use before buying. There are a lot of scammers on internet sales sites so you’re better off buying from a company that has a legitimate business selling used tools.
Buying used equipment and machinery is a great way to save money as new equipment is often highly expensive. However, you need to put a little more work into the purchase to ensure you are getting what you’re paying for. Buying used equipment that needs extensive work or equipment that’s prone to expensive repairs will cost you more in the long run. It’s crucial that you don’t get excited about a seemingly reasonable price and rush into a purchase without knowing what you are buying. Even used, high-quality welders can be expensive, so you’ll want to be aware of any defects or problems you may encounter.
