It’s probably safe to say that no modern business would revel in the thought of having to pay over the odds to replace a crucial laser marking machine before its time. According to the experts at Lotus Laser Systems, there’s really no excuse these days for laser engraving technology to be supplied that is not 100% guaranteed to not only do its job, but do its job with total efficiency and for the long-term. Nevertheless, while ever there is a steady stream of low-grade and lacklustre parts and components coming in from overseas, those wishing to do so will be able to throw together barrel-bottom machines and charge what they want for them.
This is precisely why the experts advise all buyers in all instances to put the necessary time and effort into vetting the vendors and ensuring a quality manufacturer is chosen. You’d be forgiven for assuming there really is no difference from one brand to the next, but sadly this really isn’t the case at all and those taking things for granted will usually end up regretting doing so.
So with this in mind, here’s a quick look at a few of the most important hallmarks of all to consider when determining a quality laser marking machine manufacturer:
1 – Experience
First up, while it’s not to say that every new manufacturer on the market is not to be trusted, there’s unique peace of mind that can only be attained by siding with a brand that has been in business for quite some time. Laser marking technology is in the grand scheme of things pretty new, but it has still been around for long enough for the best brands in the business to gain decades of experience and practical expertise. To side with the manufacturer that has been around for a long time is to tap directly into their experience and expertise – both of which will undoubtedly help your business.
2 – Bespoke Solutions
Try to bear in mind that there is a very big difference between a laser engraving machine manufacturer that offers only a small selection of products and a second manufacturer which offers fully tailored bespoke solutions. The simple fact of the matter is that when you are out to pick up something as important as this for your business, what you would ideally like is a solution that fits your needs 100%. If you take away something that offers 120% of your needs, then you are overpaying for something you don’t really need, just as if you were to take something that suits you and your business to the tune of 90%, you are being let down by something that is underperforming. This is precisely why bespoke solutions are preferable to say the very least as this is usually the only way of ensuring your needs are met 100% – nothing more, nothing less.
3 – Customer Care
Something else to be aware of from the very first moment of contact is the importance of solid customer care. In particular, what you should be looking out for is evidence of a competent and dedicated after-sales service package which essentially means that when and where you need help or assistance either remotely or in-person, it will be there when you need it. It’s not the kind of thing you really want to think about when you are investing in a brand new machine but it is inevitable that some machines will encounter difficulties, break down entirely or in some way demand a little maintenance at some point in the future. So by ensuring their customer care extends to cover all such needs, you can take away genuine long-term peace of mind.
4 Choosing A Supplier
The best advice of all is to visit the factory. When you see some web sites you’d think that some suppliers are huge multi-national businesses when some are no more than 1 man bands and/or sub-divisions of a parent, non specialist company). Another important point is to buy from a laser specialist. Firms that sell conventional engravers, vinyl cutters, printing machines, etc, tend to ebb and flow wherever the cash comes from and lasers are the hardest of machines to sell so by definition many have the least experience with them.
4 – Guarantees
The same also applies to guarantees as while it is largely unheard of for any manufacturer these days to supply these kinds of machines without long-term guarantees, some warranties are more extensive than others, just as some warranties are considerably more comprehensive than others. In this instance, it’s a good idea to look beyond the badge that simply tells you how long the warranty lasts in order to find out exactly what does and does not cover
5 – Client Backing
And finally, it’s never a bad idea to verify what the manufacturer has to say about itself by looking into the reviews and feedback left by past and present clients. For a brand of any kind to earn the backing of its clients is toa large extent the ultimate accolade as these are the individuals who have nothing to gain by fabricating things. As such, if you find nothing but glowing praise about one brand, then chances are it’s a safe bet – the kind of feedback that doesn’t exactly paint a pretty picture also making it rather clear as to what you should do.
