Q: When should we tell our wives about the impending purchase?
A: If you have ever asked your company to make an equipment purchase, you would be very familiar with the process. Do your homework and all of your window shopping ahead of time. Then be prepared to answer the following questions:
- Why, in general terms, should the purchase should be made?
- What will it accomplish that current equipment will not?
- What features and benefits does this item have that make it your choice?
- What alternative items would do the same thing, but cost less/more?
- What payback is there - saves time - makes the job easier/better/faster/more accurate, etc.?
- What accessories either come with it or will be purchased as part of the package?
- What do published or industry (internet) testimonials reveal about the superiority of this particular model/brand?
- Why should the purchase be made now?
Be prepared to argue your case just as you would before a committee at work. If you can't make a strong case for the purchase, perhaps you should reconsider.
Without being facetious in any way, if we approach our equipment purchases with this level of thoroughness, we will simply make better purchases. I recommend this approach for three reasons, 1) You will be less likely to make a mistake and get a tool you are unhappy with, 2) You will avoid purchasing a tool you won't use and you will make sure you get a quality tool that will do the job, 3) You are very likely to have this quality tool for 30+ years or more. This way you won't buy a crappy tool you hate that sits in the way for the next 30 years and makes you mad!
Ron Brown - GWA Founder
