No-Fail Strategies for Buying Used Truck Mount Cleaning Equipment

Buying used equipment for your business or personal needs has always been a good way to save money. The more expensive the item, the bigger savings that are available. Carpet cleaning vans, truck mount carpet cleaning equipment and carpet extractors are all good candidates for buying in the used market. However, you need to do a little more homework to insure you’re getting not only a good deal, but also a good piece of equipment.

The Internet has made finding used equipment much easier but also introduces some new issues that must be addressed. Let’s take a look at some of the things to do before your start shopping for used carpet cleaning equipment.

Before You Start Shopping

The first step, same as if you were buying new, is to decide on which type, brand, features, etc. you’re looking for. You’ll need to be more flexible as the availability of specific types of equipment varies in the used marketplace. Your short list of candidates should include 2-3 different brands and a couple of different sizes. This will give you the best chance of finding something appropriate for your business.

Another key factor is to determine where you will get your used equipment serviced. Regardless if your equipment is new or used, you’ll need access to a local repair and maintenance facility. Make sure you can get the brands on your short list serviced before you start shopping. Repair people are also good resources to get ideas on which brands hold up the best with the fewest repairs.

It’s also a good idea to talk to a tax person for any business equipment purchase. Depreciation plays a key role at tax time and any tax savings should be considered prior to purchase. This can often allow you to buy a better, larger, newer, etc. machine for the same price.

Finally, decide which methods you will employ to search for and purchase your used truck mount. If you insist on a local seller, you may have to wait longer for the machine you want. If you’re willing to use the Internet for your purchase, you’ll have a much wider selection to choose from but will need buyer protection or the use of an online escrow service to protect your purchase and avoid fraudulent sellers.

Best Sites for Used Truck Mount Carpet Cleaning Equipment

There are many places on the Internet to buy used truck mount carpet cleaning equipment. I’ve collected here a list of the most popular sites based on Google’s ranking.  It includes classified ad sites, retail sellers and some comparison shopping sites who also deal in used equipment.

The most notable aspect of this list is the distinct lack of privacy policies on most of these sites. The buyers are somewhat insulated as most contact is directly between buyer and seller via e-mail. However, I would be very concerned as a seller because you are providing detailed information to a web site with no idea who the site owner is or what they’re doing with your listing and personal contact data. Buyer AND seller beware!

eBay.com is an auction site that sells both new and used truck mounts. They also sell just about about everything else.

Pros: eBay is a premiere shopping site. It includes buyer protection plans for truck mounts and vehicles (must read the fine print!). Full disclosure of privacy policy and terms of service.
Cons: Limited number of used truck mounts. Some eBay listings are for buy-it-now stores only.

Pacificvacuum.com is an online listing service specializing in truck mount carpet cleaning equipment.

Pros: Large number of listings (>300) across the country. List is sortable by region to find someone local to your area. Listings are free.
Cons: No buyer protection. Lot’s of ads but no information on the site owners. No privacy policy or terms of service.

Jondon.com is a full service cleaning supply company with both online stores and retail outlets.

Pros: They sell a wide range of cleaning supplies and equipment. Established business both online and retail. Listings are free. Moderate number of listings (<100)
Cons: Used equipment is not their main business. No buyer protection.

Truckmountdeals.com Formerly jwcinc.com (whoever they were). Classified listing site that specializes in truck mount carpet cleaning equipment.

Pros: Good number is listings (>100). Searchable by multiple criteria. Listings are free.
Cons: No buyer protection. No site owner information. No privacy policy or terms of service. Home page has obnoxious splashy ad that never stops moving. Looks like a circus!

Cleanersclassifieds.com is a classified ad site for used truck mounts and vehicles.

Pros: None
Cons: Listings are not free. No buyer protection. No site owner information or privacy policy. Some terms of service on ad prices and duration but still deficient. Inexcusable for someone asking for a credit card!

Truckmountsource.com is a small online only listing site for used truck mounts.

Pros: Listings are free.
Cons: Very small, only 11 listings. No buyer protection. No privacy policy or site owner information.

Usedtruckmount.com is an information site that specializes in truck mount carpet cleaning equipment. Also has classified listing service.

Pros: No fluff. Decent number of listings (>100). Listings are free.
Cons: Bare bones web site. Information is run-of-the-mill. No information on site owners. No buyer protection. No capability to sort listings by location, price etc.

Magicwandcompany.com is an online cleaning supply store.

Pros: Established company. Wide selection of related products. Listing is free.
Cons: Not their main business. Minimal number of listings (<20). No buyer protection. Obnoxious home page that never stops moving!

Butlersystem.com is a manufacturers site for selling, financing and installing their brand name truck mount equipment.

Pros: Specialized site for selling and installing truck mount systems. Sells reconditioned systems that come with a 30 day to 1 year warranty. Established company.
Cons: Only sells used systems at customer’s request. Very few listings (<10). Not their main business.

Baneclene.com is a manufacturers site for selling their brand name truck mount equipment and services.

Pros: Comprehensive site with lot’s of carpet cleaning information. Sells re-manufactured and certified pre-owned equipment that comes with 1 year and 90 day warranties respectively. Established company.
Cons: Only sells used Bane-clene equipment. Very few listings (<10).

Truckmountforums.com is an online member forum for all things related to truck mounts and/or carpet cleaning.

Pros: Good community of knowledgeable members to help answer any questions or give and exchange views and opinions on carpet cleaning in general.
Cons: Limited number of classified listings (<20 for truck mounts). No buyer protection. Registration requires too much information without a privacy policy. Way to many ads!

Craigslist.com is a classified ad site that sells everything, everywhere.

Pros: Can localize search to your city or region. Established company. Listing is free.
Cons: Way too much stuff. Hard to narrow down search for just what you want. No buyer protection. The wild west of online shopping.

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