choosing a distributor

[skyfather]

There's a lot of distributors in the SoCal area selling everything from Alliance, Ipso, Dexter, Wasco, to Conti's. I've read somewhere that most machines are similar in performance, price, and reliability so that one should choose the distributor over choosing the machine.

What do you look for when choosing a distributor? There's a post on the other board where people complain of unkept promises, misleading information, hidden charges, etc. Sounds like shady distributors want to make fat margins.

[goingtoarizona]

I'm in Kern county.I'm using Pride for my Maytag parts, and Sterling for my Dexter Parts. It seems some dist. are very poor about selling parts,like not having someone readily available to take your order,loosing your order etc. I wouldn't buy anything from someone who sells laundromats. I was looking at a mat that was listed, and the owner mentioned to his supplier that his lease was up soon. His supplier (who sells mats), negoiated terms with his landlord, kicked him out,refurbed the store, and it will be on the market in a few months for way,way too much money. Unfortunalty, this man was suporting the very same company that "took" his retirement nest egg from him for many years.

[pete f]

Maybe talk to other mats on the other side of town, in an area that is not in comp where you want your to buy a store. Ask around. See what the nearby mats have to the one you want to buy, maybe you want a different line of equipment. Ask the distrib for names of stores they have done, and go check them out

[kbc747]

Sorry I disagree with your logic of a dealer over brand, it's a lot like saying all cars are the same so go buy one from a dealer you like. Not a chance, all equipment is not equal. Choose a brand on support from the manufacture not the dealer. It's the manufacture that will stand behind the machines or not, he is the one that has been around the longest and he is the one that will keep your dealer in line. Choose equipment on what others say with experience is good not a dealer. Best of luck but choose wisely....

[Monarch]

I have a couple of general comments to make

Not all equipment is created equal. Some ARE better than others.

Pricing varies, and you have to keep in mind that if you try to get off too cheap, you will wind up with junk.

The dealers vary in how consciencious they are. Some you can trust with you wife and daughters, others you have to count your fingers after you shake hands.

This is a very mature, mostly saturated industry. So dealers want to sell you equipment. Keep in mind that they are looking out for their self interests. Aren't you looking our for yours?

I once read a series of books where the author harped on the basic economic and political meaning of TANSTAAFL.
"There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch"
Which translates out to everything cost something. You got Free Shipping? No you didn't, the shipping costs were buried in what you paid for it and probably plus a bit more. Buy one get two free? then the first one was priced three times too high.

So keep this in mind as you shop. Be cautious but don't be obnoxious. Trying to deal too hard can make the sale seem more trouble than its worth. You just have to be practical and do your home work.

Not necessarily fact but just the humble opinion of a short fat bald ugly old fat man.

Norman

[Ken]

I did all my installation and repaired,so I don't care who is my distributor,I am friendly with all dealers, who ever give me the best price get my business.I pick the brand over dealer.
If someone pay,almost all the distributors will build a store next to you,that is their business "sell the steel".Some do help you more than others but running laundromat is your business,not their business,you should do all the homework,dealer help is a plus but not necessary.
This is just my view,some people may find super nice dealer really help them,care about them but I have not found one yet.

[hithere]

I did all my installation and repaired,so I don't care who is my distributor,I am friendly with all dealers, who ever give me the best price get my business.I pick the brand over dealer.
If someone pay,almost all the distributors will build a store next to you,that is their business "sell the steel".Some do help you more than others but running laundromat is your business,not their business,you should do all the homework,dealer help is a plus but not necessary.
This is just my view,some people may find super nice dealer really help them,care about them but I have not found one yet.

You did all installation yourself? wondeful !!!
how could you do that?
I wish I could.
Did you learn it before you did?
you just did by the installation mannual?

[hithere]

there are a couple of dealers(dustributors) for machines.
for example, wascomat machines, in Maryland, there are a couple of dealer offices, it doesn't matter which office to choose for purchase and installation?
what would it be the best and proper approach to buy and install new machines?? thanks

[Anonymous]

Everybody sells washers and dryers. I look to see who can install and service them after ther sale. Price is an important thing too but servive it the deal maker after a while your distribtor should be you best frend in the business.

[Ken]

You did all installation yourself? wondeful !!!
how could you do that?
I wish I could.
Did you learn it before you did?
you just did by the installation mannual?

I was a service tech before I moved to US,I had a dealers installed 2 50# washers,they charged me $800 bolted the washers down 16 years ago,they didn't do the plumbing or electric,only bolted them down.after that,I bought a large hummer drill for $500.That was the last time I hired that company or any servicemen to do installation.
I spent a lot time to learn this business when I start,when someone is building laundromats or install machines,I will go to see how they do it.Installation manual doesn't teach much.I only hire one or 2 part time worker to help me move machines during the installion.I pay them from $8-20 a hour.I feel I was over charge 16 years ago but push me to do all my installation and service,otherwise I won't be in business today.