If you’ve just purchased or are considering purchasing new or refurbished medical imaging equipment, you know that it will require expert maintenance service over time. While the company you bought the equipment from may offer service contracts, they may or may not be your best choice. That’s why it’s important to do your homework before you make a decision about maintenance service. Here are four tips for your consideration:
1) Find out how long has the company been in business.
A company that has been around for a long time has established clients and a higher level of experience. It means the company is a proven provider and can probably connect you with a customer or two that you can talk to. Customer referrals provide peace of mind. Plus, if a company has been in business for a long while, it probably has more resources.
2) Does their staff consist of experts in more than one modality?
Make sure the team that will actually be servicing your equipment is expert in one or more modalities. An expert is able to work on all brands and models rather than just one brand name. You want proven experts working on your equipment, who have knowledge and insight about what provides you with reliability and success. They should be able to fluently discuss maintenance and service requirements and expectations with you.
3) Read the fine print on your warranty or service agreement.
Every service and maintenance contract should come with a proper warranty, and you should take the time to read and understand it. If you have questions, make sure you ask them. If you’re still confused, you might have your legal department review it. A warranty for refurbished equipment may not be as lengthy, but take the time to read it. Oftentimes, this equipment is even more dependable, as it has already functioned in the workplace. However, a warranty is still essential. Whether you are buying new or refurbished, make sure that a support staff is available to you when you have an issue.
4) The Difference in Pricing and Length of Service Contracts
There is a big difference between an OEM and an established service provider when it comes to pricing and the length of a service contract. An OEM usually charges 30-50% more for service. They also usually mandate that the service contract last for more years then you might actually need or want—even for refurbished equipment. It’s wise to do some comparative shopping before you sign. You might be surprised at how much you can save by going with an independent service provider.
At Atlantis Worldwide, we often come across clients that have a service contract that covers a few different systems that has been bundled in by an OEM. In situations like this, we often find they are paying more for each system, and for more years than needed! They are always surprised to hear that we can provide the same high quality of service for less money—on each system! We can also extend the life of your system or upgrade it to a newer model.
If you’d like to talk about any maintenance, service and warranty issues or opportunities, you can trust our experts at Atlantis Worldwide to provide you with the information you need to make a wise choice. Contact Us Today!
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About the author: Vikki Harmonay
