BY LARRY HACHEY

As the CEO of Canlease, an equipment leasing company for small-medium businesses, I know first-hand that finding the right fit in a supplier can take time.

The next time you’re looking into equipment pricing, follow these tips and you’ll feel confident negotiating your best deal before looking into equipment financing.

Do your research
You wouldn’t seek financing from Canlease before learning about us – I suggest you do your due diligence with your supplier hunt as well. Research the company on their website, browse their latest news articles and take a look at their customer reviews.

Know which tools and equipment you need, how they work, and the best brands and models. Then, decide which products will best suit you.

Shop Around
Make sure you check out other suppliers and determine who can give the best quality and price. It never hurts to go to competitors and evaluate your options. Again, customer reviews can be helpful here or even a referral from a fellow business associate. Getting service after the sale is worth every penny.

Negotiate!
The most important thing people forget to do when discussing new contracts is to negotiate, so show your value! The deal should be something both sides are happy with, so feel free to discuss price, length of contract and terms to make sure you come out feeling good about the agreement.

Don’t be afraid to ask for revisions if you don’t like the first offer. The worst thing anyone could ever say is “No,” and even then – nothing ventured, nothing gained.