| 1. In Buying Used Machine |
The followings are guideline for
less-experienced buyers/sellers of used machinery.
|
1. |
Contact directly the
owner (or intermediary agent) via e-mail, fax, telephone, etc.
and obtain detailed information of the price, specification,
photos, actual state and past record of use. |
|
2. |
If you decide that the
machine is the best desired one, then request to perform the
inspection. |
|
3. |
Points to be Remarked |
|
| |
1) Check of name plate
: Confirm if the
specification on the name plate conforms to the data surveyed in
advance |
| |
2) Visual examination
: If the machine
has been painted and looks good, you must not be satisfied with
the appearance but must check for flaws, tear and wear, rust,
applied oil, etc. If the machine has not been repainted and does
not look good, that gives you the chance to inspect the machine
as it is and reduce the risk of misjudgment. |
| |
3) State of
maintenance : Ask
if maintenance has been performed since the time of purchase. If
any, ask the detail of maintenance. If not, ask whether the
machine does not show serious problem for future operation. |
| |
4) Test run :
Request a test run of the machine. If the owner refuses to make
a test run, ask the owner for the reason. |
| |
|
Inspection Items in Test Run |
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a) Check unusual
noise. |
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b) Check smooth
function of the machine. |
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c) Check unusual
vibration. |
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d) Check whether the
machine can be operated by operating switch. |
|
| |
5) Check of
accessories :
Confirm the content of the accessories (spare parts, tools,
cover, etc.). |
| |
6) Check of documents
: Availability of
the instruction manual, catalogs, specification, drawings, etc. |
| |
7) Negotiation :
If you judge, based on the result of inspection, that there is
no problem in the machine, negotiate for price reductions
without showing any sign that you want to buy it. This is the
best timing for negotiation, otherwise, the potentiality of
successful by will be lowered. |
|
|
4. |
Request for a issuance of
formal quotation. Confirm the terms of delivery (free on
seller's site, free on truck, free on truck at delivery point,
free on delivery point, etc.). |
|
5. |
Issue the order sheet.
Specify the name of ordered machine, machine serial number,
scope of order, condition of order, delivery terms, delivery
time, breakdown of the amount, etc. |
|
6. |
The bill or invoice will
be sent to you by the seller. |
|
7. |
Pay the contracted amount
to the designated account. |
|
8. |
Receipt of machine. |
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| 2. Other Points in Selling and
Buying Used Machinery |
|
1. |
Buyer's Responsibility |
| |
Any claims on the defects
will not accepted by the seller subject to the buyer's final
inspection. Thus the buyer will resume all responsibility on
performance related claims, and the machine will be delivered
without warranty. Do not pay unless you can perform the
inspection. Neglect any statement from the seller to prompt you
faster buying by saying "Machine will go out of stock unless you
pay now". Take extra care when the seller presses you for a
prompt contract. |
|
2. |
Advance Payment System |
| |
Generally the used
machine market is a seller's market where sellers stand on
stronger position than the buyer. Therefore, it is a principle
to pay full price before delivery of machinery. Negotiations
will fail when you offer the condition to pay for machine after
delivery and careful inspection. |
|
3. |
Deposit System |
| |
Generally, the full
amount of contracted price is to be paid at the time of contract
and the machine is picked up within a week.
However, a longer period may be needed from contract to delivery
by some reason. In such cases, a common practice is to pay 10%
deposit at the time of contract and settle the balance by one
day prior to the acceptance of machine. The guaranteed period
covers for about one month. For longer period, a warehousing fee
may be charged. You should make sure the delivery date and, if
necessary, you need to sign a contract for storage. |
|
4. |
Double Repayment
System |
| |
If the buyer cancels a
contract for some reason after he paid the deposit, the deposit
is forfeited. But on the other hand, if the seller rejects the
sale, it is a common practice for the seller to refund the
deposit and pay a compensation of same amount as the deposit. |
|
5. |
Other Common Troubles
|
|
| |
1) As often happens, some
buyers acquire ownership of machinery by paying a deposit but do
not accept it for a long time while they are trying to resell
it. Such a malicious practice is often the case with the buyers
who have not own storage site or with in-line machinery which
requires a large amount of expenses for dismantling. A
preventive action for this case is to clearly specify the date
of acceptance and warehousing fee in the event of delay upon the
conclusion of a contract. |
| |
2) There are some out-law
sellers who introduce a low-priced machine that does not exist
and do not perform delivery after receipt of payment. If you
request the inspection of machine, they will use, in an effort
to discourage you, some pretext or another by saying "another
buyer will buy it unless you pay now" or "the machine is stored
at a distant place". A countermeasure against such tactics is to
discuss business with a reliable dealer and not to pay the money
if you cannot inspect the machine. |
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3) When negotiating with
foreign customers, they may request the issue of invitation
letter for visa to enter Japan. It is often the case that they
cut off communications after they receive invitation letters and
use them to enter Japan illegally. In the case of negotiation
with first-time buyers on the Internet, the issuance of
invitation letter should be avoided. If you think that those
customer may request specifically on the initiation letter
without making any business talk, this must be typical sign of
the suspicious buyer. |
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