Negotiating equipment purchases ?

[Petitlong]

I am in the process of planning a 3 bay petit build and got some quotes for a dual petit with double pumps and it was 177k. I’ve reached out to some other owners and they shared they paid between 150-160 for this setup. One purchased in 2021 and the other recently. I’m looking for advice on negotiating the price down on these machines. I feel like I’m being charged a premium.
thank you.

 

[Axxlrod]

So you're saying the quote for two Petit units each with double pumps totaled $177K? Seems way too low.

 

[GoBuckeyes]

So you're saying the quote for two Petit units each with double pumps totaled $177K? Seems way too low.

I’m assuming he means per unit

 

[Waxman]

maybe there are options you can remove? you're only $17k over, doesn't seem that bad to me. I really don't think you can compare a quote from four years ago to yours and expect it to be exact. A lot of things aren't the same price as they were four years ago.

 

[Islandwash]

Relative to the discussion of price is if you already have a relationship and is it the same distributor who will service and maintain it for its lifespan. Look ahead a few years for when you have to call for service when the machine is broken. Our distributors have the same price pressures on them that we do.

 

[Rapidoil]

.

 

[Blanco]

Relative to the discussion of price is if you already have a relationship and is it the same distributor who will service and maintain it for its lifespan. Look ahead a few years for when you have to call for service when the machine is broken. Our distributors have the same price pressures on them that we do.

This is spot on. Not all distributors are equal. If you have to pay an extra 10K but your distributor is good then it's worth every penny.

Some distributors will install machines the cheapest way possible with tapcon, zinc bolts, galvanized unistrut and pipe.
Another distributor will spend more and use stainless screws, stainless unistrut, stainless clamps, and stainless pipe.

Theres distributors that take pride in their work and theres ones that are just about a quick money grab.

Some distributors you won't ever hear from after an install and they get their check. Other you can call at anytime and they answer.

You need to find out if you have an actual distributor or a sales person. If you dont know them then ask to see their work. Go to a site they installed and talk to the owners.

 

[Greg Pack]

177K is the retail base price for a dual pump petit. By the time you add install and options (RO delivery, foaming applicators, etc.)you're looking at significantly higher numbers. I see operators claiming 250K installed as a fairly common number. if I was buying three at a time I'd expect a discount. Have no ideas what the margins for petit are but I'd expect 15% off retail maybe

 

[water guy]

This is spot on. Not all distributors are equal. If you have to pay an extra 10K but your distributor is good then it's worth every penny.

Some distributors will install machines the cheapest way possible with tapcon, zinc bolts, galvanized unistrut and pipe.
Another distributor will spend more and use stainless screws, stainless unistrut, stainless clamps, and stainless pipe.

Theres distributors that take pride in their work and theres ones that are just about a quick money grab.

Some distributors you won't ever hear from after an install and they get their check. Other you can call at anytime and they answer.

You need to find out if you have an actual distributor or a sales person. If you dont know them then ask to see their work. Go to a site they installed and talk to the owners.

That's Gospel Right There!

 

[AnalyticWash]

This is spot on. Not all distributors are equal. If you have to pay an extra 10K but your distributor is good then it's worth every penny.

Some distributors will install machines the cheapest way possible with tapcon, zinc bolts, galvanized unistrut and pipe.
Another distributor will spend more and use stainless screws, stainless unistrut, stainless clamps, and stainless pipe.

Theres distributors that take pride in their work and theres ones that are just about a quick money grab.

If owners would define their install scope better and hold their distributor accountable when they do a bad job (suing them) we would not have an industry like this.

Car wash distributors charge trade rates (or higher) without being a regulated trade. Manufacturers do not check the work of their distributors/installers & many manufacturers have eliminated or do not have any training programs.

As far as I am aware, there are no car wash industry standards/regulations except what is established by the distributor/manufacturer. If you are building a new wash you should consult with someone who has experience with new builds and has dealt with multiple distributors.

I have seen many people get bent over thinking they were working with a top notch distributor.