Posted by SALE! BOGO! Limited time offer! Everyone loves a good deal. However, when it comes to outfitting your warehouse/distribution center with barcode scanners, printers and label media, the lowest price doesn’t always equal the best value. Please allow me to explain.
For more than eight years, EMS Barcode Solutions has provided full-service data collection and inventory tracking solutions to small-to-midsize businesses in manufacturing, transportation, logistics and several other vertical markets. Sometimes customers prefer to purchase hardware elsewhere, or perhaps they’ve already bought their equipment when they contact us, and they’re just looking for software. Either way, there are some pitfalls we’ve seen companies fall into if they’ve made barcode hardware and label media buying decisions based on initial price alone.
In a recent article, I listed several pitfalls buyers can run into when looking for the best deals on mobile barcode scanners, printers, and media such as choosing the wrong form factor or media for your work environment. Let’s say you get all those choices right – you select the right form factor, brand and model for the barcode scanner, which you pair with the correct label printer and media. And you get an extended warranty, too. That’s great, but there’s still one more obstacle you can’t afford to leave to chance — support.
I know it’s hard to believe that those brand new handheld devices and industrial printers will ever fail, but at some point in the future they will, and you don’t want to wait until that happens to come up with a repair strategy. Even if the online retailer you purchased the devices from offers repair services (hint: most likely not), you’re going to pay for shipping both ways and you’re going to be waiting several weeks for the repair.
To avoid the above scenario, you’ll need to have additional devices on hand which you’ll also need to manage (e.g., maintain software patches and firmware updates). When you work with EMS Barcode Solutions, you don’t need to worry about buying extra devices and worrying about downtime. If you’re having problems, we’ll help with repairs and replacements. We work with you to diagnose the issue (often for free), and then we’ll suggest the best repair options. If the equipment’s still under warranty, we can help expedite the repair process by leveraging our contacts with all the major hardware vendors.
Out of warranty? No problem. EMS Barcode offers depot repair services on all the hardware brands we sell, and our average turnaround time on repairs is just three to five days. And in many cases, we can provide you with a spare while you’re waiting for your equipment to be repaired.
If your equipment can’t be repaired, we’ll work with you to find the least expensive way to replace it. If the problem is software-related, we offer training packages, phone support, and remote setup. Our involvement doesn’t end until you’re happy with the solution.
When you have a problem with your barcoding equipment, getting fast, affordable repair service is a must. When you work with EMS Barcode Solutions, you can have peace of mind that you’re not going to have to jump through hoops to figure out a repair plan following an equipment failure or scrap your used equipment too early because the repair times and costs exceed the value of buying new hardware.
Check out our website to learn more and contact us anytime with questions. We’re available via web chat, email or phone, and our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you.
