Inspection and trial preparation
Used machinery decisions are easier when the product, container, format and target speed are clear before the sales discussion.
What to prepare before enquiring
Where practical, provide samples, photos, dimensions, current line layout, utility requirements and any known process constraints.
- Photos of the machine or required product format help speed up the discussion.
- Current availability is subject to prior sale and should be checked before planning transport.
- Where possible, ask about inspection, trial, delivery and installation options.
Keep inspection observations and trial conclusions separate
An inspection record should identify what was examined and the condition observed. A trial record should identify the product, packaging, settings and checks used. Keep these records linked to the same machine, while making their different purposes clear.
If equipment cannot be demonstrated in the intended configuration, list the limits of the available evidence and the remaining checks. Agree how open points will be resolved rather than allowing an incomplete demonstration to imply unrestricted acceptance.
- Evidence boundary
- Record what was accessible, operating or unavailable during the inspection.
- Follow-up action
- Assign a next step for each outstanding item and retain any later evidence.
How should an inspection conclude?
Summarise the observations, the agreed supply condition and the unresolved questions. Keep any proposed repair or trial work distinct from work already completed and evidenced.