The Internet really does put everything at our fingertips. We can pull up old television shows and movies, we can check our bank accounts and transfer money, and we can video chat with almost anyone in the world. Ecommerce has made it easy to outfit our operations with whatever gets the job done safer, quicker, and easier with only a few clicks of the mouse.
But buyer beware. Because just like your Great Aunt Sally emailing you that she is “stuck on a remote island with no money and needs you to wire some to her ASAP,” business scams can be just as harmful to your bottom line. One of the most prevalent? Counterfeiting goods, including products you use every day and home and in your operation.
The REAL deal on splice presses
One great example is your splice press. You have probably seen advertisements for splice presses that look just like the ones you currently use. But just like those “name brand” headphones you ordered off of some social media ad that broke within a week, and the sweater you got a great deal on that showed up with one arm three inches long than the other, these deals really are too good to be true.
So what can you do to ensure you aren’t making the same mistake with your splice press purchase? Ask yourself (and the seller) a few questions:
- Is this splice press made by a company with a solid history of service and experience? There is a reason some companies have been around for more than 100 years … because customers have had good experiences with them and trust them. And impersonators know this well, so they often try to associate their names with these great companies. Our advice? If the seller isn’t an authorized distributor, run. If you really aren’t sure if the splice press you are looking for online is really affiliated with a reputable company, call their customer service line. A representative can always tell you if the seller is an authorized distributor, and if they aren’t, can connect you with a real one.
- What kind of testing is done to ensure the splice press gets the job done safely and efficiently? Presses have both electrical and pneumatic systems, both of which can be dangerous if they involve low quality workmanship and components. Don’t even entertain buying a press without knowing it has had at least the following tests: cyclic endurance, destructive, dynamic, and strength testing. If they bring in third-party compliance companies to ensure products are designed to meet safety standards that should be another point in their favor. You can find this information by speaking to your local distributor or customer service representative.
Does the manufacturer provide training and support after the sale? Some splice presses are intuitive and easy to use, while some are not. Either way, having support after the sale is key. If the distributor or manufacturer is willing to come to your location to train your maintenance crew on general splicing, as well as best practices, that is a sign that they back up their product. Also, ask how they handle repairs and updates. Reputable companies track each part of their products so that updates and repairs are easy and take minimal time. For repairs where the press will be out of operation for a while, loaner presses should be provided.- What kind of literature do they provide to help you navigate use of the press after the sale? A quick peek at the company’s Web site should be able to answer those questions. Take a look at the instruction manual to see if the directions are easy to follow. View any operational videos that will give you an inside look at operating the press. Look for customer success stories that explain how the press worked in environments like your own. In the end, the performance of the press is what matters, but a company that puts time and effort into their supporting materials is likely to have put the time and effort into the design and function of their splice press.
If that lookalike is still piquing your interest after all those questions, comparison shop! Explore the features and benefits of both. Which product has a larger effective heat zone? Which one gets the splice done the quickest? Which product has on-press recipe storage for consistent splices? Which product offers multiple voltage options? Which product has built-in diagnostics to prevent the press from misuse and possible danger to the operator?
The answer to your questions
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| There is only one splice press with a reputation for product excellence and top-notch service after the sale – the Novitool® Aero® Splice Press. |
If you’ve done your research, there’s a good chance you’ll come back to the Novitool® Aero® Splice Press from Flexco every time. The Aero Press is only sold through our authorized distributors, so be aware of the imposters.
And while we think imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, we really do want to ensure that our customers are as safe and productive as possible. We invest a significant amount of resources into innovative and reliable designs to make your belt splicing as efficient as possible, which is why we patent and protect our intellectual property.
We know that when you need to install a splice, you can’t afford to pull out a press that doesn’t stand the test of time. That’s why we stand behind our splice presses with first-in-class training and service.
Don’t settle for less than the best when your operation is on the line.
Authored by: Michelle Graves, Marketing Specialist – Novitool
Graves manages the overall global business, market plans, technical support, and activities associated with the light-duty belting market for the Novitool product line, including new product development, market analysis, and global strategy. Graves holds a bachelor’s degree from Albion College as well as a master’s degree from Grand Valley State University.