Advice To Buyers

While the vast majority of transactions involving used machinery go smoothly, with buyers and sellers satisfied with their deals, you should nevertheless proceed cautiously, as you would in any business activity, particularly if you have not dealt before with the seller or supplier of services, and particularly if you are buying goods outside your own country.
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The tips and advice we give below are not comprehensive, and the inclusion or omission of any item will not make pressXchange.com liable for a resulting loss, nor does it diminish your responsibility to ensure that all aspects of the transaction are satisfactory, including the bona fides and competence of the seller and/or provider of any services.
  • Before agreeing to buy goods outside your country, check that your government or customs authorities allow importation. Check also the rate of any customs duties or import taxes and any currency control restrictions.
  • Ensure you know exactly what you are buying; check the age, serial number, impression count, specification and any accessories. Do not rely on the information given in the pressXchange.com listing, which may be incomplete or inaccurate. Agree the terms on which you are buying the machine (e.g. "as is", overhauled, rebuilt, good running order, ex site, Free on Board, C&F (freight paid), CIF (freight and insurance paid), loaded onto truck or into container, with or without warranty). Are there any local taxes to pay, and if so does the price include them; when is the machine available? Put all the terms and the price into a written order and ask your seller to acknowledge his acceptance of them.
  • Ensure that the seller either owns the goods or has the authority to sell them. Ask if possible to see his purchase invoice, and check that there is no outstanding finance commitment or legal charge over the goods
  • Agree what will happen if the release of the machine is delayed. At what point will you be able to cancel the contract?
  • Where possible, inspect and test the goods yourself or have them inspected by a competent independent engineer. Ensure that they conform to your country's health and safety rules.
  • Satisfy yourself that the seller of the goods is trustworthy. If he is a dealer ask to speak to his customers or ask for references.
  • Talk to your bank about the most secure way of paying for the goods. Payment by Letter of Credit is often safest for both parties. Do not part with any money until you are satisfied that the seller is creditworthy.
  • Ensure that the machine is dismantled and loaded by competent engineers, electricians and riggers and that it is well packed or secured on truck or in container before transportation. Rust protection is essential before a sea voyage, and often insurance policies exclude rust damage. Request that containers be shipped below deck.
  • If possible, insure the goods against all risks on one policy from the beginning of the dismantling until reinstallation is completed in your premises; this avoids disputes between insurance companies over liability. Any damage should be noted, photographed as soon as it is discovered and notified to the insurer's local agent.
  • Check that the electrical equipment is compatible with your local supply. If the machine carries a guarantee, agree how this is to be implemented.