How to choose the right forklift supplier

Choosing a forklift supplier isn’t just about getting the best price today. The right supplier will save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Choose the wrong one, and you could face costly downtime, unexpected costs, and a whole lot of frustration.

So, what should you be looking for?

A supplier for today and tomorrow

You might only need one truck right now. But what about next year? Or five years down the line? The right forklift supplier should be more than just a one-time vendor - they should be a long-term partner you can depend on as your business evolves and grows.

Look at what else they provide. A strong supplier will have a wide product range and additional services to support your operation. These could include:

• Fleet management
• Forklift servicing and repairs
• Driver training
• Battery solutions
• Finance options
• Warehouse automation
• Consultancy services

A supplier that thinks beyond just selling forklifts can help your business become more efficient and cost-effective.

Trust and reputation matter

A supplier can promise the world. But do they deliver? Check what other businesses say about them.

• Look for customer reviews and testimonials. Not just on their website, but from independent sources.
• Ask for case studies. Have they helped businesses like yours?
• Check their industry credentials. Are they recognised by leading organisations.
• See if they’ve won any awards. How are they viewed by the industry experts?

A reliable supplier should be able to prove their worth. If you can’t find solid evidence of their expertise, think twice.

Do they understand your business?

Every warehouse, factory, or distribution centre operates differently. A one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t cut it.

A good supplier should take the time to understand how you work. They should ask about your space, your loads, your shift patterns. If they don’t ask questions, they’re probably just selling forklifts - not solutions.

Ask them:

• How do they assess your needs before making recommendations?
• Do they offer site visits or warehouse assessments?
• Can they tailor their recommendations based on your workload and future growth?

If they can’t give clear answers, they might not be the right fit.

CAN THEY ADAPT TO YOUR CHANGING NEEDS?

Business needs change. Sometimes you can predict it ahead of time; sometimes you can’t. Maybe you expand, move premises, or need different trucks as your workload shifts. Your supplier should be flexible enough to grow with you.

Consider:

• Do they have a range of truck options including automation, from electric warehouse models to heavy-duty IC engine trucks?
• Can they scale their services if your fleet size doubles?
• What’s their response time for urgent support?

A supplier that can’t keep up with your growth could hold your business back.

Are you a priority — or just another order?

Every business likes to feel valued. But with forklifts, it’s more than that - it’s about keeping your operation running.

Some suppliers focus on their biggest customers and leave smaller businesses high and dry. That’s a problem if you need a fast turnaround on a repair or have an urgent issue.

Ask:

• What’s their average response time for service requests?
• Do they have dedicated account managers for support?
• How do they handle parts availability and repairs?

If a supplier can’t guarantee prompt support, downtime could cost you far more than a cheaper upfront deal.

The true cost - not just the price tag

A low price can be tempting. But what does it really get you? Cheap suppliers might cut corners  - whether it’s poor maintenance support, slow response times, or hidden fees down the line.

Think about:

• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Beyond the purchase price, what are the costs of servicing, repairs, and downtime?
• Long-term value: Will the trucks last, or will you be replacing them sooner than expected?
• Hidden costs: Are warranties included? What happens if a truck breaks down unexpectedly?

The cheapest option isn’t always the best. In fact, it’s often the most expensive in the long run.

Why work with Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks?

At Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, we don’t just sell forklifts - we build long-term partnerships.

• Our UK-wide network means expert support is always close by.
• We offer more than just trucks - fleet management, finance, servicing, consultancy solutions, training - all in one place.
• Our reputation speaks for itself: thousands of businesses trust us to keep their operations moving. Because our legacy is built on reliability - that goes for our people as much as our trucks.
  

TO SUMMARISE, HERE'S A Quick checklist:

• Do they offer long-term solutions, not just trucks?
• Can you find real reviews or case studies?
• Do they take time to understand your needs?
• Can they scale with your business?
• Will they prioritise you when you need urgent support?
• Are you paying for real value, not just a low sticker price?
• Can they adapt to your changing needs?

Looking for a forklift supplier that puts your business first? Call us on 0845 3713048 or fill in our contact form to find out how we can help.