Pest Control Equipment - Beware of Icebergs

Your Pest Control Equipment: Purchase Price is Just the Tip of the Iceberg

 

Have you ever calculated what your pest control equipment actually costs?  Professional pest control equipment cost is like the iceberg; only a small portion is visible.  The rest is hiding, waiting to sink your company ship. Don’t assume purchase price is the same as cost.

 

Total pest equipment cost is comprised of the following costs:

 

- Purchase Price

 

- Installation Cost

 

- Maintenance Expense

 

- Repair Expense

 

- Productivity Impact

 

- Longevity.

 

Let’s discuss each component in detail.  Note: this article focuses on pest control power spray equipment but the concepts apply to many types of equipment.

 

Purchase Price is the most obvious component of total cost.  Unfortunately, it is often the only cost that is considered in the purchase decision.  Purchase price includes total purchase price of the base unit plus any optional equipment, sales tax and freight.

 

Installation Cost includes the total cost of installing the equipment in the vehicle.  Generally speaking, pest control sprayers requiring electric power will cost more to install. 

 

Maintenance Expense includes regularly scheduled maintenance, e.g., engine oil changes, pump rebuilds, spray gun rebuilds, etc.  Maintenance cost includes the cost of the components and labor.  Regular maintenance will extend the life of your sprayer and will prevent unscheduled downtime caused by equipment failure.

 

Repair Costs.  Does the rig constantly break down?  Repair cost includes not just the cost of the repair but the downtime that results.  Are replacement parts readily available?  Waiting for parts can be a productivity killer.

 

Productivity Impact.  Does the equipment boost technician productivity or hinder it?   Are key components properly situated for easy, safe, ergonomic access?   Must the technician waste perform extra motions just to do her job?  

 

Longevity/Replacement Cost.  How long do the components last?  Are top quality components used? 

 

Example: 

 

Some of the cheapest components of your sprayer are the plumbing fittings.  Yet these inexpensive parts can cost you a bundle.  A plastic fitting in the wrong place can be easily damaged, resulting in chemical spillage and lost productivity.  Be sure you know everything you are getting when you order your sprayer.

 

As professional owners and managers, it is critical to the success of your business that you understand the true costs of your pest control supplies.   Learn where your icebergs lie.