Score the Proposal
Use the scorecard before approving a vendor or comparing two offers.
Open Vendor ScorecardMost packaging equipment purchases look logical on paper. The brochure is strong, the demo is impressive and the quote looks competitive. Problems appear after installation when the wrong questions were skipped.
1. Have You Tested My Actual Product
Do not rely on catalogue claims. Test the actual film, carton, bottle, pouch, label or pipe at actual speed, with actual print content and code position.
2. What Is the Total Cost Per Print or Pack
Machine price is only the entry point. Ask for ink, make-up, cartridges, ribbon, printhead life, labels, spares, AMC and expected downtime assumptions.
3. What Happens When the Machine Stops
Ask where the nearest engineer is, typical response time, spare availability, phone/video support, warranty exclusions and AMC cost after warranty.
4. Who Will Integrate It
Clarify mounting, sensors, encoder, PLC/HMI interface, reject logic, safety guarding, conveyor modification and validation responsibility.