The number of rotary automotive lifts in the industry can make picking just one a tough decision. If you are in the market, as a shop owner, for a new lift, or are purchasing a shop with lifts already in place, it is important that you find the proper lift for your needs. Researching each manufacturer and model can be time consuming, but it is worth the research, as the lift you choose will impact your entire shops day-to-day processes. Finding the right lift is important to protect your employees, make your shop more functional, and help your business grow.

The first step to picking a new lift would be to find the best type of lift for your shop's bays. Each bay may need the same type of lift, or you may want to have a different type in each bay, depending on the work that needs to be done there. Finding what your normal customer drives, or what type of vehicles will come into your shop the most is an important factor. The services that you offer in your shop will also determine the type of lifts needed. Once you have narrowed down the field by finding the type of vehicles you want to service, and the options that you will be offering the customer, you can decide which manufactures best fit your needs, and look at their models.

The following factors may influence your decision of which lift to purchase.

1. Research the Manufacturer and Their Reputation

You may look at the reviews online quickly when buying clothes or other low-cost items, but when making a major purchase that will affect your income and the wellbeing of your business, it is important to find a company that has a solid reputation. Look for positive reviews of the company, go to other shops and ask them about their lifts and how they work for them. A business that has been around for many years does not always guarantee a quality product, but it can help. Look into the company's warranty policies, a good warranty usually means that they stand behind their product. A lift needs to last many years, and a warranty should cover it for a significant period of time.

Make sure that the source and the service provider have factory authorization to work on the equipment that is being sold.  Finding a local supplier that offers factory trained service and support, as well as proper maintenance and replacement parts is important to maintaining the warranty on the lift, as well as insuring proper day to day function.

2. Shop Locally If Possible

After the purchase and installment of your lift, there are still many steps left to ensure proper functioning of the lift for the years to come. Having a local company that can install the lift, and also provides service to the lifts, can save money on call-outs in case of a breakdown. Breakdowns happen, and when they do, you are going to lose business every hour the lift is not functioning. Finding a certified service provider in your area guarantees that the lift will be fixed as quickly as possible. When finding the service provider, ask questions about their hours of operation and call out procedures. Money is lost when equipment is down.

3. Quality Factory Manufacturing and Customer Service

When making a purchase of this size for your business you want to make sure that the manufacturer of the lift believes in their product and will stand behind it. Where are the factories located? What kind of research goes into the creation of the lifts? Are they making constant improvements? These are some of the questions you may ask about your lifts factory quality. It is important to have a customer service center available at the manufacturer of the lift. You may have questions about the lift, or problems that cannot be solved by local service companies.

Some of the most quality manufacturers have support teams of engineers and specialists that are dedicated to making your purchase work for you, and improve your business. These specialists can be on hand to help with the design of your facility. Having an expert help with the design, and purchasing of the equipment is vital if you are a first time shop owner.

4. Buy a Certified Lift

The Automotive Lift Institute is an independent product certification company. Lifts must be passed by the ALI in order to be sold. Lifts that pass certification are judged by OSHA and other standards in testing lifts. Lifts can only be sold with the ALI mark if they are a part of an accredited lift certification program. Lifts that are marked with the ALI stickers must have instructions, manuals, safety documents, and warranty information. The building codes in every state in the U.S. require that lifts installed be ALI certified.

It is important to consider these factors when purchasing a rotary automotive lift. Following these tips will ensure that your lift works well for you and your shop.