5 Things to Look for in a Flume Manufacturer

Historically, flume manufacturers have been like mattress salesmen – they made it difficult to find the information that you need so that you can compare among offerings.

Things to Look For

• Are flumes a main product line for them?

  • If the manufacturer is making sailboats, tollbooths, or car parts, how much do they really know about flumes?
  • Sooner or later you will have questions - can the manufacturer answer them?
  • Are they actually manufacturers - it would seem obvious, but there are those out there that subcontract their manufacturing are are, in essence, distributors only

• Sales Support

  • It's one thing to sell a flume, it's another to be able to support it.
  • Sales support – both before and after a sale – can make a break an installation.
  • Can you get support through multiple channels – channels that fit the hours and way your work?
  • How responsive is the manufacturer? How knowledgeable is their representative? Time is money and the ability to get questions answered quickly can make the process a breeze or a source of ongoing frustration.

• Transparency

  • Is the information that you need available in a hassle-free, easy to access format?
  • Is that information supported by clearly identified reference materials in case you have a question or need to be able to support a decision?

• Materials

  • Do they only offer one type of material (i.e. fiberglass)? If so, what if the applicaiton doesn't suit the material? Do they "make it work"?
  • How good are the materials used?
    • In galvanzied and stainless construction: is it heavy gauge?
  • Do they take the time to the the litte (but important things)?
    • Gel coat all surfaces (fiberglass).
    • Apply anchoring clips on the outside of the flume (to aid in installation).

• Warranty

  • Warranty length can be an indicator of how confident the manufacturer is in their product, the materials that go into it, and their control of the production process.
  • (1) year is the bare minimum, (2) years is good, (5) years is best.

Remember that a reputable flume manufacturer provides a mix of good customer service, strong application expertise, and solid product offering. By using these five guidelines you readily separate quality flume manufacturers from the crowd.

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