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
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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
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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.
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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?
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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).
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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.