Worldwide, the used plastics machinery market is huge—and like any global marketplace, you can find a little bit of everything. Some dealers offer great value for reliable and well-tested equipment, while other brokers are looking to make a quick buck by selling poor-quality machines at an inflated price tag.

So how can you tell the difference? Start by posing these five questions to any plastics equipment broker, dealer, or vendor you’re considering working with.


What to Ask Your Plastics Machinery Vendor


1. What Are the Machine Details?

It’s absolutely critical to be sure that the machine you’re purchasing will suit your operations. At a bare minimum, ask about the machine’s:


  • Year

  • Make 

  • Model

  • Hours

  • History


Ideally, the vendor you’re purchasing from would also be able to consult with you on the machine and how you intend to use it. Knowledgeable staff with plastics industry experience will always be preferable to machine brokers who focus primarily on sales margins over true area expertise.


2. Is There a Warranty on the Machine?

Not all used machines will be under warranty, and valid warranty coverage is not necessarily the most important factor in every purchasing decision. Still, it should be clear whether the machine is under warranty, and if so, what coverage applies.


As part of this question, be sure to understand the pre-sale inspection process, which should document which parts function normally, which need repairs, and which parts are missing/inoperable. 


3. Does the Machine Run?

Like the warranty coverage, you’ll want to be crystal-clear on whether or not the machine runs as is. Anything that does not function or is not included in the purchase should be noted in writing.


4. Can I See Video Proof?

Beyond verbal and written confirmation regarding the machine’s function, you should always ask to see video evidence. (If you can go see the machine in person, that’s great—but this is often not possible.)


This video should contain a full walk-around of the machine along with close-up shots of the key components, machine controls, and electronic panels while the machine is running.


5. What Financing Options Are Available?

Reputable sellers will often have financing plans available through trusted lenders. Ask about the financing options themselves as well as the difficulty/ease of applying. Ideally, you’d be able to apply for financing online and receive quick feedback regarding the options your business qualifies for.


For High-Quality Used Plastics Machines, Purchase from Arlington Machinery

No matter what kind of plastics machinery or supporting equipment you’re looking to buy, Arlington Machinery is here to help. We’ve been a global leader in machine servicing since 1987, and we maintain our own warehouse of new, used, refurbished, and as-is machines. 


We welcome all of the questions above and would be happy to help you find the right machine for you:


  • Blow Molders

  • Extruders

  • Injection Molders

  • Metalworking Equipment

  • Size Reduction Machines

  • Thermoformers

  • Shredders

  • Auxiliary Equipment


At Arlington Machinery, we test all of our machines to ensure proper functionality. Oftentimes, we also post a video of the machine running to the product page and our YouTube channel. We also have many financing plans available!


Explore our current inventory and fill out our online form to request a custom quote. You can also give us a call to go over the questions above with a friendly product expert.