San Diego Based Pacific Play Systems Shares Recommendations for Selecting High Quality Commercial Playground Equipment from Reputable Dealers.
When looking for a new commercial play structure, in order to find a play system of high quality that will provide years of hassle-free use, it is important to take into consideration several key factors about the company you are considering purchasing from and their equipment. Unfortunately, many consumers have found that by not doing the proper research beforehand, they have ended up choosing a company with a product that poses a variety of serious problems.
Some common problems that consumers run into include purchasing equipment that is not properly designed to be age appropriate or equipment that is not correctly sized for the space available so that proper Use Zones are maintained. It is crucial that the equipment selected meets or exceeds the required safety codes and standards per US CPSC Publication 325 and ASTM F 1487-11. Other considerations that buyers need to be aware of include selecting equipment that is durable, requires little to no maintenance and is purchased from a reputable manufacturer with a proven track record.
It is important that the playground manufacturer is represented by a reputable local dealer capable of processing any warranty issues when needed. It is advisable to do business with a dealer who has invested in his business by having a commercial facility capable of receiving shipments for customers as some shipments may require storage at the dealer’s warehouse, prior to installation. Dealers not invested in their business and operating out of their homes generally come and go, leaving their customers without support when it comes to getting replacement parts or taking care of warranty issues. So, it is highly recommended that consumers do their due diligence and visit the dealer’s facility, prior to committing to a large purchase.
It is important for the dealer to be knowledgeable about the playground industry and safety standards with a proven track record as this creates an additional layer of quality control, in case there are any oversights on the part of the manufacturer. Buyers should consider selecting a dealer who has design capabilities, offers installation, surfacing and site amenities. It would be ideal to contract with a dealer who is capable of providing everything under a single contract so that consumers are not forced to contract with multiple vendors. Dealers who offer full installation and have qualified factory trained installers offer a huge advantage, as faulty installations are another common problem that can lead to serious safety issues, which can often be very costly to correct. Other considerations include doing business with companies who offer superior customer service and support that becomes crucial when a replacement part is needed. Another pitfall for consumers is buying equipment that is not made in the USA, making it a lengthy process to get replacement parts, often several months, not to mention the excessive cost of freight.
For these and other reasons, it is crucial to take the following points into consideration before you begin looking for a new play system:
1. Find out about the manufacturer of the playground equipment. Product quality and years of experience are both very important. Many of the top companies have been in business for many years, and they will most likely have projects nearby that you can visit to evaluate their products firsthand. Also, keep in mind the geographic location of the playground manufacturer. Finding a local or regional manufacturer will keep freight costs low while also reducing the unnecessary environmental impact caused by equipment being shipped cross-country or overseas, thus creating a smaller carbon footprint for the project.
2. Secondly, look into the playground dealer that you will be working with. You should look for a reputable playground dealer with a proven track record. The playground dealer should have extensive design capabilities, and should offer a high level of customer service before, during and after any purchase. Also, choosing a playground dealer that is local means that their representatives can come and meet with you to discuss ideas and evaluate your site. Visit the dealer’s facility, make sure it is up to your standards.
3. Finally, look for a playground company that offers full installation. Faulty installations and their subsequent safety risks can be avoided by choosing a company that has an experienced design and installation team.
Pacific Play Systems is a local company with extensive experience in the design, installation and manufacture of commercial playground equipment. Please feel free to contact us for a free consultation for any upcoming projects.
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