A forklift is a big investment for your business — knowing how forklift sales work help you make the right choice.

Most forklift sales start with a demonstration. At the very least, dealers will bring the forklift you're considering to your location and let you use it for an hour or two. In many cases, the dealer will let you keep the truck for one to three days, giving you the chance to put it to the test in a live environment. A full day or more of using the lift will give you the best idea of how it fits with your specific application.

Rent to evaluate
If you aren't very familiar with the different brands and types of forklifts, consider renting. Renting for a month lets you evaluate your options without a major investment.

New vs. used forklift sales
If you're looking to save money, used forklifts can be a good option. Here's a good rule of thumb: if you are going to be using your forklift more than four hours a day, you should invest in new equipment. With that much use, the operating and maintenance costs for used equipment can quickly wipe out the initial savings.

Many dealers have both new and used forklift sales, so you can compare prices easily. Make sure to inquire about the difference in service plans between new and used models.