Overcoming Concerns Of Adopting New Cleaning Equipment
Industry members are expressing increased interest in implementing sustainable technologies into their business operations — but their intrigue is tapered by concerns. Many are afraid to adopt things like nanotechnology, electrostatic technology and engineered water because they know too little about the technologies, fear the cost, and don’t know whether they can trust the person or persons selling the product.
To make the purchasing of these products a little less daunting, businesses can learn how to identify what products are worth the hype and which ones are worth a pass.
Marketing teams are going to do their job, and as a result, they will always pitch their product as top-notch. There are ways, however, to wade through these presentations so that only the important information stands out, says Heidi Wilcox, owner of WILCOX EVS Solutions, Haverhill, Massachusetts.
When examining nanotechnology, electrostatic and engineered water for purchase, Wilcox says buyers should ask for data collected from field tests, which shows their soil removal and how effective the products are at killing germs. She says end users should also ask to see the system in action somewhere and to speak to a reference — a third party who uses the product. Finally, the companies selling the products should also be tasked with presenting sustainability metrics, such as environmental toxicity, active ingredients, as well as any health issues caused by long-term use of the products.
“Trust is built by asking people, seeing the technology in action and piloting it yourself,” says Wilcox. “Also, you can bring in an expert to help be your advocate during the process.”
The cost of these products is another issue that’s harder to overcome as there isn’t much the customer can do to combat high prices. But, Wilcox believes price tags can be made a little less intimidating if potential customers look at the big picture. Often, after factoring in the reduced use of chemicals, solid waste and time, end users are left with a return on investment that makes buying these sustainable technologies more palatable.