Equipment supplier selection

You are spending a lot of money. How do you choose the supplier(s) for your needs? Basically, you need to do a lot of research.  Contact breweries who have used that supplier and find out what they think:

• Would they use that supplier again? 
• Does the supplier really understand what they are selling and do they have good technical knowledge and backup, or are they just salesmen? 
• What is their background in breweries?
• Where is their equipment sourced and what is the cost and availability of spare parts? 
• Does their equipment meet Australian standards?