Overview
Many procurement teams believe they are controlling cost by buying casters from large, familiar suppliers. In practice, this approach often results in higher unit pricing and higher lifetime cost.
Overpaying is rarely obvious on a single purchase order. It becomes clear only when replacement frequency, labor, and downtime are evaluated.
Why Overpaying Happens
- Reliance on catalog pricing without application review
- Preference for convenience over technical validation
- Limited visibility into manufacturer versus distributor markup
- Lack of standardized caster specifications
Hidden Cost Drivers
Unit price alone does not represent total cost. The following factors often exceed the initial purchase price.
- Frequent caster replacement
- Maintenance labor
- Equipment downtime
- Injury risk due to poor ergonomics
Cost Comparison Example
| Cost Factor | Low-Cost Purchase | Engineered Selection |
|---|---|---|
| Initial unit price | Lower | Higher |
| Replacement frequency | High | Low |
| Maintenance labor | High | Low |
| Total lifetime cost | High | Lower |
How to Reduce Cost Correctly
- Standardize caster specifications by application
- Evaluate lifetime cost instead of unit price
- Work with suppliers that provide application review
- Plan inventory to reduce emergency purchases
For a broader view of how procurement behavior is changing, review the 2026 Industrial Forecast.