When it comes to purchasing equipment, software or services it seems like leaders want to spend the very least amount of money possible while still meeting or exceeding their needs.
I think this is a narrow line to walk and it’s difficult to know if you hit your target without actually running everything through a real production. Plus, things will change and where your purchase once met the minimum requirement now it falls short.
Making purchasing decisions in a church isn’t easy, so here are a few guidelines to help you out
Buy the right gear the first time. Don’t jump the gun because you don’t have the funds and buy the cheap stuff or knock-offs. They won’t last as long, perform as well and will usually end up costing you more time and money in the long run.
Invest in things that are scalable and plan out your future purchases. In other words don’t make purchases without thinking of how they will function together with future purchases down the road. Have a purchasing plan.
Upgrading costs less than starting from scratch. If you continually make little improvements to your stuff it will incrementally improve your setup and won’t leave you with a massive bill all at once.
Amortizing on paper the cost of your purchase over the course of it’s lifespan can make the purchase easier to swallow. For example ProPresenter is $400 and let’s say you use it once a week for three years. The cost than looks like $2.56 per week.
More guidelines submitted by the Facebook Group
Ask yourself: Is this going to make a noticeable difference in our product? -Michael Sanders
I always approach new systems (sound, projection, lighting, video) with multiple phases of installation to break up the cost over time. Typically the first phase is always the most expensive with subsequent phases costing significantly less as we progress. I us my multi-phase approach to take care of immediate needs first and then the subsequent phases care for current and some future needs. -Shane Poulliot
After coming up with a possible solution, I like to go back to what is the problem(s) I’m fixing (things can snowball easily). I then ask myself if the solution will make enough of a difference to be worth it and if there is a different solution that will solve the problem in a cheaper or better way. Of course, to answer that, you have to have clarity on the problem and a clear understanding of the tradeoffs each solution has (every solution has trade-offs). -Chad Hess
“It’s not how much money you spend or save, it’s how much you don’t waste”. Look at Jesus on the cross: he had very few possessions, but the cloak he had was so valuable the soldiers didn’t want to split it up but instead cast lots to see who got it. -Chad Hess
When you invest in solid, well known products, you know that the company is likely going to be around for a while to support the product. Smaller companies may manage to survive, but they probably can’t offer the support that established companies can. It might cost more upfront, but the long-term cost/value is probably better. -Chris Rouse
Long term planning is the name of the game… Maybe you can’t afford everything you wan day #1, but if you have a written plan – think Habakkuk 2:2-3 – then you can put it in front of the church leadership and run with it. -Stefan Svard
My best advice would be to take your time! Don’t be in a rush to get a piece of equipment or software. Research research research! Know what you need. Know what you don’t need. Know your options. Take advantage of demos whenever possible. THEN make a wise, informed decision and you will likely be content with what you purchase. -Angel Ashbrook
What is your tip for making better equipment, software and service purchasing decisions?
