4. Check the Warranty/Make Good Policy.

When you buy good power equipment, you should get assurances: a warranty that your hand-held equipment will work as promised, some advice to help you avoid operating mistakes, and a dependable place to turn if all else fails. So you know what to expect, it's a good idea to (1) review your machine's manufacturer warranty, and (2) ask your dealer about his own in-store make-good policy. Be satisfied with both. The last thing you want is to ship your equipment to a repair center for warranty work, then wait for weeks.

Look for the following:

• A money-back, no-risk guarantee. Buy any piece of equipment, put it to work for up to 7 days. If you're not satisfied, bring it back to your dealer for a full refund.
  
  
• A two-year warranty for non-commercial users, one-year for commercial users, and 90-days for rental users.
  
  
• Ask about a "Try Before You Buy" Program.

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