Buying the wrong generators wastes money and hurts your brand. A poor choice leads to failures and angry customers. Let me show you the key things to check first.
Before buying, you must know your required power (wattage), the right fuel type for your market, noise level regulations, necessary certifications like EPA1 or CE2, and portability needs. These factors determine the generator's suitability and compliance.
I've seen many buyers, even experienced ones, overlook one or two of these details. I learned these lessons the hard way, starting from the factory floor to running my own company. Now, I want to share what I know so you can avoid the common pitfalls. Let's break down each point so you can make your next purchase with complete confidence.
What do I need to know before buying a generator?
You have a spec sheet, but a single missed detail can be a disaster. A whole shipment could be useless. Here is a clear framework to check every time.
Focus on six core areas: power requirements, fuel type, noise levels, certifications, portability, and any special environmental needs. Getting these right ensures the generator performs as expected and meets all market regulations for your customers.
In my years in generators industry, I’ve refined my checklist to these six points. It’s a system that has saved my clients and me from countless costly mistakes. It ensures you cover every angle before placing a large order.
Core Specification Checklist
First, Power Match is non-negotiable. You must calculate the total wattage needed. This includes both the running watts for continuous use and the higher starting watts for motorized appliances. Next is Fuel Type. Gasoline is common, but diesel offers more torque, and propane can be cleaner. Your choice depends on your target market's fuel availability and cost. Then consider Noise Control. Inverter generators are quiet, often below 60 decibels, making them great for recreational use. Conventional open-frame generators are louder but often provide more power for the price. Finally, you have Portability and Special Requirements. Wheels and handles are a must for most models over 50kg. Also think about where the unit will be used. High altitudes or extreme temperatures require specific engine adjustments from the factory.
| Feature | Key Consideration | Why It Matters For Your Business |
|---|---|---|
| Certification | CE (Europe), UL/EPA (USA) | Ensures legal market access and avoids customs issues. |
| Portability | Wheels, handles, weight | Affects user convenience and target application. |
| Special Needs | Altitude, temp, water resistance | Guarantees performance and prevents complaint. |
What is the most common problem with generators?
Nothing is worse than a generator that won't start for a customer. This leads to angry calls and costly returns, damaging your reputation. The most common cause is surprisingly simple to avoid.
The most common problem with generators is related to the fuel system, specifically old or stale gasoline. Bad fuel clogs the carburetor, preventing the engine from starting. This single issue accounts for the vast majority of complaints.
When I first started my company, I was flooded with returns from a single shipment. I flew to the client's warehouse to investigate. After opening up a dozen units, I saw the same gummy varnish in every carburetor. They were failing because of bad fuel. This experience taught me that most generator problems are entirely preventable with proper knowledge and user education.
Fuel System Failures
The number one enemy of a gasoline generator is old fuel. Gasoline starts to break down in as little as 30 days. It creates a varnish that clogs the tiny passages in the carburetor. The engine can't get fuel, so it won't start. The solution for your end-user is simple: use a fuel stabilizer or drain the fuel before storage. As a buyer, you must ensure the user manuals clearly state this requirement.
Other Common Issues
Beyond fuel, other problems can pop up. Here are a few I always check for during quality control inspections with my suppliers.
| Problem | Likely Cause | How to Prevent It as a Buyer |
|---|---|---|
| No Power Output | Faulty Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR). | Specify high-quality AVRs in your order. |
| Engine Surging | Dirty air filter or clogged fuel line. | Ensure quality filters. |
| Low Oil Shutdown | The safety sensor works correctly. | Ensure the user manual has a clear quick-start guide. |
Focusing on the fuel system quality and clear user instructions will eliminate over 80% of potential problems before they ever reach your customer.
How many watts is good for a generator?
Choosing the wrong generator wattage is a costly error. Too little power causes failures and damage, while too much wastes fuel and money. Let me show you how to find the perfect size.
There is no single "good" wattage; it depends entirely on the intended use. A 2000-watt inverter is great for camping, while a 9000-watt unit is needed for home backup. The key is to add the running watts and the highest starting watts.
I've seen purchasing managers order 10,000-watt generators for a market that only needed 2,000-watt 3,000-watt units for camping. They sat in a warehouse for a year. Getting the wattage right is about matching the tool to the job. It's the foundation of a successful product line.
Starting Watts vs. Running Watts
This is the most critical concept. Running watts is the continuous power the generator can supply. Starting watts is the extra power needed to start motor-driven items like refrigerators or air conditioners. This max power only lasts for a few seconds. To calculate your need, add up the running watts of everything that will run at the same time. Then, find the single item with the highest starting watts and add that number to the total.
Common Wattage Tiers
Here is a general guide I use when advising my clients. This helps them define their product range for specific customer segments.
| Wattage Range | Common Use Case | Example Appliances Powered |
|---|---|---|
| 2,000 - 3,000W | Camping, Tailgating, Small Tools | Lights, chargers, small TV, blender. |
| 3,500 - 5,000W | RVs, Job Sites, Emergency Backup | Refrigerator, power saw, some well pumps. |
| 6,000 -9,000W | Home Backup, Larger Job Sites | Can run multiple large appliances at once. |
| 10,000W+ | Whole-Home Backup, Industrial | Powers central AC, most home circuits. |
Always source a generator with about 20% more power than the calculated minimum. This provides a safety buffer, prevents overload, and extends the engine's life, which results in happier customers.
Conclusion
Choosing the right generator comes down to matching power, knowing common problems, and checking key specs. Follow these steps and you will source the right product for your customers every time.
