Don't buy the cheapest Allen Bradley PLC. Here's why.
I've tracked over $180,000 in spending on Allen Bradley PLCs and accessories across six years. If you're searching for a "cheap" 5069 PLC or a bargain rack, I get it. Budgets are tight. But the cheapest quote is almost never the cheapest outcome. In my experience, the vendor who lists all fees upfront—even if the total looks higher—usually costs less in the end.
I'm not saying you need to buy the most expensive option. I'm saying the real cost of a PLC isn't just on the invoice. It's in the shipping that's itemized later, the tech support that's billed per incident, and the 5069 module that arrives without the required firmware version. Over the past six years, I've seen this pattern repeat across maybe 180 orders. Maybe 200, I'd have to check the system.
How I track this stuff
I'm a procurement manager at a 50-person industrial automation integrator. I manage our component budget—around $30,000 annually—and I've documented every Allen Bradley order in our cost tracking system since 2019. When I audit our spending, I look at total cost of ownership (TCO), not just the unit price. That means I factor in shipping, setup fees, training kits, and any add-on modules you didn't realize you needed. It's not glamorous, but it's saved us roughly $8,400 annually—about 17% of our budget—after we switched vendors in Q2 2024.
The trap of the "cheap" Allen Bradley PLC
Two years ago, I was comparing quotes for a ControlLogix setup. Vendor A quoted $4,200 for the system. Vendor B quoted $3,600. I almost went with B. Almost. Then I calculated the TCO. Vendor B charged $350 for "expedited shipping." They added $150 for a "software enablement fee." And the training kit they required? $400. That's $900 in hidden fees. Vendor A's $4,200 included everything: shipping, setup, and a basic training course. The difference was a 17% premium hiding in fine print.
I've seen this pattern with Allen Bradley 5069 PLCs, too. The 5069-L306ERMS2 module is a workhorse, but it's often sold without the required power supply or memory card. You see a low price, click "add to cart," and then the checkout page asks for another $150 for the card. It's not dishonest, exactly—but it's not transparent either.
What I look for now
After comparing 8 vendors over 3 months using our TCO spreadsheet, our procurement policy now requires quotes from 3 vendors minimum. But more importantly, I ask a simple question before any price negotiation: "What's NOT included?"
- Shipping: Is it free? Or is it $75+ for a small rack?
- Software licenses: Do you need RSLogix 5000 or Studio 5000? That's often extra.
- Firmware: Does the 5069 module come with the latest firmware? Or do you pay for a flash drive?
- Training kits: Some vendors bundle them. Others hide the cost until you ask.
In my experience, if you're working on a standard project—say, a CompactLogix 5380 system—the difference between vendors is rarely more than 15%. But if you're working with legacy equipment or unusual I/O modules, the variance can hit 40%. That's a lot of hidden cost.
A real example: The 200 Amp transfer switch that wasn't
This isn't exactly PLC-related, but it illustrates the point perfectly. We needed a 200 amp manual double throw transfer switch for a skid-mounted system. Vendor X quoted $550. Vendor Y quoted $480. I went with Y. The switch arrived without the required neutral lug kit. That was a $120 add-on. Plus, I had to pay $45 for overnight shipping because it was a Friday. Total: $645. Vendor X's $550 included the lug kit. I'd have saved $95 if I'd just asked the right question upfront.
I knew I should ask for a full spec sheet, but I thought, "What are the odds?" Well, the odds caught up with me. That's exactly what I mean by the "cheap" option resulted in a $1,200 redo when quality failed—except in this case, it was a $95 mistake. Still annoying. Still preventable.
The lesson for Allen Bradley buyers
If you're buying an Allen Bradley 5069 PLC, here's what I've learned from tracking 180+ orders:
- Ask for a full quote. Not just the unit price. Ask for shipping, taxes, and any required accessories.
- Check the firmware version. A 5069-L306ERS2 with old firmware is a headache. You might need to pay for a flash drive or a tech to update it.
- Look for training kits. Some vendors include them for free. Others charge $300+.
- Don't assume "compatible." A cheap 1756 module might not work with your existing rack. Verify before buying.
Also, be careful with Husqvarna battery chargers. We bought one for a field technician, and the charger didn't include the cable. That was a separate $20 item. It's the same principle: the initial price is not the final price.
When buying cheap Allen Bradley PLCs actually makes sense
I'm not saying never buy cheap. I'm saying ask the right questions before you commit. My experience is based on mid-range orders for a small integrator. If you're working with luxury or ultra-budget segments, your experience might differ. If you're a hobbyist building a test bench, a used MicroLogix 1100 from eBay might be perfect. But if you're buying for a production line that can't afford downtime, the extra $200 for a full kit from a reputable vendor is an insurance policy.
In my opinion, the vendors who list all fees upfront—even if the total looks higher—are the ones you can trust. I've only worked with domestic vendors, so I can't speak to how this applies to international sourcing. But the principle is universal: transparency builds trust.
If you're new to PLC programming and looking for a tutorial, don't start with the cheapest hardware. Start with a PLC programming tutorial that covers the basics of ladder logic and wiring. Then invest in a proper training kit. You'll thank yourself later.
Prices as of January 2025; verify current rates. Regulations are for general guidance only. Consult official sources for current requirements.
