Equipment is the driving force of any restaurant business. Without the right restaurant equipment, you can't run a successful enterprise.
However, buying the necessary equipment often requires a significant initial investment. At the same time, you need to budget for other operational costs. They include hiring costs, insurance, permits, utensils, and utilities.
To reduce the investment needed, you may turn to used restaurant equipment. However, before buying used, there are some things you must first consider. Keep reading to find out what they are.
Equipment Cost
Starting a restaurant business can be expensive. In the United States, it costs an estimated $750,000 to set up a medium-scale establishment.
The amount includes employees' salaries for three months. Given such staggering costs, you might want to save some money by purchasing used items.
Before buying used restaurant equipment:
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Decide how much you're willing to spend.
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Determine which features you want the equipment to have.
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Look at the options available and find one that fits your criteria.
Used equipment usually loses its initial value. Thus, you can get it at lower prices. You can also negotiate for a better offer. Ensure you check the equipment for scratches and other faults. They may help you get a good deal. Negotiating and getting equipment at a lower price will free up some money you can divert to other amenities.
Equipment Quality
When buying used restaurant equipment in Dallas, TX, research the product. Look at the reputation of the brand that provides the equipment you want. Also, check out the reviews of the item and ensure it has all the features you want.
You may discover that some models don't have the qualities you need through research. Thus, doing your due diligence ensures you get affordable and quality products.
Get equipment that can withstand the wear and tear associated with use in a commercial kitchen. Products meant for use in a home setting may not be durable. To ensure equipment quality, test to see if it works before buying.
Trustworthiness of the Dealer
It is best to buy the restaurant equipment that you need from a reputable dealer. Such a seller will usually examine any equipment they have before reselling. They do so to ensure the product is working and to check if it needs repairs. A reputable dealer will also repair products before reselling.
Buying restaurant equipment is an investment. You don't want to buy items from a questionable vendor and then have them fail. If that happens, you'll suffer losses. So, always look at the seller's reviews. Also, maintain their contacts for future use just in case you have any concerns.
Availability of Parts
Buying used restaurant equipment for low prices may feel like a win. However, the product may be inexpensive because its parts are hard to find or unavailable. The unavailability of parts presents a significant problem.
Restaurant equipment can break down from time to time. If it does, and the parts are unavailable, you may be unable to operate your business. Thus, you'll have to incur extra costs to replace the equipment. On the other hand, if you do find the parts, they may be pretty expensive.
The History of the Equipment
To run a successful restaurant, you need durable equipment. Before buying used restaurant equipment in Dallas, TX, find out the product's history. You can get the information from the seller.
Ask about:
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How many owners has the equipment had
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Whether the product got serviced regularly
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Any issues the item has had
The information you get will determine if the equipment is worth buying.
Cleanliness
Before you buy used restaurant equipment in Dallas, TX, check to see if it is clean. You can take a clean cloth, open up the product and rub the cloth over it. Target the areas that often become dirty. Also, ensure you check typical problem areas like corners.
Ask the vendor about the product's cleaning schedule when it was in use. Then, after purchasing the equipment, clean it thoroughly.
Wrap Up
Purchasing used restaurant equipment is a delicate affair. If you make a wrong choice, you'll suffer significant losses. Thus, you must equip yourself with information on what to look out for when buying used.
When it comes to running a business, whether big or small, every business owner knows it's essential to be on the lookout for the most profitable opportunities. If you're currently managing a restaurant or hoping to open one soon or find yourself concerned about how you will manage to properly outfit your restaurant, then finding the right restaurant supply store is crucial.
For your convenience, here are the five chief advantages of using a nearby restaurant supply store to purchase and sell restaurant equipment.
Top Advantages of a Nearby Restaurant Supply Store
Searching online for the cheapest option might seem the best course of action. Still, it's important to know that using a local source for your restaurant equipment supply has multiple benefits.
1. It's More Cost Effective
When running a business, an essential concern of any business owner is their bottom line. That's why the most crucial chief advantage of using a local restaurant supply store is it will be more cost-effective for you and your business.
Working with a local supplier is more cost-effective because using a local supplier will cut down on various costs. These include reduced supply chain costs since you won't be purchasing or selling large pieces of equipment from far away or even overseas just to, hopefully, save a bit of money.
2. It's Faster
Working with a local supplier means that you will be able to purchase and sell restaurant equipment faster than if you needed to wait for supplies from elsewhere.
So, if your looking to get a restaurant up and running sooner, purchasing your equipment from a local supplier means you will get your equipment sooner. You could also even go and pick it up yourself, saving even more money.
Selling restaurant equipment to a local supplier means that you get paid for it while getting rid of your equipment even sooner. It removes the headaches of having to pack and ship equipment to a supplier that is farther away.
3. It Gives You Better Control
Yet another chief advantage of using a local restaurant supply store is that it gives you better control over the restaurant equipment you receive and sell. Working with a local supplier means they'll most likely have an actual store where you can physically inspect the equipment before purchasing.
You will also be able to talk to and work with real people face-to-face ensuring that nothing ends up misunderstood or overlooked. Finally, you can be sure that you pay for exactly what you need and not end up surprised when you receive something that's similar to what you need.
4. It's Good for the Environment
Working with a local supplier means reducing emissions and energy usage incurred if you purchased your restaurant equipment from a supplier located far away.
In addition, because a local supplier is closer to you, you reduce the environmental impact when you have the ability to drive a short distance to purchase or sell restaurant equipment. This point is especially true when the equipment happens to be large or bulky.
A perfect example is if you're purchasing restaurant equipment that would otherwise ship on a large, gas-guzzling vehicle across long distances, further polluting the environment.
5. It Supports the Local Economy
Lastly, working with a local supplier means putting your hard-earned money back into your local community. Supporting the area means a great deal for a local restaurant because those locals will be your primary patrons.
By using a local supplier for your restaurant equipment supply, you will support your community, and you will likely see them supporting your business.
Final Thoughts
Using a nearby restaurant supply store will help you prepare to get your new restaurant up and running, close down your restaurant, or update your existing restaurant while taking advantage of some valuable benefits. Whether it's locally sourced ingredients or equipment, buying and selling locally always has benefits, most of which will improve your bottom line.
So, when you buy and sell your restaurant's equipment from a nearby restaurant supply store, it will be more cost-effective, have a faster turnaround time, and give you better control over what you purchase and sell.
Opening and running a restaurant can be costly. You must buy restaurant equipment like a stock pot burner, fryers, warming equipment, and more. Further, you have to think of rent, utilities, insurance, and wages. Thus, you might be looking for a way to reduce costs by buying used restaurant equipment.
Before buying used equipment, you should understand the pros and cons of doing so. With such information, you can be sure you're making the right choice.
Pros of Purchasing Used Restaurant Equipment
You can purchase used restaurant equipment when starting a business or upgrading your appliances. In both instances, used equipment presents a host of advantages, which include the following.
Reduced Cost
The decision to buy used restaurant equipment is driven mainly by cost. There is an estimated 935,000 restaurants in the US. You might want to add to that number by opening one up. However, you may need to reduce your spending on equipment to make room for other expenses.
You can buy used restaurant equipment at lower costs because they have already depreciated. Purchasing used equipment is a wise financial decision. You might not get a return on your investment in the short term. Thus, you may face financial trouble if you sink all your funds into buying new equipment.
Negotiating Ability
It is difficult to negotiate a price decrease when buying new restaurant equipment. However, used equipment has some level of negotiability. That's because it has already depreciated, meaning there's no rigid cost.
Thus, you can negotiate with the seller and buy the equipment at lower prices. Also, you might get a few extra items thrown in to better the deal. That includes items like small spoons and other small utensils.
Getting Equipment in Good Condition
Used restaurant equipment may come from businesses that closed their doors. Thus, the equipment is likely in good condition and worth the money. Sometimes, you may even get an item with its original warranty from the manufacturer.
Ensure you buy restaurant equipment from a reputable vendor. Such a vendor will check every used item they want to resell to ensure it's in excellent shape. They will also make any necessary repairs before reselling. Thus, you'll be getting a good quality item.
Restaurant equipment is usually durable, meaning it can last for a long time with the proper care. For example, you can buy a commercial gas fryer and use it for years, thereby getting value for your money.
Cons of Buying Used Restaurant Equipment
Buying used restaurant equipment comes with an assortment of disadvantages. Weigh the cons against the pros to make the right decision. These are some of the limitations of used equipment.
Limited Options To Choose From
When buying second-hand restaurant equipment, you don't have a lot of variety to choose from. Buying used limits your choices to what's available.
Thus, you might have to settle for something close to what you wanted. If not, you may have to wait for the exact equipment you want to be available. That may take an unknown amount of time, thereby wrecking your plans.
Higher Costs in the Long Run
One of the main fears many have when buying used equipment is that it may fail or break down after a short period. Both these outcomes will lead to losses.
You might end up paying a lot of money for repairs and maintenance. In such a case, buying new equipment would make more financial sense.
There are things you can do when buying used restaurant equipment to ensure you buy quality items. They include:
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Buy from a reputable vendor
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Test the equipment before purchase
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Get the measurements to ensure it will fit in your restaurant
Final Words
When you buy used restaurant equipment, it can help reduce costs. Wanting to lessen the cost of running your restaurant is understandable. However, you must also be aware of the potential downside of buying used equipment. Understanding both pros and cons will ensure you make an informed purchase decision.
2022
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2021
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2020
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2019
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- How Commercial Restaurant Equipment Can Affect Your Business
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- Important Parameters When You Go Shopping for Commercial Kitchen Equipment.
- What is the Perfect Time to Replace Your Kitchen Equipment?
- Gas vs Electric Restaurant Equipment.
- Factors You Should Think About While Picking Professional Kitchen Equipment.
- Advantages to Buying Restaurant Equipment at Auction.
- Is it better to buy new or used restaurant equipment?
- Why you should purchase used commercial kitchen equipment
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2018
2017
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2016
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