Should You Buy New or Used Restaurant Equipment?

New vs Old Restaurant Eqeipment? Which one to choose. Restaurant equipment is a big expense, so it’s important to make sure you invest in the right pieces. But is it better to buy brand new equipment?

New Restaurant Equipment

Who doesn’t want a kitchen outfitted with shiny, new restaurant equipment? New kitchen equipment has the latest features and requires less maintenance, but it also has the highest price tag. But if you shop smart, there are ways to offset the cost. Invest in pieces that are well priced and good quality, For example Migali Refrigeration units. Make sure to choose equipment with an Energy Star rating, and the cost savings on your utilities over time can help make up for the higher up-front cost of the equipment.

 

 

Or should you try to save money with used restaurant equipment? We’ll cover the pros and cons of both options, plus we’ll explore a third option called scratch and dent equipment.Keep reading to learn about the different types of restaurant equipment and which type is right for you.

Where to Buy New Restaurant Equipment?

Buy your new equipment through reputable restaurant supply companies. Traditional cash and carry stores are preferred by some, but online wholesale companies offer many benefits. Fast shipping, a wider catalog of models, and access to product reviews are just some of the perks of buying restaurant equipment online.

New Equipment Pros

• Warranties – New equipment most likely comes with a warranty that can help protect you if something goes wrong. Replacements and repairs may be covered, which saves you money and limits downtime.
• Energy Rebates – If you haven’t looked into energy rebates on new equipment, you are missing out on an opportunity to get back some of your investment.
• Newest Tech – You could save on labor cost when you invest in equipment with the latest features, like WiFi-enabled options and smart technology.
• Less Maintenance – New equipment should be free of defects and maintenance issues, which eliminates the hassle of dealing with costly repairs.

New Equipment Cons

• High Up-Front Costs – The obvious downside to purchasing new equipment is the cost. If you are starting a new restaurant, purchasing all new equipment is a considerable investment.
• Depreciation – When you are purchasing a new unit, the last thing on your mind is reselling it down the line. But it’s good to keep in mind that new equipment depreciates more quickly than used, just like with cars.

Used Restaurant Equipment

Buying used equipment for your restaurant is a huge money-saver, but it does come with some risks. Second hand restaurant equipment could harbor unseen issues that result in costly repairs. That doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities for huge discounts if you do your due diligence.

Used Equipment Pros

Check out some of the benefits associated with purchasing used restaurant equipment:

• Save Money – The greatest benefit to buying used restaurant equipment is the cost savings. If you need to replace an old unit, you may not have the capital on hand for a new piece of equipment. If you’re completely outfitting a new kitchen, cutting cost where you can is essential.
• Make Room in Your Budget – When you save money on equipment, you can allocate more of your budget to other parts of your business.
• Finding a Piece with Character – Maybe you’re looking for a specific look or feel with your equipment. For example, you could have your heart set on an old-style brick pizza oven.

Used Equipment Cons

Make sure to consider the potential risks when buying second hand restaurant equipment:

 

• Limited Availability – With used restaurant equipment, you must choose from a limited selection of second hand models.
• No Warranty or Ownership History – You’ll have no warranty to fall back on if your used equipment needs repaired.
• More Maintenance and Repairs – Older equipment breaks down more frequently and requires more maintenance.

Scratch and Dent Equipment

Scratch and dent equipment, also called outlet restaurant equipment, is a third option that offers some of the same benefits as used equipment but without the risks.

What Is Scratch and Dent?

Restaurant equipment labeled as scratch and dent has minor damage, like dents, scratches, or other superficial imperfections that occurred during shipping or transit. Because the unit is no longer picture-perfect, it’s being sold at a discounted price. This is a huge benefit to you because a scratch and dent model is brand new and is often still under warranty.

Where to Buy Outlet Restaurant Equipment?

Many restaurant equipment dealers offer a scratch and dent outlet where you can find deep discounts on brand new equipment. You can even sign up for email updates to be notified as new units are added to the outlet. You never know what will pop up in the scratch and dent category, but if you are patient, you can score new equipment at a great price.

Outlet Equipment Pros

Buying outlet equipment has many of the same benefits as buying brand new:

• Brand New Equipment – Scratch and dent equipment has never been used, so it should be free of major defects. You can also expect all the newest technology and bells and whistles of a brand new model.
• Warranties – Outlet equipment still carries a factory warranty, just like new equipment.
• Cost-Saving – Just because of some minor scratches or dents, outlet equipment is offered at a deep discount that can save you hundreds of dollars.

How To Save Money on Restaurant Equipment

There are many other ways to save when you’re investing in new restaurant equipment. Try some of our tips for finding discounts and freeing up cash flow when you need it:

• Sign Up for Memberships – Membership programsoffer unlimited free shipping and guaranteed savings on thousands of products.
• Look for Discounts – Keep an eye out for clearance events and special deals. You never know what might pop up for sale.
• Monthly Coupons – We offer a monthly coupon code for certain seasonal items. It’s a great way to save on items like outdoor cooking equipment and countertop equipment.
• Financing – Before making a large equipment purchase, find out if the supplier offers financing options. You may be able to make payments instead of paying for the unit outright. This won’t save you money in the long run, but breaking up the cost lessens the sting when you need to purchase a new unit right away.

Conclusion

Setting up a commercial kitchen from scratch can take time and effort. New equipment is generally the better choice for many reasons, such as quality and reliability. Still, under the right circumstances (finding good new products from reliable sellers, preferably with warranties), you could invest in used products too. While the prices could look scary initially, there are many ways to manage your budget, and there is no reason to be afraid! Good luck creating your kitchen with the best equipment ever!

VT Equipment.