If you’re in the process of setting up a restaurant, whether this is your first big venture or not, factoring in costs can be quite daunting. Saving money where possible can be extremely useful, which is why some business owners are buying used equipment. But what are the pros and cons?
Pros
The main reason why buying second-hand is beneficial is, of course, money. Setting up is expensive, so why not save some extra money when you need it the most? You could even put that cash to good use by spending a little more on advertising or any one of other must haves on your start-up checklist.
If you are buying your equipment from an auction, the likelihood is that it will all be in excellent condition. Unfortunately, many restaurant owners don’t do their homework and end up going out of business whilst their equipment is still practically new. Just don’t follow their lead.
Haggling
As with most second-hand items, the price can be negotiated, which is perfect if you are looking at buying multiple pieces. You may also be able to get a freebie or two thrown in if you are looking at buying in bulk.
Cons
Most used equipment will come as seen, which means that if you do encounter any issues, you have no right to return it. If you are lucky and buy almost new, it may still have a valid warranty, which can help but it isn’t always guaranteed.
If your second-hand equipment breaks, you may have to spend even more money on getting it repaired. Be careful with what you buy, bearing in mind that some items are more likely to break than others. Go for gas ovens and fryers rather than electric ones, which aren’t particularly well suited for food establishments.
It can be difficult to decide whether there are any issues with a piece of equipment before you buy. Tableware can be bought second-hand with no problems, but choosing one of the big pieces is a gamble. You may be able to find commercial catering supplies, such as those from https://www.247cateringsupplies.co.uk, at a very competitive price, which removes the uncertainty of buying second-hand.
Whichever path you choose, make sure you do your research to give your business the best start possible.
