In part 2 of our series, we focus on selecting and maintaining used grocery, restaurant, and food service equipment.
In part 2 of our series, we continue the conversation around navigating the process of choosing the best used grocery, restaurant, convenience store, bar, and food service equipment and helping it last. By following these steps, you can obtain long-running, high-quality equipment for great prices. But remember that selecting the best used equipment involves much more than just finding the lowest price. By planning carefully and thoroughly researching, inspecting, and considering all aspects of the equipment and sellers, you can make truly empowered decisions.
Some sellers are particularly focused on sustainability. In fact, auction houses like SAM Auctions have integrated sustainability heavily into their business practices -- from sourcing sustainable materials for auction items to adopting energy-efficient technologies in their facilities. << About Us - Corporate Sustainability (samauctions.com)>>
Ensure that any old or non-functional equipment you already have is disposed of responsibly. Many areas have regulations for recycling or proper disposal of commercial equipment.
When possible, choose equipment with eco-friendly features, such as low-energy consumption or recyclable materials. Energy efficiency can help reduce operational costs while supporting sustainability efforts, and energy-efficient models, even if slightly more expensive upfront, typically lead to savings over time. These can include features like:
While more modern equipment may include advanced energy management systems that help reduce operational costs, oftentimes older equipment can be upgraded with these systems as well.
Don’t forget to also calculate the costs of transporting the equipment and installing it upon arrival.
Remember to factor in the cost and logistics of delivery. Some sites like SAM Auctions and SAM Marketplace can connect you with vetted freight logistics providers to coordinate your shipments through. Some others offer local delivery services. But many equipment vendors leave it entirely up to you to figure out transportation. Make sure that you are aware of these factors before purchasing, especially if equipment needs to be picked up before a certain date, such as when a business is closing.
For complex equipment, consider hiring professionals to ensure that it’s installed correctly to avoid operational issues or safety concerns.
Verify any specific setup requirements or adjustments needed for optimal operation.
Consider how the equipment will fit into your future growth or any upcoming plans you have.
Ensure that the equipment can handle potential future increases in demand or volume. If your business is scaling steadily, it may be wise to consider equipment that can handle your growing needs, whether that means larger commercial ovens, cooktops, or mixers, larger commercial refrigeration systems, more shelving, etc.
If you’ve been considering expanding your location’s footprint, consider larger-scale equipment now, rather than having to re-purchase and reinstall larger equipment in the near future. No one has ever complained about having too much oven space or too large a cooktop to work on.
Once you’ve purchased and installed your equipment, make sure that your staff is properly trained on how to use and maintain it.
Make sure that employees understand how to use the equipment efficiently and safely. Prevent potential safety hazards and injuries by being proactive.
Train staff on basic maintenance tasks to prolong the equipment’s lifespan. Designate times to inspect the equipment’s condition, and have it maintained by professionals regularly.
This is the upfront cost of buying the equipment.
This includes energy, maintenance, and repair costs.
Consider how the equipment will depreciate over time and its potential resale value should you ever choose to resell it. Just like with vehicles, buying used equipment, or new equipment sold below retail cost, can keep the depreciation significantly lower than buying new.
Knowing that you’re making the right equipment decision before clicking “buy now” or placing a bid requires a multi-step, tactical approach. But taking the time to find high-quality, reliable equipment that fits your budget, needs, and priorities will pay off exponentially, helping enhance your business operations, whether you’re outfitting a new location or upgrading an existing one. Consider the time spent on these steps an investment in your business’ success, and if you're ready to begin your buying journey, SAM is always ready to help demystify the process and lend you an expert opinion to help you get exactly what you need.