Second Hand Catering Equipment – What To Consider

Due to tightening margins in the restaurant and catering industry, it is extremely important to choose equipment that can offer you value.  Increased competition among restaurants, pubs, and catering companies has caused many business owners to look for additional ways to reduce costs.  One of the most cost effective ways to increase a company’s bottoms line is to purchase second hand catering equipment.

The biggest reason why many catering companies choose to purchase their equipment used online is because of the cost savings.  Buying used catering equipment can save up to 50% of the cost of new equipment.  This can result in thousands of dollars in savings if you are buying a large amount of equipment.

Before shopping around it is essential for you to consider the different aspects of buying used restaurant catering equipment.  There are a number of considerations that you need to make before you decide to purchase your equipment from a supplier.  Use the following information to help you make an informed decision regarding your equipment purchases.

Brand Quality and Reputation

The first thing you need to do when searching for used restaurant equipment in the UK is consider your catering equipment needs.  The answer to this question will depend on the type of restaurant or catering business that you are currently running.  If you are planning on getting into the industry you will have to research the supplies and equipment you need to successfully operate your business.

used catering equipment ukIt is important for you to write out a list of the different types of equipment that you will need.  The catering supplier that you choose should be able to offer you a whole range of different equipment options.  Most of the suppliers have a wide selection of products to ensure that customers are able to get all of their catering supplies from the single supplier.

Before you decide to create a budget for UK catering equipment and supplies, it is important for you to understand the importance of quality.  Buying an inferior set of restaurant equipment will result in malfunction and maintenance costs that can end up costing you a lot of time and money.  Be sure to look for quality items that are going to last you a long period of time.

Brand reputation is very important in terms of overall quality of equipment.  If you are purchasing top brand name second hand catering equipment you can be sure that it will last you long time.  This can end up saving you money in the long run if you don’t have to replace the equipment as fast as the cheaper brands.

Cost of Equipment

Once you have determined the type of equipment you are looking for it is important for you to look up the cost of different catering equipment.  The cost of the catering equipment is usually directly related to the age of the equipment, the condition of the equipment, and the brand name.  A good brand name piece of equipment that is relatively new and in good condition will cost a lot more than older catering equipment.

You should give yourself a budget when you are looking for second hand catering equipment for sale.  Determine how much you are willing to pay for your supplies before you decide to go shopping for equipment online.  This will ensure that you have a good idea of the type of equipment that you are looking for.  Prices for second hand catering equipment will depend on a number of factors mentioned above.

Catering Equipment Size and Convenience

commercial catering equipmentThe size of your equipment is another consideration that you should make before purchasing used catering equipment for sale in the UK.  If you have a limited amount of space you should ensure that your kitchen equipment is going to be able to fit.  Always make sure you measure all the different areas before you purchase your equipment.

The output speed of your restaurant equipment is another factor in purchasing quality catering supplies.  This specific factor determines how much food you can make within a given period of time.  Failing to have enough output speed can result in your business suffering because of slow down and drag time.  Try and ensure that you have an output speed of at least 25% more than your current demand.  This will ensure you have enough room for proper growth.

Ease of use is another factor that should be taken into account before purchasing equipment.  Equipment that is difficult to use can often slow down production if the workers have a difficult time learning how to use it.  You must identify equipment that is easy to learn and use.  This can ensure that you will have an easy transition when you start using the equipment.

The safety features on the equipment should also be carefully looked at.  It is important for you to have equipment that has all of the necessary safety features that come standard in most kitchen equipment.  This will ensure that you don’t have any avoidable accidents occur in the kitchen.

Restaurant Equipment Warranty

After sale service and support is something that a lot of people don’t think about until something goes wrong with the equipment.  It is important for you to choose restaurant equipment suppliers that can offer you excellent after sale support and service.  The refurbished catering equipment should have a general warranty that covers any damage or repairs within the first year of the sale.

Your equipment supplier will also be able to offer you a low cost service contract to help maintain the equipment.  The service contract that the company offers should be relatively cheap in the first year.  Always look at the companies warranty policy to determine how much coverage you have in case the catering equipment starts to malfunction or stop working.

Alternatives to Used Equipment

catering equipment for rentOne popular alternative to used catering supplies is B grade catering and restaurant equipment.  This represents brand new equipment that offers incredible value for your money.  Depending on the specific type of equipment you choose it could have a full warranty on it.  Common reasons why equipment is categorized in B grade form are because it was either used for demonstrative purposes, it was last year’s model, or it was returned for a dent in the side panel.

Another option that some people choose is catering equipment hire.  This is the rental option that gives you flexibility in terms of costs and use.  Because you are renting the equipment you don’t have to come up with a large down payment for the supplies.  Most restaurant equipment for hire will usually be rented out for specified periods of time.

Renting your catering equipment is the best option for those who are cash strapped and looking for a way to get new supplies.  If you are operating on a month to month basis, hiring out catering supplies and equipment can help ensure that you are able to stay afloat.

Overall Considerations

While second hand catering equipment UK can offer you a number of benefits, it is important for you to find the right supplier.  This will require you to do your research and look at a number of factors regarding the condition of the equipment, the cost, convenience and warranty on the equipment.  Always do your best to take into account the different aspects of the equipment before you decide to purchase used equipment online.  It is important to compare different suppliers to find one that will give you the best value for your money.

10 Tips For A Successful Catering Business

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Catering Equipment – Buying Used Will Save Money

Whether you are a seasoned business owner who needs some pieces of catering equipment or just starting your own catering business, buying used catering equipment has many advantages.

The Advantages of Running a Catering Business

They say that the best time to start a business is during a down economy. There’s less competition, the cost is less, and above all you are creating a job.

If you have a passion for cooking and entertaining a catering business may be right for you. As a caterer you will plan menus for all kinds of clientele from company picnics to weddings.

The great thing about catering is that there will always be a market – mostly because people love food and parties. In the U.S. alone catering is responsible for about $5 billion in revenue making it a very lucrative business opportunity.

The other great thing about catering is that there are a variety of clients to choose from. You can stick to corporate picnics and business meetings or venture out and cater for yachts, special occasions, sunset cruises, and dinner theaters.

Necessary Equipment for a Catering Business

The most important thing you need in a catering business is a commercial kitchen. These allow you to make large amounts of food at once at a very rapid pace. Furthermore, they are big enough to handle several employees working at once. The equipment inside a commercial kitchen can vary depending on what kind of food you will be creating however the commercial basics are mostly the same: refrigerator, freezer, oven, stove, sinks, etc.

The second most important pieces of equipment you will need are a phone line and a delivery vehicle.. Other than that all you need are basic office supplies.

Environmental and Economic Advantages

A lot of oil goes into making just about everything – including catering equipment. Buying used catering equipment helps Mother Nature out in a variety of ways including decreasing the use of oil for manufacturing and transportation. Furthermore, using the greener alternative is a good way to attract some business. There are several catering companies who market themselves on the sole basis of being completely green.

Catering equipment can be very expensive even at warehouse prices. Because catering businesses need mostly commercial kitchen equipment, the cost can sky rocket depending on size and capabilities. A simple ice machine that has never been used can easily cost you upwards of $5,000. Similarly, commercial friers, outdoor grills, refrigerators, bar equipment, and microwaves can cost you hundreds of dollars. This is not even including the cost of basic appliances, cooking utensils, and smaller purchases like liquid dispensers.

Buying used catering equipment allows you to save a lot of money while still getting quality equipment, thus drastically cutting the costs of starting your own catering business.

Business Advantages

If you are looking into running a catering business there are some serious costs you need to take into consideration. This includes equipment, recurring utility bills, property taxes, random costs of equipment repair, promotional costs, the lease of space, the hiring of qualified personal cooks and other employees, the cost of the deliver vehicle including transportation, and above all insurance. Needless to say, cutting the costs any way that you can is imperative for any business owner.

The cost of catering equipment is easily one of the biggest expenses you will have, and it is just as necessary as your office supplies or computers. Fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest costs to cut if you buy used.

To put it in perspective, purchasing used catering equipment will save you thousands of dollars and only only need basic repair costs over the next few years. Furthermore, the best thing about catering equipment is that many times people don’t even see it, therefore your clients won’t even notice if your equipment isn’t the latest model. As long as the catering equipment you purchase can cook properly and get the job done it really doesn’t matter whether you buy new or used.

Where to Find Used Catering Equipment

Although you never know what you can find on Craig’s List, finding used catering equipment locally may prove to be difficult. Save yourself the trouble and order straight from companies that are dedicated to this market.

A City Discount – A City Discount prides itself on being the primary source for restaurant and catering equipment. Although they sell new equipment, you can also find several used pieces at a great price.

Gala Source – Gala Source allows you to buy the latest equipment while slashing thousands of dollars from the list price. They provide anything from bar and catering equipment to commercial appliances and furniture. In short, Gala Source offers its customers anything they could possibly need for running a successful catering business at an incredibly low price.

Catering Equipment World – Similar to Gala Source, Catering Equipment World offers a wide variety of commercial appliances that are necessary for running a successful and profitable catering business. Catering Equipment World scours the web for new and used catering supplies from a variety of retailers to provide it’s customers with the lowest possible cost.

A Best Kitchen Restaurant and Catering Supplies – A Best Kitchen offers a wide variety of commercial supplies at wholesale and used prices for restaurants and catering businesses. You can easily find a wide variety of high quality used catering equipment at a great price.

Warnings

Like with anything that you may buy locally, make sure to check out the catering equipment in person before you actually buy it. Remember, some catering equipment can be very dangerous so it is imperative that you buy machines that function properly, both for the success of your business and your safety.

If you are purchasing from an online source make sure to carefully scrutinize the equipment and test it in a safe location. Also keep all receipts and paperwork in case you need to return it.

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