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.