Buying catering equipment and kitchen supplies can be expensive, especially for small businesses. As a result, it can be tempting to pick up used equipment cheaply from auctions or buy refurbished catering supplies. However, is doing this really worth the savings? The short answer is yes, but for many reasons.
It will save you a lot of Money
One of the biggest reasons to buy refurbished catering equipment and second-hand kitchen supplies is the price. Refurbishments have a bad reputation for being cheap, but this doesn't always have to be the case. In reality, it all depends on who does the refurbishments and how much they charge. It's easy to find good refurbished catering equipment for a fraction of the price of new cooking supplies.
There are also many different types of refurbishments. Sometimes, it might be cheaper to buy second-hand kitchenware than to buy it brand new. Other times, you may find that buying an item refurbished allows you to save money on the initial price but end up paying out more in the long run. For example, if you buy a refurbished commercial oven that requires repairs shortly after it's installed, then your repair costs may end up being more than if you had bought it new, to begin with.
However, if you choose a good company that offers refurbished kitchen equipment, then you can trust that things have been tested, checked, and repaired properly. You may also get a warranty or some form of protection with your purchase.
It is better for the environment
Another good reason to buy refurbished catering equipment is that it's actually better for the environment than getting new kitchen supplies. Most of the time, second-hand catering products are just as reliable and safe as brand new items - if not more so!
Many of these items have been used only a few times before they get sold on again. Many people prefer to buy brand new kitchen equipment because they think it's more hygienic, but this is actually a misconception. In fact, some of the used kitchen supplies might be more hygienic as they're more likely to have been cleaned properly.
In addition, refurbished appliances can extend the life of older items, which makes them a lot more efficient. This can help reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill sites, as well as reduce the need for raw materials and energy needed to manufacture new kitchen supplies.
It's better for your Employees
Finally, refurbished catering equipment is often better for you and your employees as it provides a much safer working environment. When you're on a tight budget, it's easy to purchase cheap, second-hand kitchen supplies that aren't the right size or type for your business. This can result in dangerous working conditions and accidents.
Whereas refurbished appliances are more likely to be the correct size, make, and model of equipment for your business.
Overall, buying refurbished kitchen equipment is a great idea if you can save money on the initial purchase and make savings on repairs and energy bills in the longer term. It's also better for the environment, as well as your employees. At the end of the day, getting second-hand catering supplies might even save you more than buying new items!
