Restaurant Equipment Supply - Considerations to Get You Started
Whether you decide to go with used, new or leasing your restaurant equipment, there are a few things to consider before making a decision.
First, make a comprehensive list of what you need. Include everything from napkins to appliances and dining room furniture to office needs. Move through each station, the dining room, kitchen, bar, customer service area, and restrooms.
Draw up a list for each station and then compile it into an all-inclusive master list.
Once you know what items you need for opening day, begin to research where to buy the supplies. Expand your options beyond local restaurant supply companies to include online options.
There are plentiful resources for restaurant wholesalers and liquidators. Call local auction houses to find out if any restaurant auctions are coming up. Auctions are a great place to get good deals on used equipment.
Buying equipment and smaller supplies new is a nice luxury, but checking out used options can free up some cash flow at start up. Here are some pros and cons to purchasing used items.
In favor of buying used equipment is the high failure rate in the restaurant business.
There is a good chance some used equipment will only be a couple years old. Check for signs of wear like rust or missing parts and find out as much as you can about the piece's history. Another plus is that used equipment dealers are open to negotiations.
And, bonus! Many dealers will throw in a freebie of some sort with the purchase of a large piece of equipment or many purchases at the same time. Even if it's something as small as a coffee maker, every little bit of cash in the pocket will help on opening day.
On the down side, used equipment does not come with warranties. If something goes wrong when you get back to your kitchen and hook it up, you are just out that money.
Certain pieces of equipment are better suited for the used purchase than others. Gas ranges, ovens, and fryers have a pretty long life span in the restaurant industry. As long as they are looked over with a discerning eye, these items are safe to purchase used.
If you can find items that correspond with your concept, design and style, going used on tableware is the perfect options. With patience, you can scour supply stores to find quality plates, glasses, silverware, and centerpieces.
Another option besides buying new or used equipment is to lease. Just like buying used equipment, leasing frees up start up cash. There are also opportunities from vendors to receive some equipment with no monthly fees, for buying their product.
For example, you buy coffee from a vendor and they supply you with the coffee maker. Leasing equipment can also save you money if a repair is needed. The responsibility lies with the owner to get a repair done.
As an added bonus, when the lease expires, you have the option to renew with the newer model.
Leasing doesn't only apply to equipment, however, you can lease out services like washing table linens, uniforms and dish cloths.
Garen Garson is a restaurateur with a passion for Restaurant Business, done right. -check out a special page he's put up on Restaurant Equipment Supplies at: http://hubpages.com/hub/restaurant_layout and Get useful, actionable information including other restaurant know-how... You are invited; Restaurant Equipment Supply