If you decide to use your new equipment or rent your restaurant equipment, you need to consider several things before making a decision.
First make a complete list of what you need. Turn everything from napkins to home appliances and dining room furniture to office needs. Drive through each station, dining room, kitchen, bar, customer service area and restrooms.
Make a list for each station, and then compile it into an “all inclusive” list.
As soon as you know what items you need to open the day, start exploring where to buy supplies. Expand your capabilities outside of local restaurant supply companies to include online options.
There are many resources for wholesalers and liquidators in restaurants. Call local auction houses to find out if there are any auctions in restaurants. Auctions are a great place for profitable deals on used equipment.
Buying equipment and small supplies is a great luxury, but when checking used options, you can free up some cash flow at startup. Here are some pros and cons of buying used goods.
In favor of the purchase of used equipment - a high level of failures in the restaurant business.
There is a good chance that the used equipment will be only a couple of years old. Check for signs of wear, such as rust or missing parts, and learn as much as you can about the history of the piece. Another plus is that used equipment dealers are open to negotiation.
And a bonus! Many dealers will throw some freebies with the purchase of a large amount of equipment or a lot of purchases at the same time. Even if it’s something smaller than a coffee maker, every little piece of cash in your pocket will help on the opening day.
On the other hand, the equipment used is not supplied with warranties. If something goes wrong when you return to your kitchen and plug it in, you just get the money.
Some pieces of equipment are better for buying than others. Gas cylinders, stoves and fryers have a rather long service life in the restaurant industry. As long as they are viewed with a keen eye, these items are safe to buy.
If you can find items that fit your concept, design and style, then using tableware is ideal. With patience, you can scour the stores to find quality plates, glasses, silver and central items.
Another option, in addition to buying new or used equipment, is to rent. Like buying used equipment, leasing frees money. In addition, sellers have the opportunity to get some equipment without a monthly fee for the purchase of their product.
For example, you buy coffee from a supplier and supply it with a coffee maker. Leasing equipment can also save you money if repairs are required. Responsibility lies with the owner to make repairs.
As an added bonus, when the lease expires, you have the opportunity to extend the validity of the new model.
Leasing not only applies to equipment, but you can rent services such as washing table linen, uniforms and dishes.
