Save Your Money: Buy Used Commercial Kitchen Equipment

The restaurant business is full of unexpected expenses. Buried beneath making cheeseburgers or fine dining Italian food is a myriad of minor details that add up to a substantial amount of concerns and costs.

If you are starting your first foray into the restaurant industry, these hidden expenses will likely come as a surprise, and many will be unique to your particular location, concept, and restaurant. If you have owned restaurants before, you know these costs will appear where you least expect it. However, a not so secret cost is buying restaurant equipment for your business. In fact, it is probably one of the bigger expenses you have built into your budget.

But did you know that by saving money on your kitchen equipment you could be prepared for those other, less anticipated expenses? When you choose to save money upfront, by purchasing used commercial kitchen equipment and making other cost-effective decisions, you will have the liquid funds to handle emergencies, take opportunities, and build a better restaurant.

What Are the Hidden Costs of Opening a Restaurant?
From idea to opening, you are going to encounter some surprising expenses when you start a restaurant. While there isn’t a way to account for all of these costs, there are some common to all new restaurants, but rarely considered by new restaurateurs.

First, construction costs are always higher than people anticipate. If there isn’t water damage above the ceiling there is mold behind a wall. If your counters fit perfectly in your new commercial kitchen, then the bar is going to be the wrong color. From floors to roofing, construction always holds some surprises. Of course, you can try to combat construction costs by doing a thorough inspection or buying a built-out space, but even these “safer” buildings will require some attention and funds.

Second, permits and licensing require a lot of resources when opening a new restaurant or renovating an old one. Not only can the process be onerous, but filling and inspection fees can quickly add up. It helps significantly to have a good grasp on the permits and licenses you need to operate before you even begin the planning process or construction.

Third, training staff, whether management, front of house, or back of house, is costly. Even when you hire hospitality professionals, your restaurant will have an atmosphere and style unlike anywhere else. This means retraining staff is necessary, and when you are up and running this cost continues. Every new employee will require some training, and it is an ongoing expense that you should account for each month, not ignore.

Where You Can Find the Extra Funds
With construction costs and training expenses looming in your future, in addition to the miscellaneous costs not considered, you probably need to come up with some extra cash to stay in your budget. One of the best ways to free up money is by purchasing used commercial kitchen equipment, in lieu of new equipment.

Commercial kitchen equipment is extremely expensive when purchased in new condition. However, after it has been used just once, its value drops significantly. Therefore, it is possible to find used commercial kitchen equipment that was hardly ever used, but less than half what the same equipment would cost brand new. Those savings are substantial. As well, used equipment isn’t difficult to find, a slew of equipment can be found at Gator Chef online.

Another way to save on costs opening a restaurant is looking at your expenses in the long-term. Eventually, utilities are going to be one of your major expenses. Therefore, where you can save money on electricity and other energy costs is a massive win. Look for LEED certified lighting and energy efficient appliances. As well, there are bathroom fixtures specifically designed to cut back water costs.

Used Equipment Conundrum?
If you are unsure where to purchase used commercial kitchen equipment, it is actually as easy as jumping online. Visit www.gatorchef.com to find the used equipment you need.