Buy new or buy used? That is the question.
While the decision to buy new versus buying used can be applied to a variety of products (i.e., vehicles, office equipment, musical instruments), it also applies to dry cleaning equipment. For a dry-cleaning business, equipment can certainly be a significant expense. And while in a perfect world, new equipment and upgrades are planned for, things happen, and replacement equipment is needed STAT to stay operational. We get how it can be tempting to go the used route when it comes to purchasing dry cleaning equipment, as there’s the obvious cost savings factor that’s involved. But long-term, buying used over new dry-cleaning equipment may not be the smartest decision. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of buying new rather than browsing the classifieds for dry cleaning equipment for sale.
Top Benefits of Buying New
The first thing you need to consider when it comes to buying new or used dry-cleaning equipment is the lifespan of said equipment. Used dry-cleaning equipment has more wear and tear on it than brand-new equipment does, so it’s likely that it will need to be replaced far sooner than new machines. What’s more is that it’s likely to require more maintenance and service to stay running well. When many business owners look at dry-cleaners equipment costs, it can be tempting to purchase used based on price alone. However, it’s important to consider that equipment’s total lifecycle costs when making such an important purchase. Yes, you may pay more for new equipment upfront, but it’s highly likely that you’ll recoup said costs long-term.
Here’s a look at some other reasons why new equipment is ideal:
- Choice:When you buy used, you’re at the mercy of what’s currently available. But when you buy new, you have choice – and manufacturers know this. It’s why they’re often happy to host your machinery for demonstrations or refer your company to customers that are already using the machines. It gives you an opportunity to experience a lot of innovative technology before you make a purchase.
- Warranties:There’s peace of mind when purchasing new equipment because quality manufacturers stand behind their products with warranties. Noting this, business owners know that if something were to go awry with the equipment, they’re covered. The same cannot be said when purchasing a dry cleaner’s used equipment.
- Service:Quality dry-cleaning equipment manufacturers want their customers to succeed. With that said, many go the extra mile to ensure their customers have everything they need to successfully operate their new machinery post-purchase. Many manufacturers will help with training, shipping, and equipment installation, and post-installation follow up to ensure everything is working accordingly. Manufacturers like Rema Dri-Vac pride themselves on services like these, and you won’t get that when buying used equipment.
- Better equipment:Again, it’s important to look at the equipment’s total lifecycle when deciding whether to buy new or used. And while the aforementioned service and maintenance is something that should be assessed when weighing whether to buy new or used, there are other factors that should be considered as well. For instance, how productive is the equipment? How safe is the equipment? Is the equipment easy to train people on? Is it efficient? These factors all make a big difference.New equipment tends to be more productive, safer, and energy efficient than used equipment. This enables dry cleaners to complete more work in the same amount of time while also saving on utility costs. New equipment tends to be easier to train employees on as well, which can help offset lost productivity during the learning process. Safer equipment means a decreased likelihood of on-the-job injury and less worker’s compensation costs. It’s an important point, so we’ll say it again: Look beyond the price of the equipment and carefully assess the total lifecycle costs when deciding whether to buy new or used.
Yes, it’s more expensive to buy new, but the benefits of doing so are evident. New equipment is reliable, efficient, productive, and more long-lasting than used equipment tends to be. It’s why it’s often worth it in the long run to buy new. If we’ve convinced you to buy new dry-cleaning equipment, contact Rema Dri-Vac today to explore your options.