A commercial refrigerator can be an expensive piece of equipment to purchase new, especially when you are buying a large unit for your business, such as a walk-in cooler. Lucky for you, there is one solution to this problem—buying a second-hand commercial fridge for sale.
However, while this can be a great way to save money, there are some things you need to look into before making your purchase. In this article, we will go over what those essential things are so that you can be sure you are getting a great deal on a quality commercial fridge.
5 Factors to Consider When Buying Used Commercial Fridges for Your Business
Before you go rushing off to buy the first second-hand commercial fridge that you see, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. Here is a list of factors to keep in mind.
- Age of the Fridge
- Condition of the Fridge
- Size of the Fridge
- Price of the Fridge
- Guarantees That Come with the Fridge
Age of the Fridge
Now, this could be the make-or-break factor for some businesses. Depending on the type of business you have, you may need a fridge that is newer so that it can accommodate your needs. For example, if you are in the food industry, you will want a refrigerator that has been recently manufactured so that it meets all of the necessary food safety regulations.
On the other hand, if you are not as concerned about having the newest model on the market, an older second-hand commercial fridge could work just fine for your business. Just be sure to check its age and compare it to similar models before making your decision.
Age isn’t always indicative of quality, but it is something worth considering nonetheless. To know how old a certain commercial fridge second-hand unit is, you can do either of the following.
1. Check the serial number on the unit itself. Usually, it is located on the inside of the fridge near where the door hinges are. The first two digits of the serial number usually indicate what year the fridge was manufactured.
2. Ask the seller when they bought it and how long they have been using it. If they don’t know, you can try to find out from previous owners or by looking at records if available.
Do take note that second-hand commercial fridges that are more than a decade old may not be as energy-efficient as newer models and might not have features that are now standard in new commercial refrigerators, such as automatic defrosting or LED lighting. They may also require more maintenance.
However, if you are not concerned about any of that, then age might not be a deal-breaker for you. Just be sure to factor it into your decision-making process. And, weigh the pros and cons of an older fridge against a newer one before making your purchase.
Condition of the Fridge
Just because some second-hand commercial freezers for sale are only a couple of years old, it doesn’t mean they are always in good condition. In fact, some second-hand units might be in worse condition than older models because they have not been properly maintained. And, buying these units can lead to negative consequences for your business.
For example, it may lead to food spoilage, which would not only cost you money but also damage your reputation if it gets out that your business is serving food that has gone bad. Another possibility is that the fridge may break down completely and need to be replaced, which can also end up costing you more money in the long run. Moreover, fridges that are not running in optimal condition could consume more energy, which will add to your operating costs.
So, it is essential that you inspect the condition of the fridge before making a purchase. When doing so, pay close attention to the following.
- The seals around the doors to see if they are tight and free of any cracks or gaps
- The door hinges to see if they are loose or broken
- The interior of the fridge for any signs of rust or corrosion
- The gaskets around the doors to see if they are cracked or torn
- The compressor and condenser coils to see if they are covered in dust or dirt
- The evaporator fan blades to see if they are bent or broken
If any of these parts are not in good condition, it could mean that the fridge is not running as efficiently as it should be and might break down sooner than expected. Of course, you can always try to negotiate with the seller on the price if you do find any issues with the fridge. But, it is still something worth considering before making your purchase.
If you are not mechanically inclined, it might be a good idea to bring someone with you who knows what they are doing when inspecting the unit. If everything looks good and the fridge appears to be well-maintained, then that is a good sign. But, if you see any red flags, it might be best to move on to another option.
Size of the Fridge
Like buying a new commercial refrigerator, it is important to make sure that the unit you are getting is the right size for your needs. If it is too small, you might not be able to fit all of the food and drinks you need to store in it. And, if it is too large, you could end up spending more on energy costs than necessary.
So, how do you know what size fridge you need?
The first thing you should do is measure the space where you plan to put the fridge. This will give you a good idea of how much room you have to work with. Then, take a look at the dimensions of the available fridges for sale and find one that will fit in the space without being too big or too small.
It is also important to consider the capacity of the fridge. This is usually measured in cubic feet and will give you an idea of how much food and drinks it can hold. If you are not sure how much space you need, a good rule of thumb is to choose a fridge that has at least 20% more capacity than what you think you will need. This will give you some extra room in case your business ends up doing better than expected or you need to store more food for special occasions.
Of course, the size and capacity of the fridge are not the only things to consider. You also need to make sure that it has enough shelves and compartments to meet your needs. For example, if you plan on storing a lot of bottled drinks, then you will need a fridge with shelves that are deep enough to accommodate them.
Similarly, if you want to be able to store large platters or trays of food, then you will need a fridge with some extra space in the bottom. So, take a look at the inside of the fridge and make sure that it has enough shelving and compartments to meet your needs.
Price of the Fridge
As a business, you should have a budget for everything you buy, and the used commercial fridges you purchase are no exception. On that note, the price is going to be one of the biggest factors in your decision. But, it is important to remember that you usually get what you pay for.
If you find a second-hand fridge that is being sold for an incredibly low price, there is probably a reason for it. It could be that the unit is not running as efficiently as it should be or that it needs some repairs. So, before you make your purchase, make sure to inspect the fridge thoroughly and see if there are any issues that need to be addressed.
It is also important to compare prices from different sellers before making your purchase. This will help you ensure that you are getting a good deal on the fridge. And, if you are buying online, be sure to factor in shipping and handling costs when comparing prices.
Once you have found a few second-hand commercial fridges that meet your needs and are within your budget, then you can significantly narrow down your options. But, if you find that all of the units are out of your price range, then it might be time to consider other options, such as leasing or financing.
No matter what route you decide to go, just make sure that you do not sacrifice quality for the price. After all, this is an important purchase for your business and it should be made with care.
Guarantees That Come with the Fridge
So, do second-hand fridges come with some kind of warranty, you ask? The answer is, unfortunately, “no”.
However, that does not mean that you are completely out of luck if something goes wrong with the fridge after you make your purchase. In most cases, the seller will be able to give you a guarantee to cover some of the repair costs if anything major goes wrong with the unit.
For example, some commercial freezers Melbourne refrigeration solution suppliers have today could come with a six to twelve-month warranty on parts and labor. This is usually enough time for you to spot any potential issues and get them fixed before they cause any major damage to the fridge.
So, before you purchase a second-hand fridge, be sure to ask the seller about their policy on warranties and repairs. This way, you will know what to expect if something does go wrong with the fridge down the line.
There you have it! These are just a few of the things that you need to consider before purchasing a second-hand refrigerator for your business. By taking the time to do your research, you can be sure that you are making the best decision for your business.
Where to Buy Used Commercial Fridges in Australia Today
The quickest and most convenient way to purchase a second-hand commercial fridge for sale in Australia today is online. You will have a wide selection of units to choose from and can have the fridge delivered right to your door.
However, this does not mean that you should not look at the unit you are buying in person before making your purchase. If you have the time, it is always best to inspect the fridge up close to make sure that it is exactly what you are looking for.
And, be sure to buy from a reputable seller. There are a lot of people out there who are looking to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers. So, do your research and only buy from sellers that you can trust.
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Conclusion
Buying a second-hand commercial fridge for sale for your business should not be something that you do on a whim. There are a lot of factors that you need to consider before making your purchase.
But, if you take the time to do your research and find a reputable seller, then you can be sure that you are getting a high-quality fridge for a great price. And, in the end, that is all that really matters. So, what are you waiting for? Start shopping for your commercial fridge today!
For more tips and information that you can use to grow your business, feel free to check out the other posts on our site!