While some people may be nervous about using second-hand food machinery for their business, there are considerable benefits to going this route. We’re taking a closer look at some of the reasons you might want to consider used equipment first.
Saves Money
Perhaps the place to start is with the most obvious benefit, namely, the cost savings you can make when you buy second hand. By choosing a used food machine, you might find the costs are low enough that you gain access to a wider range of quality equipment than you might have had buying new.
The fact is that certain machines in no way lose integrity or performance just because they are a few years old, so chances are you will not even notice that they are second hand once in use. Food processing equipment can be extremely expensive. Whether you’re a larger business or just starting out, it makes plenty of sense to buy a used food machinery for the savings alone.
More Choice of Machines Available
Something you might not have considered is that buying new doesn’t necessarily give you access to the best possible equipment. In fact, you may find that buying used gives you more options. Not only can you access machines that may otherwise be out of your budget, there is usually more variety at higher price points.
While you might choose to buy new and pick a standard model, going second hand might mean you’re able to get a much higher quality piece and have a range to choose from. In effect, going used extends what you can afford with your budget, or allows you to make savings to put towards something else, such a food packaging.
Machinery Will Have Been Recently Serviced
Business owners can worry that second hand equipment is liable to break down, but on the flipside, these machines can be thought of as tried and tested. Not only that, but second hand machines will most likely have been serviced recently. A new machine will be in use for some time before it’s serviced, but a used one will often be serviced before it’s sold on. This gives you extra peace of mind that everything is in good condition and working as it should.
However, not all machinery is treated this way. The quality of the second hand food processing machines you buy comes down to where you buy them from. Check you’re purchasing from a provider that services all second hand machines and thoroughly checks them for quality and safety. Some companies will even offer you a guarantee at sale, meaning you get as much peace of mind as if you had bought a new machine.
Rental and Leasing Options Available
Even factoring in the lower costs of buying second hand, some food machines may still be out of your budget, in which case it’s worth considering renting or leasing equipment instead. A good secondhand food machine provider will be happy to work with you to create a payment plan that you can comfortably manage. Financing your food processing machinery lets you start enjoying their benefits without having to worry about paying upfront.
With a monthly repayment, you can also more accurately see how the cost of running the right food machines is more than offset by the saving you make and your increased efficiency. Whether your business could make use of packers, slicers, mixers or grinders, there’s no need to wait till you can afford an expensive new machine upfront. By renting, you spread the cost and have more control over how much you’re spending, not to mention you’re usually not liable for maintenance and repairs.
How Can I Preserve Food for Longer?
One food machine most likely to help you make considerable savings is a vacuum sealer. Preserving food in a vacuum sealer will keep it fresher for longer, meaning you cut down on food waste and prevent spoilage, saving you money. You also save money if you’re able to buy in bulk at discount and vacuum seal the rest for later use, without compromising on food quality.
Preserving food properly isn’t difficult, but having the right equipment definitely makes it easier. Make sure to store fresh food at the correct fridge or freezer temperatures, in the correct containers. Remember that food spoils because of bacteria that thrive in the presence of air and moisture. This means you can reduce spoilage by controlling moisture levels, or completely vacuum sealing to remove the air. When using a sealer, make sure to pick the right sized bags and avoid overfilling to prevent leaks.