Used display cases are a good way to save money for small businesses that do not have the budget to buy all new equipment and furniture. Used display case suppliers have a variety of display cases to choose from, including used jewelry display cases, trophy cases and other display cases appropriate for retail spaces.

When determining used display cases pricing and costs, first look at the condition of the display case. Make sure that there are no visible cracks or flaws. Also check to make sure the locks work and the doors open properly. Other factors that will affect the cost include:

1. The size of the used display case you want to buy;

2. The materials the case is made from;

3. The type of display case, whether it serves to display food, jewelry or other products.

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Buy used display cases made for food items

Display cases that are made to carry food items often have additional features such as heating elements or refrigeration. Consider these options when you are purchasing a used food display case. Used food display cases come in a variety of sizes and conditions. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,200 to $3,000 for a used refrigerated display case.

I recommend: Food & Retail Equipment offers a variety of used display cases through eBay, including many that have refrigeration capabilities. Katom Restaurant Supply offers video installation and maintenance tips for refrigerated display cases.

Consider used glass display cases for jewelry display

A used glass display case is often the best choice for displaying jewelry, because it allows a clear view of the product and adds an air of elegance to the merchandise. Expect to pay $500 to $1,000 depending on the size and style of jewelry display case. Other general purpose display cases can also be a less expensive option for jewelry display.

I recommend: Gershel Brothers offers a variety of standard and elegant jewelry display cases in used condition. Display Case Showcase offers information on what to consider when choosing a display case for your retail space, as well as a guide on laminates, time and delivery considerations.

Choose used retail display cases for general merchandise

If you have a general merchandise retail store, there are many options to buy used display cases in a number of shapes and sizes for your needs. You can choose from short displays, full-wall displays or counter displays. All of these have varying prices, but you can get a short counter display used for $750 to $1,000 and a full-length wall display for $1,000 to $1,500.

I recommend: Ram Fixture offers a variety of used retail display cases, including complete wraparound units. Allen Designers offers design information to consider when purchasing new and used retail display cases. This article outlines the types of cases available and what products are best to display in each.

Used retail display cases may serve your purposes especially if you don't have a lot of business startup money. Types and configurations of used retail display cases are for sale from a variety of online resources.

Used glass display case configurations may vary according to store size, customer movement and the nature of the merchandise sold. Product physical features and configurations may include:

1. Revolving shelves, particularly to display smaller items such as jewelry
2. Specifically shaped to fit an odd-shaped store space, such as a 90-degree corner filler display case
3. Used display cases configured to include cash registers and/or service counters
4. Full or partial glass front
5. Wall-mounted or free-standing
6. Made for sitting customers, such as types of jewelry glass display cases
7. Theft-resistant for jewelry, museum collectables and other types of valuable items
8. Food service display cases for small restaurants and bakeries and convenient stores

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Before searching for used display case suppliers, visit new displays or store fixture merchants

When compared to used display case suppliers, new display suppliers offer a wide variety of display case types.

I recommend: Although Allen Display only sells new and custom display cases, their large inventory allows them to provide an in-depth overview of display case styles and configurations on their website. Store Supply Warehouse also offers an in-depth overview of their large inventory of new fully assembled and ready-to-assemble display cases.

Find a new or used display case supplier or store fixture merchant in your area

Visiting new display merchants in person can be a determining factor in deciding what type of used display cases will best showcase your store merchandise.

I recommend: ThomasNet offers a searchable industrial supplier database that includes store display suppliers located throughout the U.S. and Canada. While most of these suppliers offer new products only, some may also be suppliers of used display cases for sale, or they may provide information about used store fixture suppliers in your area. JG Resources is an information hub offering announcements of store fixture liquidations throughout the country, including closing store liquidations that may be near you.

Decide if you want to buy used display cases online

Online auction and used store fixture merchant websites are the Internet places most likely to sell used glass display cases.

I recommend: Grand & Benedicts Store Fixtures is a business liquidator specializing in used display cases and other fixtures from store closings. Or you can buy a used retail display case at online auctions at eBay Stores specializing in display cases. For those unfamiliar with the workings of online auctions, eBay University Learning Center can teach you how to buy. Liquidation.com is an auction website specializing in store liquidations, including store fixtures.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  It's always preferable to examine a used product in person before purchasing as opposed to buying sight unseen online.
• •  As with any purchase of used merchandise, let the buyer beware even after examining the product in person.
• •  When buying a used display case, consider its height, width, shelving and where it will be located on your store floor.

Getting used display cases to work within your retail setup is not always easy: Many of these units may be suffering from wear and tear, or some parts may be missing. You may want to look for some used display cases supplies and equipment to renovate these cases into something where you can show off either food and other edibles (in cold deli cases) or other retail items in "regular" uncooled display cases.

The web can be a great resource for getting what you need to make your used display cases look good and work properly in your shop area. Take a look at visual product pages to arrange for delivery of just what is needed for a "facelift" for any used display case that may have been handed down without all of their original gear, including:

1. Replacement gear for used display cases that are missing original refrigeration equipment from used display case suppliers, for delis and other food service uses.

2. More shelving or interior structure for used display cases that may be empty and not up to the task of displaying contents the way you would like.

3. Lighting and other accessories to jazz up used glass display cases or similar models for retail.

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Get refrigeration accessories for cold cases and other used display cases

If your used display cases are the kind that function as 'deli counters,' ice cream holders or anything that relies on being cool, get handy cooling supplies from sites that can provide resources for getting the gear you need inside these display case structures. Much of the display cases that are refrigerated come with built-in systems, but these supplies and equipment can be a good solution for those that are less than adequate.

I recommend: C Kitchen's drop-in frost tops can be perfect for outfitting display cases that require refrigeration facilities inside of the glass case. Get refrigeration accessories like thermostats and structural components from The WEBstaurant Store online to help with outfitting used deli display cases with built-in refrigeration.

Look for shelving for used display cases

Your used retail display cases may be lacking some of the original accessories that they originally shipped with: if so, get metal rack type or glass shelving from suppliers to outfit your used display cases and get a 'whole solution' like used display cases for sale directly from suppliers.

I recommend: Find shelving and more from the Fixtures Group online; browse product displays to see what fits into your used retail display case scheme. Get a lot more in shelving with visual product galleries from big restaurant supplier Serv-U online. Or for other used display cases like garment racks, find retail fixtures from sites like Barr Display.

Locate lighting for used display cases

Another aspect that your used glass display case may need is additional lighting: the original bulbs may have burned out, or maybe the entire fixtures were removed. If so, check out visual product pages on the web for easy replacement.

I recommend: Look for lighting solutions for those who buy used display cases at sites like Promolux. For additional retail display accessories, try Custom Displays: "Old Fashioned Quality and Craftsmanship."