Saving Money on Restaurant Supply

Discover significant savings when you buy, lease and use food service equipment

Saving money on restaurant supply products and equipment is vital to making your business profitable. As every restaurant owner knows, the food industry is a highly competitive field, with great numbers of restaurants failing each year. One way to ensure your business succeeds is to cut costs whenever possible--without sacrificing quality. Fortunately, there are options for saving significantly on some of your most expensive costs--restaurant equipment.

The worst way to save money on commercial restaurant supplies is to buy inferior products from restaurant supply stores. These will only waste your time and money. Instead, take the time to research exactly what products you need from restaurant suppliers, then consider the following possibilities:

1. Purchase industrial restaurant supplies, from large appliances to tabletop items, at auctions.

2. Save on start-up costs by leasing restaurant equipment.

3. Think long-term by purchasing energy efficient restaurant tools.

 

Consider auctions for used restaurant supply products

When a restaurant fails, often its most expensive equipment goes up for auction. Although local auctions are a terrific place to find quality used restaurant equipment, consider national auctions like eBay. You'll have to pay shipping, but you may get such a good deal on the equipment that you still end up saving money.
Try: Food Service Warehouse gives tips on buying used restaurant equipment at auction, including ideas on what to look for and how to successfully bid. For more information on going to restaurant equipment auctions, see Food and Beverage Underground.

Lease food service tools with short lives

Leasing expensive restaurant equipment can save you money by giving you more start-up cash. You'll need to borrow less because you can get the equipment you need initially for a lower investment, and if repairs are needed, you won't have to fork over extra money to get your equipment in working order again. Items like dishwashers and coolers aren't worth buying new because they have a short life, so consider leasing them first.
Try: Dummies.com has a great article on ways to obtain restaurant equipment, including leasing. Scroll down to "Look at leasing" for more information. Ryan Capital lists the many benefits of leasing equipment.

Use only energy efficient wholesale restaurant equipment

Buying energy efficient equipment now will save you added money down the road. Each month you'll save on electricity, water and fuel--as much as 80 percent with Energy Star labeled commercial restaurant equipment, according to EcoFriend. In particular, look for Energy Star labels on these energy-guzzling items: fryers, dishwashers, hot food cabinets, freezers, refrigerators, ice machines and steam cookers.
Try: The EPA offers excellent information on what to look for and where to buy Energy Star commercial kitchen equipment. Green Restaurant Equipment touts the benefits of energy-efficient restaurant equipment.

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