When you’re in the market for laundry equipment for your coin laundromat or a variety of other businesses where laundry is a top concern, there are plenty of options to choose from. You could buy new, refurbished or rebuilt, or used equipment. As a savvy business owner and investor, it may be tempting to save money by purchasing used or restored laundry equipment that’s not from a trusted distributor at a lower cost. However, used equipment isn’t always as cost-effective as it seems if it’s not from a reputable distributor and information about the machine is lacking. While cost should be a top consideration for any laundry investor, there are plenty of benefits to investing in new commercial laundry equipment that can often save you money in the long-run. Before making an investment, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the big picture.
Benefits of buying new commercial laundry equipment:
1. It’s easy to buy new.
When buying new, you can generally check out the equipment at an industry trade show, like the Clean Show, or by visiting a distributor’s showroom in person before you buy. It gives you a chance to inspect the machines, learn about them, and weigh all your options before making a financial commitment. When buying used, that might not always be a possibility due to distance, schedules, and the seller not having multiple machines in stock. You may have to rely on photos and online product descriptions from a seller who may or may not be trustworthy or risk missing out on a good pricing deal. If you opt to purchase new equipment through a well-established distributor, there’s generally a team of laundry and customer service experts to make the process smooth and painless.
2. New equipment has warranties.
When a used commercial washer or dryer breaks down or has a mechanical issue, oftentimes repair costs will come out of your pocket unless you have a warranty. Most machines through a trusted distributor or manufacturer come with a warranty that provides you with some financial protection, and at the very least you know equipment has been inspected and handled by experts.
3. You’ll have all the documentation and brochures at your fingertips.
With new commercial equipment purchased from a distributor, there’s no question about whether you’re getting all the information you need. You’ll likely receive more brochures, manuals, and product information than you’ll know what to do with. On the flip side, it’s not uncommon for owners to lose their equipment guides, spec sheets, and manuals over time. That means a seller may not have them on hand and it’s on you to track down product information online or through another resource.
4. Equipment experts will help you set it up.
From transportation to installation to training, getting commercial laundry equipment up and running can be an undertaking. When you purchase new machines, the experts at OEM Laundry Parts go above and beyond to make sure our customers are trained on their new equipment and that everything is working correctly from the get-go. Having a professional install your laundry equipment also helps to minimize the chance of damage or issues during the process. Distributors will oftentimes provide equipment and maintenance training as well, which helps set your team up for success. You likely won’t get that kind of service when you opt for used equipment from an unknown seller.
5. You’ll know the history of your equipment from the get-go.
When purchasing used or refurbished equipment, you may never know its full history. Has it been properly maintained? Did it have any major issues thus far? While previous owners and documentation can provide a lot of details, it may not be the full or honest picture. They may simply be trying to make a sale. When you buy new commercial laundry equipment from a reliable distributor or manufacturer, you’ll know the full story from the beginning. If you do opt to purchase used laundry equipment, still consider working with a trusted laundry distributor and be sure you ask a lot of detailed questions and get all documentation of repairs and maintenance that are available.
6. There will be fewer maintenance issues.
While ongoing upkeep and maintenance are important with any commercial washer and dryer, there will likely be fewer maintenance issues and downtime with new, state-of-the-art equipment. Even in well-maintained equipment, parts wear out after extended use and will require repairs. Of course, repairs and down machines mean you’re losing money. There’s generally more time before a part would need to be repaired or replaced with newer equipment, which helps to reduce hassle and profit loss for you.
Let us help you make a decision.
So there you have it. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to buying laundry equipment for your laundromat, on-premise, or multi-housing facility. Whatever you decide to do, our team of laundry experts is here to help. We have high-quality commercial laundry equipment from top brands like Tolon and Speed Queen available. Shop for new equipment now or contact one of our laundry experts with questions.