Top 10 Places to Sell Your Used Restaurant Equipment
Whether you have one machine or an entire store, you can sell used restaurant equipment for cash today. The easiest way to sell your used equipment quickly is to contact a restaurant equipment dealer. However, you must ensure that the dealer is reputable, has a long track record of success, and provides services in your area.
You can also take advantage of online marketplaces that connect buyers and sellers from all across the country. Below are six places where you can sell used restaurant equipment today. Plus, tips and resources to start and special offers to save money.
10 Places to Sell Used Restaurant Equipment
1. TUREX: Your One-Stop Shop for Restaurant Reinvention
TUREX isn't just about dusty fryers and dented mixers. It's a treasure trove for those dreaming of a fresh start. Looking to buy a fully equipped food truck and hit the streets with your mouth-watering tacos? TUREX might just have the wheels to your culinary freedom. Or maybe you're eyeing that charming little bistro down the street, ready to make it your own. TUREX can put you in touch with owners ready to pass the torch, complete with tables, chairs, and even the secret recipe for their famous lasagna!
Think of TUREX as the ultimate matchmaker for the restaurant world. Sellers list their equipment, food trucks, or even entire restaurants, complete with pictures and descriptions. Buyers browse, compare, and negotiate, all within the safe and secure walls of the TUREX platform. No more haggling on street corners or deciphering cryptic Craigslist ads. TUREX makes the whole process smooth and transparent, from listing to purchase.
So, whether you're a seasoned chef downsizing your empire or a culinary hopeful ready to build yours from scratch, TUREX is your one-stop shop for restaurant reinvention. With TUREX, the possibilities are endless, just like the delicious aromas wafting through its virtual doors.
2. Local Brick-and-Mortar Resale Stores
The restaurant industry is known for its rapid turnover of equipment. This means a thriving market for used equipment exists in most major cities and regions. Dozens of resellers specialize in specific items or handle a wider variety. These professional resellers offer a straightforward way to sell your equipment and reclaim some of your investment.
Several advantages come with relying on local resellers. The process is often quick and easy, with quotes and cash available on the spot. Specialty shops might even connect you directly with restaurants seeking your exact equipment. However, selling locally might limit your potential profit compared to other options.
Before choosing a reseller, research online review sites and ask local businesses for recommendations. In larger cities, consider nearby towns or suburbs for potentially better deals.
3. Equipment Dealers
If you're not utilizing your salamander as much as anticipated, consider offering it back to the vendor who sold it to you. Many large-scale equipment suppliers and retailers have policies for purchasing used items. If your equipment is in good working condition, they may take it off your hands and offer a portion of the original purchase price, minus shipping and handling costs.
4. Repair Technicians
Repair technicians who fix ovens, HVAC systems, and plumbing often have firsthand knowledge of restaurants needing replacement equipment. When upgrading your refrigerator, consider asking the repair technician who just serviced a broken fridge at another restaurant.
Service technicians can connect you with potential buyers, purchase your equipment for later resale, or even use it for spare parts. This ensures you receive some cash for your unwanted equipment, even if it's not in perfect condition.
5. Atlantic Restaurant Equipment
For over forty years, Atlantic Restaurant Equipment has been the East Coast's culinary confidant, helping chefs breathe new life into their used gear. Whether you're a titan of the grill with towering ovens, or a rising star with a trusty mixer, they welcome it all. Their reputation precedes them – fair prices, quick sales, and even free equipment pick-up! Just give them a call or hop on their website, and they'll be there in a flash, ready to turn your pre-loved equipment into cash for your next culinary adventure.
6. KMC Sales
California's KMC Sales has been a bustling auction hub since 1916, witnessing generations of spatulas and whisks changing hands. Every two weeks, their bi-weekly auctions become a battlefield of bids, with buyers from across the country vying for your equipment. Their secret weapon? A century-old reputation and a cavernous 40,000 square foot warehouse, ensuring a massive pool of eager bidders for your culinary castoffs. So, dust off those vintage mixers and forgotten fryers, because at KMC Sales, they're not just relics; they're treasures waiting to be rediscovered.
7. A City Discount
Forget geographical limitations! A City Discount throws open its doors (and website!) to sellers across the nation. No more feeling restricted to your local market. Drop off your equipment at their Atlanta headquarters, or let them handle the nationwide delivery. Selling is a breeze – just fill out their online form with pictures and your desired price, and they'll take care of the rest. From giant refrigerators to trusty hand mixers, they welcome it all, offering direct purchases or consignment options. Plus, their strong focus on customer service and community makes the whole process feel like a win-win.
8. Facebook Marketplace
Looking for a closer-to-home option? Facebook Marketplace is your virtual neighborhood flea market. Post pictures of your equipment, set your own price, and connect directly with potential buyers in your area. It's like a digital yard sale, but specifically for restaurant gear! Just remember, it's all about clear communication and setting realistic expectations. So, get your camera ready, whip up a compelling description, and let your local community know your culinary treasures are up for grabs!
9. eBay
If you crave the thrill of the worldwide bidding war, eBay's Restaurant and Food Service section is your arena. Here, your trusty oven isn't just a kitchen appliance; it's a potential international sensation! Upload pictures, set your starting bid, and watch as buyers from across the globe vie for your culinary gems. Just be prepared for the shipping logistics, and remember, patience is key in the online auction game.
10. Craigslist
Craigslist is the wild west of online selling, and that can be both its charm and its challenge. You'll find everyone from seasoned restaurateurs to curious home cooks browsing its aisles. But for the intrepid seller, it can also be a treasure trove of opportunity. Just be extra cautious when screening potential buyers, and remember, clear communication and realistic pricing are your best allies. So, if you're not afraid to roll up your sleeves and navigate the sometimes-unpredictable waters of Craigslist, you might just unearth a hidden gem for your used equipment.
Remember, no matter which option you choose, be honest about the condition of your equipment, take clear pictures, and don't be afraid to negotiate. With the right approach, you can turn your preloved kitchen tools into a fresh start for your culinary journey!