Laundromat Resource › Forums › Laundromats › Laundromat Newbie – NJ › Reply To: Laundromat Newbie – NJ
Hey congrats! I hope one of those stores works out for you!
On the new vs. used question, I’ll give you my thoughts but just know that different people feel differently about this issue. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong.
Personally, however, I wouldn’t buy used machines. It can be very tempting to buy used, especially when you’re trying to get into the business on a budget. Here are a couple of reasons I would think twice about it.
1. It’s really hard to tell what kind of shape the equipment is in when they’re sitting in the warehouse. The equipment is being sold “used” for a reason. Generally, it’s because a poor operator couldn’t keep their laundromat in business and had to return the equipment, or the equipment was old and the operator replaced it with new equipment. In either case, the condition of the equipment is going to be questionable at best.
2. The usable life is much less than with new equipment. They’re obviously not going to last as long because they’ve been in service for some years already.
3. Financing can be more difficult. It’s much easier to finance new equipment (and let the business pay for the equipment) than used equipment.
4. Customers love new machines. It will be much more attractive to potential customers to come to a new laundromat with new machines than to a new laundromat with used machines.
5. New machines command a higher vend price. You can charge more per wash/dry with new machines than with used machines.
Those are a few of my thoughts. What do you think?
In terms of installation, typically distributors work with installers so they already have that connection. You don’t have to use their installers, but if you don’t hae anyone else to do the installations the distributor will. Hope that helps!
