Should You Buy Closeout Restaurant Supplies?
April 12, 2019As a restaurant owner, you, of course, want to save money in any way possible.
Restaurant margins are known for being razor-thin, so every dollar counts.
Because of this, you might be tempted when you see a closeout deal for restaurant supplies. After all, you can get a number of goods for rock-bottom prices – why not! It’s especially tempting when you’re just setting up your restaurant location when you’re trying to get as much as you can for your money.
Sometimes a closeout is a great idea, and other times it should be avoided. Here are the pros and cons.
Benefits to a Closeout Deal
Obviously, the biggest benefit to any deal is saving money, but make sure that you really are going to save. That is, make sure that the restaurant supplies are the right quality. If you spend even a little for terrible equipment, it’s money wasted. Even disposable items need to stand up to the single use they’re designed for.
Another time a closeout sale can be a great idea is when the items are easy to find and indistinguishable from your current inventory. Do you currently use single-use clear plastic 10” plates, and you just saw a huge sale on them? Dive in!
When you can find closeout deals on restaurant supplies you already use, or items that can seamlessly join your current inventory, it’s a great time to buy. If you’re outfitting a new restaurant, be sure to choose items you can easily resupply when you run out.
Drawbacks to Closeouts
The biggest drawback to a closeout deal is the word “close.” That is, you won’t be able to access these supplies in the future.
When it comes to basics, like napkins or takeout boxes, maybe that doesn’t matter very much. But when it comes to more durable goods like dishware or glassware, it can be a big problem. Yes, maybe you can get 100 plates for a great price. But what about when they break? Will you ever find that pattern again?
If you can’t find the same or similar restaurant supplies in the future, you should stay away from closeout deals no matter how good they are. It’s not with the headache and hassle of having to replace your entire dishware set – or deal with mismatched items – in the future.
You also want to watch out for a closeout deal on cooking equipment. Sometimes these are good, but other times the equipment is in disrepair or is of poor quality. If the store is going out of business, who will service the machine? Or, if the manufacturer is discontinuing the model, where will you get support and parts?
There’s a big difference between buying high-quality used equipment and settling for an end-of-the-line machine. Don’t make a costly mistake trying to save money!
Choose a Great Source for Restaurant Supplies
When you need restaurant supplies, it’s great when you have a reliable source you can ask about specials and deals that might be available. At Tipton Equipment, we can help you source the equipment you need at excellent prices.
Whether you’re looking for smallwares or cooking equipment, we can help. Contact us today!
Tipton’s Guide to Conquering Dorm Life
College is an exciting time in your life. You are finally on your own and on your way to becoming a young professional. But what do you need to bring with you to college? Yes you need your bean bag chair, your bed risers, and your clothes. But are you bringing kitchen...
Tipton’s Guide to Holiday Shopping
The holidays are coming up fast, and we know you’re in a rush to grab last minute presents. Tipton Equipment Restaurant Supply is here to help you and Santa grab the perfect gifts for your loved ones. These are not only great suggestions for Christmas, but also for...
Unique Combinations of Sodas You Need to Try
Soda Fountain machines are exactly the convenience we need in our lives. And quite frankly nothing tastes better than a nice tall fountain drink. A close second would be the same soda from a glass bottle. But why are fountain drinks so good? We believe it is because...
Tips on Photographing Used Kitchen Equipment
It would be a good guest that you’re reading this blog from a smartphone. If that is a true statement, it means that you have a high powered camera in the palm of your hands already. And that is all you need to take good pictures of your used kitchen equipment....
Will You Join the Latest Trend of Food Trucks?
Millennials get a lot of blame these days. Just think about it. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t have things like fidget spinners and social media addictions like “Fear of Missing out”. But what we can give them credit for is how they brought the food truck...
The Cast Iron Skillet is Your Tool for Social Media Videos
No matter where you go on social media, you will come across a food video. It doesn’t matter if it’s Facebook or Instagram, you will see a delicious meal that you will eat in your head, but never make it in reality. If you are present in any social media, than you...
Do You Have the Right Kitchen Equipment?
One of the best things you can do for yourself is learning how to cook your own meals. Knowing that you made a delicious dinner for yourself, the feeling of independence, and it's a huge money saver! No more paying to go out every meal. Whether you’re new to the...
Buying Used Kitchen Equipment Could be Your Newest Hobby
Advantages of buying used Just like any other advantage of buying used, you save money with the thrill of finding the best deal. Brand new kitchen equipment can leave a big dent in your wallet. Buying used is an affordable way to fulfil the needs that you have in your...
How do You Compare to a Commercial Kitchen?
How do you think your home kitchen stacks up against a commercial kitchen? We know you’re the master chef at home, but do you think you can enter the big leagues in the back of a restaurant? You’ve seen every Food Network show, you’ve been mixing it up in the kitchen...
Common Mistakes Made in the Kitchen
We love watching the different food and cooking equipment on the Food Network. Everything looks delicious, and the chefs are cooking and talking at the same time, making it seem effortless. A close up of the moist, savory meal pans across the screen. That show sparked...
Repurposing Old Restaurant Supplies
Are you looking for ways to repurpose your old restaurant equipment and supplies? Well we have 4 DIY projects to give your old restaurant supplies new life. Your New Spice Rack For this you’ll need an old pizza pan or baking pan, double-sided magnets, shakers, and...
Restaurant Equipment In Your Home?
Are you someone who does research on everything you buy? You want to purchase items that are going to last a lifetime, and you don’t mind spending a little extra for it to last the long run. That isn’t being ridiculous, that’s being smart! So buying the best lifetime...
Did Food Service Equipment Affect Your Life?
As a child, we did many things that we look back on that just makes us cover our face and shake our head. Eating mud, sticking paper clips in power sockets, and so many other poor decisions. But those are some of the memories that made us who we are. We hope you would...
Cleaning Your Home Kitchen Equipment
Trying to find a more natural way of cleaning your kitchen equipment? This includes your oven, your stovetop, your refrigerator, and basically anything that either holds your food or cooks your food. You might even have self-cleaning appliances, but you’re not so...
6 Equipment Buying Tips Every Restaurant Owner Needs to Know
If you own a restaurant, knowing how to purchase the right equipment is one of the key ingredients to the success of your company. Here’s a bit of advice to help you become a purchasing pro: Our 6 Restaurant Equipment Buying Tips 1. Consider your current situation and...