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Is it safe to buy used equipment?

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11 answers

87

Yes, we offer equipment in as-is condition however we prefer to offer used equipment as rebuilt machines with a warranty.  We always give the customer the chance to inspect the equipment prior to shipment.
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3

I'm the Technical Sales Manager for MRM Elgin, an American filling machine manufacturer for over 100 years. To qualify myself, I sell new machinery.  
We get our share of calls from folks who have found a used machine that fits their needs at a 'great price'. There are hundreds of used Cozzoli’s and Elgins to be found on Google. I'm always happy to research the machine, its original order and any special options- with the thought that it may bring in parts/service business and perhaps the chance of a new machine order 'down the road'.
Sometimes used equipment is a good deal - a start-up company gets into production and onto store shelves with a moderate investment and a smaller bank note.  Weekend maintenance and lost production due to down-time on older machinery is a necessary cost of business. 
Too often though- nightmare scenarios with obsolete electronics, worn out or 'rube-goldberged' mechanisms, machines that filled motor oil and fuel additives for 25 years purchased to fill salsa and pickle relish. We've had machines drop shipped to us that should have been sold for scrap long ago
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2

That is a good question. Only if the buyer is capable, technically and financially, of rebuilding it and making sure there are aftermarket parts and service available.
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1

I would say the "safeness" of the purchase is equal to your knowledge level of the equipment.
* If you know very little or are unsure about what you are going to purchase, it is a very UNSAFE purchase.
* If you are an expert and have experience with the equipment (technical as well as actual use) then the purchase becomes much "safer", although it is not without risks. 

So, if you are unsure, buy new, and from a reputable company that will stand by their equipment.
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1

Yes, it is safe to buy used equipment, but, you must make sure the company your purchasing it from is knowlegeable on the equipment or know how to fix it. Used equipment can either save you money or cost you more than you bargained for depending on the seller.
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1

It depends.  You have to be very careful buying used equipment.  Make sure you get a complete history of the machine in question and ask to see the unit in full operation before purchasing the unit.  You may also want to send the unit back to the distributor for a refurbish job before taking delivery.   
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0

if you have better choice, we suggest  you don't do that.

if you really need it, please  kindly note:

1, how long it have used in before?
2, if it still safety and qualified to buy?
3,how much should be for this equipment?
4, if the after-sales service is good easy to repair if broken.

That's it, sir
any way, it up to many many of factors.
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0

There are some great used equipment deals out there. We suggest that you have a strong understanding of the equipment needs and view the equipment before purchasing. Just like buying a used car, you would not purchase the car without first seeing it and likely having a knowledgeable mechanic do a survey. It also helps if you buy equipment that was originally sold from a reliable OEM who can provide spare parts and support. 
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0

In my opinion, used equipment is "buyer beware".  Unless you know the piece's history yourself, and are capable and willing to rehab it as needed, my advice would be to stay away.  It's one thing to buy a used stainless steel table, but an entirely different thing when it comes to refrigeration and cooking equipment, for example.  Don't be penny wise and pound foolish when it comes to equipment.
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0

Is it "safe"? Absolutely, but you must be very diligent in qualifying the company from whom you buy used equipment. A couple of "hints":
1. If possible buy the equipment from the company who did the actual refurbishment. If you are buying used equipment from a third party- who is either brokering the equipment, or buying it from another company- you have less reliability in knowing what work was done on the machine - and what more work might still need to be done. ( A bargain is not always what it seems). With Prospero, we have often given a one year warranty- because we do the work. If the seller is not prepared to offer any warranty, then it says something about how THEY see the item.
Mark Bassel
Sales Manager- Canada
Prospero Equipment 
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0

Our reconditioned used equipment comes with a 60 day guarantee. So yes it is safe to purchase used equipment.
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