Used equipment

[Jason727]

How does one go about getting used IBA equipment installed? I feel most distributors don't want to deal with it and possibly don't have the time being tied up with installing their new equipment.
Thanks
J

 

[Roz]

How does one go about getting used IBA equipment installed? I feel most distributors don't want to deal with it and possibly don't have the time being tied up with installing their new equipment.
Thanks
J

Thats a huge achilles heal in the industry as the people who know the equipment the best are distributors with installation experience but few want to touch used equipment.

If manufacturers sold refurnished equipment (their brands) like car manufacturers selling CPO cars for their brands (certified preowned) I think it would be a win-win for manufacturers and owners.

 

[Jason727]

Yeah exactly, I think both the manufacturer and distributors obviously want to sell a new $200k machine than just supply the labor to install a used one even if it is the same manufacturer that they sell and service.

 

[Mr. Dude with a face]

Maybe someone can shed some light on this, but from my understanding, in an industry like automotive dealerships, I thought the dealership made most of their money on service, rather than the sale of new cars and trucks. Is the car wash equipment distributor an installer business different?

 

[washnshine]

You’d think they would realize that the used machine will need parts and repairs sooner than a brand new install. So if they pick up X amount on the install (same for new and used) they will most likely get repair and service hours much sooner in the used machine’s lifespan. Also - all machines need chemicals, which a lot of distributors already handle, so it could be an inroad to another service.

 

[Car Wash Man]

Unfortunately, I think the carwash industry is based on selling new parts and making existing units not as serviceable as they could be so they can turn around and sell you another new part since it is proprietary through them. I feel bad when replacing out a whole system when in reality it is a small part that would make it work again but a lot of time they don't sell serviceable parts. Leads to extended downtime and more costs for the user.

 

[Waxman]

i guess i can see the need for used equipment, but i'm so thrilled with my new ( ish ) machine that i would not entertain the idea of buying used. the reduction in my stress level alone was worth the price of new, not to mention the modern design of software and the robust engineering. Plus, with new, you get a nice honeymoon period where nothing really goes wrong and you can just relax and watch the cars go thru.

those are the reasons that make new equipment worth the money, to me.

 

[Jason727]

And I think some larger corporations or chains or private equity flush with cash need to buy new equipment to lessen their tax burden through accelerated depreciation. But when you're a mom and pop like me with 2 locations, it's a little difficult to come up with $250k or justifying borrowing it.

 

[Waxman]

well; in my case, my equipment was well-worn and in need of replacement. at the same time, my loan was nearing maturity. this provided me with an opportunity to replace my iba, rehab the bay and completely revitalize my car wash business.