eye on equipment

New vs. Used

by Karlen McLean, ABOC, NCLC

Some ECPs have learned how to work both used and new equipment purchases into their practices. Here are some pros and cons of each.

PROS: Used Equipment

1 Up front, used equipment costs less than new equipment. For example, used edgers are about half the cost of new.

2 Purchasing directly from the manufacturer or distributor can offer savings with equipment that's been refurbished and is warrantied.

PROS: New Equipment

1 Given the economy, the best time to buy new could be now.

2 New equipment has a longer life-span and comes with top-of-the-line warranties, training, technical support, and other purchase perks.

3 New equipment meets today's most challenging processing demands, thus saving on breakage.

4 Newer edgers aren't as dependent on staff expertise.

5 The current life cycle of a new edger is around seven years, so it's an overall solid investment.

6 Financing options can make the initial cost easier to handle.

CONS: Used Equipment

1 You may not know the exact condition of the equipment you're purchasing.

2 Knowledgeable staff members are required for older equipment.

3 More work may need to be processed at a wholesale lab.

4 Many old-style edgers require performing extra steps.

5 They wear out and, for some, parts and service availability wane as the machine ages.

The Bottom Line

1 Up front, new equipment is a higher cost than purchasing used, but you need to calculate the cost of new over the extended life of new—at least seven years. But, if after analysis, a new edger can't fit the budget, buying used is an option.

2 Discuss the many available options for buying new or used equipment with your most valued equipment manufacturers.

3 If you have staff members who can operate, fix, and maintain equipment, then purchasing used may work for you.

4 Having a second edger as back-up is recommend.

Consider capabilities when purchasing a second edger. For example, you may want to purchase two of the same edger to have at the same time because you're happy with the first one.

Photo courtesy of Santinelli

But necessities change, and don't forget that equipment capabilities change with market demands, such as today's rimless and wrap processing. EB