Buying commercial laundry equipment is a significant investment, particularly when you're opening a laundromat or outfitting a commercial laundry facility for the first time. For some business owners, used commercial laundry equipment can provide a way to control upfront costs while still getting the machines they need. But buying used equipment isn't simply a matter of finding the lowest price.
The condition, age, manufacturer, maintenance history, capacity, efficiency, and availability of replacement parts can all affect whether a used machine turns out to be a good investment.
So, what should you look for before buying used commercial laundry equipment?
Is Used Commercial Laundry Equipment a Good Investment?
It can be. T&L currently maintains an inventory of pre-owned commercial laundry equipment, including used washers, dryers, and other equipment. Some of the machines are available for immediate purchase, and inventory changes regularly.
For a business owner working with a limited startup or replacement budget, used equipment may offer several advantages:
- Lower Upfront Cost
- Access To Commercial-Grade Equipment
- Faster Availability When Equipment Is In Stock
- An Opportunity To Add Capacity Without Purchasing Everything New
- Potential Savings On Replacement Equipment
But there is an important distinction between buying used equipment and simply buying the cheapest equipment available. A machine that costs less initially may not be a bargain if it requires frequent repairs or has reached the end of its useful life.
How Old Is the Equipment?
One of the first questions to ask when considering used commercial laundry equipment is:
“How old is the washer or dryer?”
Age doesn't automatically determine whether a machine is worth buying. A well-maintained commercial machine may continue to provide reliable service, while a poorly maintained newer machine may create problems.
However, knowing the approximate age gives you important context.
Ask whether you can obtain:
- The Model Number
- The Serial Number
- The Original Purchase Date, If Available
- Maintenance Records
- Repair History
- Information About Previous Use
The model and serial numbers can also help a qualified equipment provider determine which parts and service information apply to the machine.
What Condition Is the Machine In?
Before purchasing used commercial laundry equipment, inspect the equipment carefully. Look for obvious signs of damage, excessive rust, leaks, unusual wear, or other indications that the machine may have been heavily neglected.
For washers, pay particular attention to:
- Door Seals
- Hoses
- Drains
- Bearings
- Door And Latch Mechanisms
- Control Panels
- Visible Leaks
For dryers, inspect:
- Drum Condition
- Door And Latch
- Lint Areas
- Burners And Heating Components
- Control Systems
- Vent Connections
A visual inspection isn't a substitute for professional evaluation, but it can help you identify obvious concerns before making a purchase.
Has the Equipment Been Tested?
This is an especially important question when shopping for used commercial laundry equipment.
Ask the seller whether the machine has been tested and what testing was performed.
T&L's current used-equipment inventory notes that most of its used machines have been thoroughly tested in its shop and found to be in good working order.
That's very different from purchasing a machine from an unknown source with no information about its condition.
If you're buying used equipment, knowing where it came from and whether it has been inspected can give you a much better understanding of what you're actually purchasing.
Are Replacement Parts Available?
A great price doesn't help much if you can't get the parts needed to keep the machine running. Before purchasing used commercial laundry equipment, find out whether the manufacturer still supports the model.
Consider:
“Can I still get parts for this machine?”
Also ask:
- Is The Manufacturer Still Producing Parts?
- Are Common Replacement Parts Readily Available?
- Does A Local Service Company Work On This Brand?
- Can Technicians Access Service Information?
- Are Parts Becoming Difficult To Find?
T&L's parts and service department works with most major brands of commercial laundry equipment and maintains a parts inventory to help customers get equipment back in service.
That kind of ongoing support is worth considering when comparing a used machine with an unfamiliar brand or model.
What Will the Machine Cost to Operate?
Purchase price is only one part of the equation. When evaluating used commercial laundry equipment, consider how much water, gas, and electricity the machine uses.
An older machine may have a lower purchase price but higher operating costs.
For example, if a newer washer uses less water or extracts more water from a load before it reaches the dryer, it may help reduce utility expenses and drying time.
That's why it's useful to think about total cost of ownership rather than simply asking:
“How much does this machine cost?”
A better question is:
“How much will this machine cost me to purchase, operate, maintain, and eventually replace?”
Does Used Equipment Make Sense for a New Laundromat?
It can, depending on the circumstances. A new laundromat owner may consider used equipment as part of an overall equipment strategy, particularly if the available budget is limited.
However, you don't necessarily have to choose between all new and all used. A business owner might use a combination of equipment depending on:
- Available Budget
- Store Size
- Expected Customer Volume
- Machine Capacity
- Equipment Availability
- Projected Utility Costs
- Future Expansion Plans
For example, strategically purchasing certain used machines could allow an owner to allocate more of the budget toward newer, high-capacity equipment or other aspects of the store.
The right approach depends on the individual project.
What Should You Avoid When Buying Used Equipment?
There are some situations where walking away may be the smartest decision.
Be cautious if:
- The Seller Cannot Provide Basic Equipment Information
- The Machine Has Significant Visible Damage
- The Equipment Leaks
- The Machine Requires Frequent Repairs
- Replacement Parts Are Difficult To Find
- The Seller Won't Allow An Inspection
- The Price Seems Too Good To Be True
- The Equipment's History Is Unknown
Don't let a low price push you into a purchase you haven't researched. Saving money on the purchase doesn't help if the machine immediately becomes an expensive repair project.
Should You Buy Used Equipment From a Dealer?
There are several ways to find used commercial laundry equipment, including private sellers, auctions, liquidations, and commercial laundry equipment dealers.
Buying from a dealer may provide additional benefits because you may have access to equipment expertise, testing, parts, installation, and service.
T&L's current inventory includes pre-owned equipment at its Charlotte warehouse, with options for pickup or delivery and installation.
That can be particularly helpful for a business owner who doesn't have extensive experience evaluating commercial laundry machines.
What Questions Should You Ask Before Buying?
If you're considering used commercial laundry equipment, don't be afraid to ask questions.
At a minimum, find out:
“What is the machine's model and serial number?”
Then ask:
“How old is it?”
“Has it been tested?”
“What repairs has it needed?”
“Are replacement parts readily available?”
“What is included in the purchase price?”
“Is installation available?”
“What type of service is available after the sale?”
Getting answers before you buy can help you compare used equipment more effectively.
Used Doesn't Have to Mean Compromised
Used commercial laundry equipment can be a practical option for laundromat owners, apartment communities, hotels, healthcare facilities, and other businesses that need reliable commercial laundry capacity without necessarily purchasing every machine new.
The key is knowing what you're buying.
Look beyond the price tag. Consider the equipment's age, condition, maintenance history, efficiency, available parts, manufacturer, and long-term operating costs. And whenever possible, work with a company that understands commercial laundry equipment and can help you determine whether a particular machine is appropriate for your application.
T&L Equipment Sales Company has served commercial laundry customers throughout North Carolina and South Carolina since 1976. In addition to new equipment, T&L maintains a selection of used and overstock equipment and provides planning, installation, financing, parts, and service.
If you're trying to stretch your equipment budget, used commercial laundry equipment may be worth considering. The right used machine can provide years of service, but the key is making an informed purchase rather than simply choosing the lowest price.
