Used Salon Equipment Can Reduce Start Up Costs

!±8± Used Salon Equipment Can Reduce Start Up Costs

If you are planning on opening a salon or barbershop on a shoe string budget one route you may consider is purchasing used equipment. Many times when a salon or spa owner wants to update their furniture, some distributors offer a trade in option or allow the old items to be put on consignment. These distributors should inspect and test the functionality of the items before they accept them. You may be able to purchase some high end equipment at a very reasonable price.

However, be weary of the product if it is a really old item. You may have a very hard time finding replacement parts if you ever need them. If the distributor that you are purchasing the second hand salon furniture from carries those manufacturer's products it can be a big bonus. Just verify that they can get replacement parts if you need them in the near future.

Before purchasing used equipment take the time to inspect and test the product carefully. If applicable, pay close attention to the stitching to ensure it is not starting to separate. This type of damage may be hard to see depending on the type of stitching but take a moment and try to separate it with your fingers. Where the material is stitched together simply put your fingers on either side and lightly try to separate the material away from the stitching.

If the item you are interested in has a hydraulic such as a styling chair or barber chair make sure you test the hydraulic carefully. Pump the chair up as high as it goes and then lower it to its lowest setting several times. Listen carefully for any gurgling noises which will indicate that air is in the hydraulic fluid and may be a sign of an internal seal going bad. Also, have the chair raised to its highest setting while you sit in the chair. Stay sitting in the chair in this position for several minutes to make sure it will hold its position. If the chair slowly lowers it is an indication that an internal component is starting to deteriorate.

Always test electrical items before you purchase them. This is even more important with used salon equipment. Turn the items on and let them run while you browse around. Let the item run for 15-30 minutes before you turn it off and then turn it back on for a few minutes. This is important because some of the electrical components may initially work but may overheat and fail after a duration of time.

Unfortunately, there is one main drawback to purchasing used equipment. Most distributors will not provide any type of warranty on these items. You may be able to negotiate a 30 day warranty if your purchase is large enough but make sure you get it in writing. As the old saying goes "If it's not in writing, it didn't happen."