Running a restaurant or commercial catering business is not an easy job. It requires the maintenance of hygiene and cleanliness throughout the day. In addition, you need to have the right equipment to prepare the best meals all around the year. Restaurant equipment and supplies are very different from the residential supplies, hence buying them is a tedious job. It requires huge investment which is why it is recommended to do your research before you spend your hard earned money on it. Here are some tips that will help you make the right buying decisions and will make your business a huge success.
1. Only buy what you need
It might be tempting to purchase everything all at once so that you know that you have your entire kitchen sorted. But it is not a good idea. You should actually plan out the menu before you begin the purchases. Focus on what you need and not what you might need. Do not go over the budget as you will have to constantly buy something for the kitchen from time to time. Hold back on any specialty equipment unless you actually need it. Do not go under size and do not go overboard. There is a complete range of restaurant supplies on https://www.vegadirect.ca/. However, you need to start by making a list of all the items you need and then place an order for the same.
2. Keep the warranties in mind
You might be thinking that restaurant equipment is a one time purchase. However, this is not so. You need to check the product warranties and ensure that you are not spending a huge amount on a non warrantied equipment. Choose products that have a longer warranty period. If the equipment breaks down at any point of time, you will be able to enjoy free service or replacement in case it is covered under warranty. Whenever you consider a major purchase, keep the warranty period in mind and inquire about the same. Compare the prices keeping this in mind. It will be worth to pay a little more for an equipment that has a better warranty as compared to a cheaper equipment with no warranty period.
3. Inspect the equipment fully
When you buy the equipment, you need to personally check it and ensure that everything is in place. All the pieces should be there and they should be in working condition. Many a times, the products are damaged due to the packaging or transportation troubles. You need to make sure that no damaged pieces are delivered to you. Only after the inspection is complete, you can put them to use. Keep the invoice and the inspection report handy as you might require it in the future.
4. Know the utilities
You need to be well aware about every utility that is a part of your commercial kitchen. This includes gas, power and water. You will have to purchase the equipment keeping the same in mind. You will have to understand the water pressure and its temperature, you will also have to know the amount of current which each circuit can handle. Keep these in mind before you make the purchases as the equipment will have to be connected to the appropriate outlets. A lot of things can be changed, for example, the power outlets can be changed or altered as per the need but if you know the same well in advance, you will be able to plan your purchases accordingly and ensure that you are making the most of it.
5. Consider the maintenance costs
When you purchase restaurant equipment, you should not only consider the cost of purchase but also keep the maintenance cost in mind. These are the costs which will be incurred over the life of the equipment. You might need to incur certain costs from time to time and this could increase as the equipment is put to use over the years. Look for durable equipment which has a low maintenance cost. Buying energy efficient equipment can reduce the cost of power.
Use the above mentioned tips to make the buying decision. Estimate the amount you want to put into kitchen supplies and then head to the market for the same. Research the market and ensure you are investing in the right equipment. There are endless options for you to choose from. Keep the size of your restaurant in mind and pick only the equipment which is necessary for your business. Do not overspend on the same unless you are keen on expansion of the catering business.
Commercial-grade equipment. Don’t look at anything else. First off, restaurants legally must use commercial grade kitchen equipment for safety and insurance reasons. Commercial-grade equipment is a whole lot easier to clean and maintain than domestic kitchen equipment. And because it is heavy-duty foodservice equipment, it’s made to last longer than domestic equipment, making sure it works for you longer.