Used Commercial Roofing Equipment: Boost Your Bottom Line
By Kevin MaloneFrom materials to labor, industry costs are rising for contractors. While roofing contractors can still make a good profit, there is increased attention to the bottom line these days. You’ve got to get the most out of your equipment to maintain your margins and pay your bills.
Investing in used commercial roofing equipment is one way to save money—as long as you can find quality commercial roofing equipment for sale.
The Benefits of Buying Used Commercial Roofing Equipment
The biggest benefit of buying used commercial roofing equipment is the cost savings. By purchasing used equipment, you may be able to stretch your budget to get better equipment than your budget might support, or you could save money and spend it in other areas like marketing or project bids.
This can also produce more cash flow and working capital. By investing less in equipment, you can manage day-to-day expenses more easily. This is especially important for small contractors or growing companies, providing the resources they need at a discounted price.
Other benefits include:
Immediate Availability
Used equipment is typically available right away, which is ideal for companies needing to complete projects on tight timelines. New equipment often requires a waiting period for manufacturing and delivery.
Lower Depreciation
New equipment loses value quickly in the first few years. Used equipment tends to depreciate more slowly. This means the resale value of your investment remains higher if you decide to upgrade later.
Operational Flexibility
Some contractors buy used commercial roofing equipment to augment their current fleet, allowing them to take on more jobs or complete projects more quickly. Others invest in used equipment as their primary machinery to optimize their ROI more quickly.
Buying Used Commercial Roofing Equipment for Sale
If you are considering buying used equipment, there are a few key factors you should consider.
Condition
It’s essential to thoroughly assess the condition of any used equipment before purchasing. Ensure it operates as intended and is free from major wear or damage.
Performing a detailed inspection—or even hiring a third-party technician to assess the equipment—can help you identify any issues that might not be immediately apparent. At Intech Equipment & Supply, we evaluate every piece of pre-owned equipment before we make it available for sale. You’ll know exactly what you are getting at a fair price.
We also refurbish equipment when necessary to ensure optimal performance.
Maintenance and Repair History
Reviewing the maintenance records can tell you a lot about reliability and lifespan.
Ask for documentation of previous repairs, servicing, and any upgrades that have been made to the machinery. Equipment that has been well-maintained is less likely to require extensive repairs or downtime.
Compatibility
When considering any new purchase, make sure the equipment fits seamlessly into your current operations. This will help to ensure that the equipment will bring efficiencies to your business rather than introduce new challenges.
Availability of Replacement Parts
You should check that replacement parts are readily available. If you can’t find the parts you need for maintenance or repair, it’s a poor investment.
The team at Intech Equipment & Supply keeps a wide variety of parts in stock and can help you ensure you can get what you need.
Repair Costs
With used commercial roofing equipment, you should expect more frequent repairs than with new equipment. So, you should evaluate the additional costs to make sure they don’t outweigh any initial savings. Ask sellers about typical maintenance and repair costs with the particular model you are considering so you know what to expect.
Warranty and Support
Depending on the age of the equipment and the seller, there may or may not be a warranty involved. Most used equipment is sold as-is, which means you’re on the hook for repairs. There may be add-on warranties available if you are interested.
Working with a reputable supplier that vets used equipment can also hedge your bets against inheriting someone else’s problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key signs of reliable used equipment?
Look for equipment with minimal signs of wear and a solid maintenance history. An operating test and thorough inspection can reveal much about reliability.
How much can a company expect to save by buying used versus new?
Savings vary but can range from 20% to 50% or more, depending on the equipment type, condition, and market availability.
Is it safe to buy used equipment online?
Yes, provided you buy from reputable suppliers like Intech Equipment & Supply.
Contact Intech Equipment & Supply today to find quality commercial roofing equipment for sale.
About Kevin Malone
Kevin Malone is a leading expert in the spray foam insulation industry with 34 years of experience in spray foam fluid handling and a passion for innovation. He currently offers his extensive knowledge to Intech Equipment and Supply customers by supporting them in selecting quality spray foam equipment to optimize their business. Learn more about Kevin here.