A car wash consignment shop is one of the top options for a car wash business owner when looking for car wash equipment. It is a retail store that specializes in consignment sales. Some people misconceive consignment shops as thrift shops. Yes, they both sell used items but they have differences. Whereas thrift shops sell donated second-hand items, consignment shops sell second-hand and brand-new car wash equipment. These items are sold by the shops for their owners for a fee. If they are not sold within the agreed period of time, the owner gets the item back. There are various types of car wash consignment options like physical shops, weekend sales and online shops.
As a car wash business owner, it is important that you buy the right equipment from the right sellers. You would want to make sure that you get your money’s worth. Or better yet, get good car wash equipment at great bargains! You just need to know what to look for in car wash consignment shops. Is it a good idea to buy your equipment from car wash consignment shops? Take a look at the pros and cons:
Pros of buying from car wash consignment shops
Great bargains
Companies that are closing or those that want to upgrade their equipment will sell their old machinery. Some will find their way to car wash consignment shops. You will be able to buy them at cheaper prices since these are used equipment. Most of these used equipment are still functional. Although some may need minor repairs, you will still be saving a lot of money because of the low price they are offered in the market. In fact, the prices can still get lower every time. For example, if a used vacuum cleaner is for sale and no one has bought it, the price will be lowered the next week. If it still isn’t bought, the price will be significantly lower the following week. Other car wash consignment shops also entertain haggling. If this is something you are good at and enjoy doing, then you probably will purchase car wash equipment at unbelievably low prices!
Expertise
Most car wash consignment shops have been around for years. They have acquired the expertise in car wash equipment over the years. Some are even car washes too, that double as a car wash consignment shop. They will not only be able to provide you with the equipment you need; they may also be able to share tips and tricks with you. So if you want to purchase car wash equipment from someone you can also consult with, then you will find value in purchasing from car wash consignment shops.
Environment-friendly
Buying from car wash consignment shops also means that you are helping to take care of the environment. You will be recycling a piece of used car wash equipment that would otherwise be thrown away. Remember that environment friendly businesses are gaining popularity and getting the public’s support.
Selling options
Buying your equipment from a car wash consignment shop will also let you build a professional relationship with the shop. When the time comes that you would want to sell a piece of equipment, then you already have that partner that can help you sell your used equipment for you. This may be one of the many options you can use to establish connections in the car wash industry.
Flexible options
Most online car wash consignment shops are flexible when it comes to holding an item for you. Most of them would reserve an item for you for 3 to 4 days before selling it to someone else. Some even offer a reservation arrangement where they can hold it for you for a longer period of time for a fee.
Cons of buying from car wash consignment shops
No return policy
When buying used equipment from a car wash consignment shop, you have to make sure that it is in good condition. According to an article on ebay.com, “Some Tips For Shopping In Consignment Stores”, almost all consignment stores sell items as a final sale. This means, the minute you pay your money, you cannot return the item. Carefully checking the condition of the equipment before buying it will be possible if you are at a physical shop. This would be difficult to do when shopping online.
Limited selection
Car wash consignment shops rely on other equipment owners or business owners for their supplies. This can result to a limited selection. You may find yourself in need of a specific car wash equipment and not find it available at the car wash consignment shop that you frequent.
Delivery may take time
It is a policy of online car wash consignment shops to ship your order to you only when they have already received your payment. Depending on how you make the payment and the shipping option you choose, it could take a week for you to receive your equipment. If you have an urgent need for a piece of equipment, you better visit a physical shop.
Some items sell too quickly
As mentioned in the pros section of this article, car wash equipment can be sold at car wash consignment shops at very low prices. For this reason, the car wash equipment you want may be grabbed by someone else before you do. Most likely, the car wash consignment shop would only have that single piece available.
As with anything else, there are advantages and disadvantages in buying your car wash equipment from car wash consignment shops. It is best to weigh the pros and cons to ensure that you choose the best for your car wash business. If you think you are ready to operate your car wash business but need more advice about quality equipment and maintenance, consider signing up for a DetailXPerts franchise opportunity.
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