Equipment purchases are a big deal and in most cases big budget items as well! Considering used equipment is sometimes the only way that gyms can acquire the pieces that will help their organization grow and attract more students.

How do you go about a used equipment purchase and make sure you’re protecting yourself from an unwise choice? We found some advice that is spot on that was pulled together by freelance journalist  Dinsa Sachan in the October issue of Cheer Professional.

There are a few key points that you must keep in mind when considering used equipment for your gym so that you don’t pay too much or get equipment that doesn’t fit your facility or your students’ needs.

You MUST:

• Do your homework – asking intelligent questions based on what you want and need.
• Network like mad – online research is great for seeing what is out there but nothing works like talking to folks face-to-face about the equipment they use to really learn about how pieces work.
• Consider age and depreciation. Get the specifics in writing on each piece you’re considering and fully understand what pieces age well and those that don’t so you don’t pay too much.
• Seek credible sources. Ask people who know the real story (not those selling the products) like other owners who use similar equipment.
• Carefully vet online purchases. Be VERY careful and thorough about anything you’re considering as an online purchase. Misrepresentation runs rampant here.
• Capitalize on event attendance. You can learn a lot by looking at equipment displays and talking to vendors. You can compare the used you may have looked at to new – or you can get a great deal on a demo piece.

This sounds like lots of work but it is worth it to make sure that you don’t overpay or get stuck with equipment that doesn’t work out for your facility and your students.

Read all of the details.

Article reposted from Cheer Professional October 2, 2013.