Buying Restaurant Equipment Online vs. In-Store

Today, there are many ways to buy just about everything, and commercial foodservice equipment is no different. As the foodservice industry evolves and more product information is accessible, purchasing methods will become easier to navigate and ultimately reduce the friction in the purchasing process.

What does that buying process for commercial kitchen equipment look like? For today’s foodservice operators, it’s important to have both in-person access to test drive foodservice equipment and digital access to conduct research and make purchases. In some ways, the industry will likely always include a combination of both. But that doesn’t mean in-person and digital foodservice equipment purchases can’t get better.

While online shopping provides a quick and easy means of acquiring supplies, in-store shopping allows operators to get a feel for items before making a purchase. Both in-person and online marketplaces have their benefits. Current research shows that offline sales dominate buying behaviors, but online options are expected to grow in popularity over the coming years.

Advantages of Buying Restaurant Equipment In-Store

See Equipment Up Close

A significant benefit of buying restaurant equipment supplies in-store is that purchasers can have a hands-on experience before deciding what works best for them. Purchasers can open doors, touch knobs, and get a feel for how certain pieces of equipment will function in their space. Seeing equipment in person makes it easier to decide which features best suit the purchaser’s foodservice operation.

Consult With A Rep In-Person

Another advantage of buying foodservice equipment in-store is consulting with a dealer sales representative before making a final purchase. Dealer sales reps can provide valuable expertise during the buying process. For example, a qualified rep can help purchasers find equipment that suits their menu and kitchen. Some dealers even have Certified Foodservice Professionals trained as sales reps to find equipment for different kitchen layouts with specific features.

Immediate Gratification

We’re human. We love instant gratification. Shopping for foodservice equipment in-store provides those emotional benefits we get from acquiring a new oven or fryer that very day. When an item is in stock, buyers can put it to use almost immediately instead of waiting days or weeks for delivery. That means the chefs can have their fun sooner.

Advantages of Buying Restaurant Equipment Online

Save Time

With online shopping growing in popularity, one-fifth of foodservice operators now begin looking for kitchen equipment with an online search. And this number is growing. Buying online offers purchasers much more flexibility than traditional in-person store options. When shopping online, buyers can shop when and where it’s convenient, which is crucial to smaller businesses.

Ability To Self Educate

An additional benefit of purchasing foodservice equipment online is the ability to self-educate on your own time. Thanks to videos, blogs, and product selector tools, it has never been easier for operators to learn what type of equipment is right for them. Not only does self-education help in the buying process, but it also teaches buyers how to care for and maintain their kitchen equipment.

Compare Different Brands

Online shopping allows operators to compare different models and brands that will best help them meet their foodservice goals. Comparisons can include features and benefits, designs, and pricing. Online purchasing through dealers or marketplaces can make it easier to conduct these compare-and-contrast tasks. Ultimately, the foodservice operators and restauranteurs who are more educated on their purchase decisions will become happier customers.

Before you buy, it’s a smart idea to take commercial kitchen equipment for a spin.

References:

PR Newswire

Grandview Research