Sales trailer used or new – What to look for when buying?

For several years now, there has been an emerging trend in the restaurant industry toward mobile kitchens. However, along with the bright idea of a business on wheels and some research, it is quickly discovered that the road to mobile self-employment or business expansion costs quite a bit. At this point, many think about buying a sales trailer used. Because these often seem cheaper than new ones. Which arguments speak for a used and a new food trailer and what there is to consider in both cases, you read here.

The start in mobile gastronomy with the right sales trailer

Many people plan to start a mobile catering business with a limited budget, depending on what is available. But even with a small budget, you can build a mobile business, for example, through a used sales trailer. Now the question arises: is it worth investing in a new trailer or does it make more sense to buy a used sales trailer? Unfortunately, there is no one solution here and the question can be answered with a simple “it depends” – as it always does, actually. Here it depends mainly on the time and financial constraints of you as a founder. In addition, your individual requirements for the food trailer are a decisive factor. If your mobile business idea plan is fancy, it might be difficult to find a suitable used sales trailer.

The advantages and disadvantages of a used sales trailer.

When buying a used trailer, the cost factor plays a crucial role and provides decisive advantages:

• By purchasing a previously used trailer, there is a large savings in the purchase price. A significantly smaller budget is required.
• Many of the devices, equipment and work surfaces are already installed and can be taken over (cost savings).

Despite the lower cost of buying a used trailer, there are also some disadvantages to consider:

• There is a risk of a bad investment due to possible hidden defects.
• A possible short life of the vehicle is a risk that can be associated with many repairs.
• Buyers often make a compromise solution because suitable equipment is missing and this has to be procured additionally.
• There may be significantly longer waiting times due to the research for a suitable trailer.

Should I choose a new sales trailer?

As has just become clear, the number of disadvantages outweighs the disadvantages with used sales trailers. Is it therefore perhaps more sensible to invest in a new trailer? Again, there are points in favor and against.

If you decide to buy a new trailer, you will benefit from the following advantages:

• By having it made to measure, no wishes or requirements are left unfulfilled.
• New sales trailers go hand in hand with good advice and courteous service.
• In and on the new sales trailer you can include your corporate design and can be more visible to new customers.
• There is usually a fixed warranty period.
• The procurement time is maximum 3 months.
• The vehicle is very durable.

However, a new trailer also has disadvantages:

• It usually requires a little more budget than a used trailer.
• There is a risk of “going out of style” as you may be putting in things that are not absolutely necessary.
• The vendor may be too far away to witness the build live.

What to consider when you want to buy a used trailer for sale

Your decision is made and you want to buy a used sales trailer. Now there are a few things to consider to minimize your risk of making a bad investment.

Tips for the inspection

Firstly, you should bring a competent person with you to the viewing appointment in order to carry out an extensive trailer check. This could be an acquaintance who enjoys wrenching on their vehicle or someone who has purchased used trailers many times and knows where common stumbling blocks lie.

Applicable regulations

Also check the applicable regulations for a trailer and whether they are met. In this context, also pay attention to the seriousness of the supplier. If it is a company, look for the imprint, legal form and registered office of the provider. Even with private individuals, it is important that you take a close look at your potential new trailer and get to know the seller personally.

Your concept

Before you decide to buy, you should consider whether the trailer in question suits you and your concept. How high is the effort to convert the trailer? Compromises often have to be made with used trailers – yet they should not be too high. If the sales trailer was used for a burger snack, it is a lot of work to convert it for mobile ice cream sales. Therefore, make sure you have the right equipment for your intended use.

And last but not least: Don’t weaken if you’ve been looking for a long time and haven’t found anything suitable yet. It is often not worth it to compromise too much on your dream.

Conclusion – more safety with a new trailer

You are still not sure whether a used or a new sales trailer makes sense for you? Due to the higher safety, we would advise you in case of doubt to buy a new sales trailer from a professional. With a used trailer, you benefit from seemingly lower costs at first, but due to the used condition, these costs can increase later due to repair costs.

Our buddies have a legal warranty and many of our trailers are even ready for pickup, so you can start your business tomorrow. In addition, we offer you as a sales trailer specialist an all-round service and can give you already immediately available stands to hand.