With holiday expenses racking up, you may be looking for ways to save money this season. If a fitness equipment purchase is in your plans, one savvy-shopper option is to buy a used product. Does the idea of buying a second-hand feel tacky to you? You may be surprised to hear that a refurbished piece of equipment may be in an even better condition than its brand-new counterpart. The trick is knowing how to spot a quality, used machine.
For starters, don’t get tripped up in the lingo. Remanufactured, refurbished, serviced, demo model, floor model… it can be hard to keep the terms straight. These words mean different things to different companies and it’s important to recognize that there is no industry standard for what these represent. Make sure to clarify with the salesman working with you during your purchase what exactly is meant by the term he or she uses.
Often, and especially in the case of cardio machines, the term “used” means the item has been refurbished. The equipment has likely been tested, diagnosed, and had key elements replaced such as new belts or decks in the case of a treadmill. Sometimes the machine may even be in better condition than new if the technician has paid closer attention than a manufacturer has.
A “demo model” suggests that the piece has been at a customer’s site (home gym, fitness club) for a short period. Be mindful that a demo model may or may not have a warranty. The older the unit means the less of a chance of warranty coverage. The same goes for a “floor model” or a unit that was once a sample in a fitness store. Many "floor models" do carry a full warranty, but the important thing is to ask.
You may be wondering how these machines came to be repurposed for a new user. One way is for a fitness club to trade their equipment in near the end of their lease. Once the lease is up, the gym will upgrade to a more recent models and sell the old machines to a fitness dealer. The machines will then be tested, evaluated, diagnosed, serviced and re-sold.
When seeking out used equipment, it is important to work with a reputable salesman. You want someone who is knowledgeable about the capabilities of the machine, how it may relate to current new models, and what warranty is or is not available. For this reason, we don’t recommend buying through individuals online.
Finding the right used equipment can mean a happy, healthy and long life for both you and your faithful machine. To find the perfect unit for you, just keep these tips in mind:
1. Know the term
Ask what is meant by used, refurbished, demo model, etc. Make sure you know what you’re buying.
2. Use a reputable seller
Any fitness machine purchase is an investment. Don’t shortchange yourself before you buy the machine by not talking to a true professional.
3. Look for a full warranty
A warranty is important to both the future of your machine and your future fitness goals. Having a warranty could mean saved money in the future.
4. Make sure the machine is classified as full commercial grade.
You want a piece of equipment that was made to withstand continuous use, especially since you’re not the original owner. Make sure the machine was meant for multiple users for a long period of time.
5. Research what the model can do
Last but not least, arm yourself with knowledge about the specific model. Make sure the machine has the features that you know you need to achieve your goal. Buying used can be a smart choice, but not if it means sacrificing features that are instrumental to your success.
Still have questions? Stop by one of our many locations or cruise our selection of used equipment online.