Buying used equipment can be a strategic way for your cidery to save money while acquiring necessary tools for production that can help create more margin in the long run.
However, the process comes with challenges that require careful consideration to ensure quality and longevity.
Bleecker Wheeler, founder, and cider maker at Watson Wheeler Cider, emphasizes the importance of knowing the source of used equipment.
“The limited amount of used equipment that we’ve purchased was done directly from people in the industry that we already know and respect, so we felt it was verified,” Wheeler said. “Maybe that’s the advice then? Know who and where you’re getting it from.”
Buying from trusted industry contacts can reduce risks and provide insight into the equipment’s history.
Lara Worm of Bivouac Cider echoes this sentiment, noting that word of mouth is a safer route than purchasing through online listings or auctions.
“Buying things from reputable used equipment vendors is also pretty safe and can sometimes come with a warranty, or at least someone that can help you learn about the equipment,” she said.
Online platforms such as Pro Brewer can offer options, but personal recommendations and regional searches tend to be more reliable.
When evaluating used equipment, Wheeler recommends prioritizing quality, trust in the seller, and ensuring the equipment provides an immediate benefit to the business. He advises against buying items that may be quickly outgrown, suggesting that businesses consider how long they will realistically use the equipment and its potential resale value.
“Taking good care of your equipment plays a large role in this as well,” he said.
Assessing the remaining lifespan and performance of used equipment is crucial. Wheeler warns against making purchases based solely on online photographs.
“Assessing used equipment is best done in person and, again, from someone you know and trust,” he said. “Buying blindly from a photograph online is a recipe for disaster.”
When an in-person inspection isn’t possible, he suggests negotiating partial payment upfront, with the remaining balance dependent on the equipment’s actual condition upon delivery.
John Knisley of Tallgrass Cider said the importance of knowing what to look for before making a purchase is also vital.
“This requires you to know a little about the piece you are looking at and how it normally functions,” he said.
Researching through online videos or consulting with industry peers who have experience with similar equipment can provide valuable insight.
Beyond the initial purchase, buyers should consider the availability of replacement parts and service support. Worm notes that sourcing parts for older equipment can be challenging, particularly when manufacturers no longer provide service information.
“People with specialized skills in fixing machines are often super expensive and not that nice,” she said. “The way I measure trust in a service professional: if they are willing to teach me how to maintain something, fix something, or troubleshoot, so I can fix problems on my own without costing a fortune, I generally think that is a measure of an ethical person.”
Certain types of equipment are better suited for used purchases than others. While many items, such as fermenters and kegs, can be sourced secondhand without major concerns, refrigeration units, and glycol systems can be riskier investments.
READ MORE: Second-Hand Success — What You Need to Know About Used Cider Equipment
“The machines are so fickle, and they are making things with less quality now, so you’re lucky if refrigeration lasts five years,” Worm said. She recommends seeking certified resellers who offer warranties when considering major purchases like glycol systems.
Online auctions and classified listings can be useful resources for sourcing used equipment, but due diligence is required.
Stephen Schuurman of Winchester Ciderworks has successfully utilized platforms such as Pro Brewer and Bidspotter for acquiring used kegs and other equipment. However, he cautions against purchasing complex machinery sight unseen.
“There are several for sale used and although some of them are priced very attractively, I would be cautious spending so much money on something you haven’t actually seen in person and, in most cases, have no warranty,” Schuurman said. He recommends obtaining as many photos and videos as possible and asking detailed questions about maintenance records.
Before finalizing a purchase, it is essential to determine whether service and spare parts are readily available. Schuurman advises against buying equipment that may be too difficult or costly to maintain, regardless of how good the deal may appear.
“We have been burned in the distant past and had some real difficulties finding spare parts,” he said. “Having a piece of equipment you cannot use because of poor foresight is incredibly frustrating.”
Ultimately, the decision to buy used or new equipment depends on the specific needs of a cidery. While cost savings and environmental benefits make used equipment an appealing option, careful vetting, and thorough research are necessary to ensure a worthwhile investment.
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