Starting A Used Fitness Equipment Business
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A profitable used fitness equipment business can be built by acquiring neglected (come on, who doesn't at least have one piece of fitness equipment gathering dust) fitness equipment, refurbishing it, and selling it on. This exercise equipment can often be bought for mere pennies on its original price, but the simplest of renovations and the right marketing strategies can let you sell it on for a small fortune. For added profit, you can even offer a buy-back service to your new clients if their good fitness intentions go the same way as those of their machine's previous owner. It is also a better idea than going into full gym ownership directly. If you've ever worked out regularly, you'll know that commercial gyms come and go extremely regularly as the business structures behind them fail. Where To Source And Sell Used Fitness EquipmentFailed gyms are a great source of heavy-duty commercial gym equipment including free weights and weight benches, elliptical equipment, treadmills, exercise bikes, weight racks, cable-and-pulley equipment, Nautilus machines etc. These can either be sold on to serious private investors, or passed on to other commercial gyms. If you begin to work with commercial gyms, also offer a breakdown service, as very few gym owners know what to do when their equipment stops working. A great place to sell used equipment in large quantities is at upscale apartment complexes with fitness rooms. Machinery, as opposed to free weights, is the preferred equipment in these environs. If negotiated correctly, you may be able to enter into a contract with someone who already has equipment to service it regularly. This sort of long-term relationship will be key to your future success. If you decide to specialize in service and maintenance of equipment, you must be prepared to repair and replace commonly worn items such as upholstery, cams, pulleys and cables. Major structural supports will also need periodic tightening in the interests of safety. You may also be able to provide additional replacement items such as weights, pins, attachments, clips, clamps etc. Building Client RelationshipsOne of the keys to success in the used fitness equipment business will be the personal relationships you can establish with important fitness people in your community. These should include local gym owners, apartment complex managers, and anyone else you feel would be interested in your wares.
Customer service including timeliness, cost and availability of parts etc. - will be paramount to your reputation. When commercial fitness equipment needs repairing, time is critical to the clients. You can charge a little extra for short notice servicing needs, and your clients will almost always be more than happy to pay this if you sort their problem quickly and efficiently. When looking to expand your services, first look at the possibilities of upgrading the transport fleet you use to move your used fitness equipment around. When this is the best it can be, look at selling other related health products such as healthy food and professional fitness instruction. Over time, also look at leasing a showroom for all of your used fitness equipment, as this will be your first step to serious financial success. |