What Should You Do When Catering Equipment Breaks?

Most catering equipment in the UK will last for years before it requires replacing. That time must come sooner or later, though. You have to prepare for the time when your commercial catering equipment will require replacing. However, how you react will influence how much disruption you will have to deal with.

Let uslook at what your plan of action should be in the event of a breakage.

Is the Equipment Actually Broken?

It is easy to overreact when something goes wrong. Many businesses have determined that they require completely new equipment when the simplest of repairs could make everything right again. Purchasing a replacement should be a last resort when you are certain you cannot salvage what you already have.

Take the equipment and attempt to pinpoint the problem. Send it to a qualified repair person who can check it over for you. They will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis of the issue.

Repair or Replace?

You will have to make a decision as to whether it is worth repairing equipment or replacing it. Sometimes it’s not worth paying for the repairs. Older catering supplies in the UK will breakdown more and more often. If you are repairing something multiple times per year, you are wasting money.

As a business, it is tempting to try to avoid buying a replacement for as long as possible. After all, nobody wants to spend a significant amount of money on new equipment. The fact of the matter is paying more now could well save you money in the long-term.

The Duration

There is more to this than the actual monetary cost. You have to consider how long it’s going to take you to get a replacement in or to complete the repair work. As a business, you are hamstrung each time something goes wrong. It is essential you turn the situation around as soon as you possibly can.

At this point, you need a contingency plan in place. Here are some of the points you will have to consider:

1) Do you need to notify your clients of what has gone wrong?

2) Will you have to completely reorganise your schedule?

3) In the absence of a piece of equipment, is it possible to work around the problem in the short-term?

Remember, a piece of broken equipment is a matter for both your business and the people you are working for. The best businesses handle matters in the right way by making sure their clients come first.

Conclusion

Dealing with a repair can be a daunting experience. You have to react in the correct way if you are going to make the best of a bad situation. Whenever something breaks, assess the situation and see whether you need to repair the equipment or replacement. When you have determined this, focus on the short-term and how you are going to work around any potential obstacles.

Notify your clients of the changing situation, if necessary. Moreover, make it clear that you are doing the best you possibly can. By acting professionally at all times, you can make sure your business preserves its reputation and gets through this difficult time.

Should You Buy Catering Equipment from Closing Sales?

A closing sale is where a business has closed for whatever reason. They are selling off their equipment and people have the opportunity to buy. This may be part of an auction setting or a case of first come first served. For people looking to purchase catering equipment, this can be a blessing. However, at the same time, you have to buy with caution. Let uslook at whether you should buy from closing sales.

The Setting

First of all, you have to take into account the setting. Is the business running an auction or are they simply allowing people to walk in and make offers on various pieces of equipment?

In the case of an auction, you have to give yourself a secure spending limit. During auctions, buyer can become entangled in bitter battles over various pieces of commercial kitchen equipment. They become more concerned with winning rather than getting a good deal. Do not get involved in these battles or you could find yourself paying more than the item is actually worth.

If you do buy from closing sales, it is best to go for a first come first served scenario. This way you can browse the equipment as you would in a conventional shop.

What about the Condition of the Items?

The condition of the items is always a factor to take into account. Exercise the same caution you would when buying from any other second-hand supplier. Remember, it is difficult to hold a business to account when it’s already shutdown. Usually, you will not have much support in the years following a sale.

Always make sure you have the opportunity to check anything you buy before you buy it. If you do not have this option available, you may find yourself paying way too much for an item that has little going for it.

Can You Get Something Good?

It is easy to assume that all commercial catering equipment bought from closing sales is old tat with minimal longevity left. The fact is businesses close for a number of reasons. For a start, not every business is closing because it wants to. Some companies open and close within a few months. This would mean they have to get rid of brand new equipment that has only been in use for six to eight months. That is nothing for heavy-duty catering supplies.

It is all about going to the right closing sales and ensuring you never force yourself to make a purchase. The biggest risk comes in getting lost in the sale. Just because you turn up does not mean you have to actually buy anything.

In conclusion, you can and should consider closing sales as a useful outlet for getting good deals on commercial kitchen supplies. What you should never do is use a closing sale exclusively. Do not put your business on hold for the sake of finding the right sale. If the deal is not there, look for other methods of supply to outfit your catering operation. By doing so, you will get good equipment at an affordable price.

How to React When Catering Equipment Breaks on the Job

There's nothing worse than working with a piece of equipment and it breaks in the middle of a job. Think of what could happen if your bakery equipment decided to breakdown whilst you are dealing with a large order. How would you deal with the situation?

The mark of a good business is in how they deal with adversity. Should you find yourself in a situation like this, you have to react in the right way. Luckily, anyone can do it and it is not as hard as you think. In this article, you are going to learn how to react when your catering equipment switches off at the worst possible time.

Assessing the Immediate Damage

Instead of worrying about what is going to happen next, take a deep breath, and survey the situation from an objective point of view. Focus on the short-term right now.

For example, let us say you are working with bar equipment and one of the nozzles becomes damaged. The right way to react is to acknowledge that you need a new delivery system. Ask yourself can you get an immediate replacement. If the answer is no, you should look into an alternative delivery system. You should also inform the client that something has gone wrong and you are looking into alternatives.

The last part about telling the client is the most important part of the process. Even if you cannot resolve the situation immediately, the fact you informed your client at the first opportunity instantly gives your business credibility.

Time Issues

How quickly can you get a replacement? How soon do you need said replacement?

These are two calculations you should attempt to make. They do not have to be accurate. If your depot is an hour away from the catering venue and the event starts in two hours, you already know you have enough time to source the replacement. This means you do not have to look at alternative solutions to the problem.

Also, take into account how sourcing said replacement impacts on timings for other aspects of the catering process. Remember, you have to spare a member of staff to solve the problem. How is the rest of your team going to step in and pick up the slack?

In the Aftermath

Whether you manage to replace the broken item or not, the aftermath of the event is just as important as what happens during the event.

If you have sullied the catering experience for your client, think about how you can repay said client for the trouble. An offer of a one-time discount or a simple public apology can be enough to repair your reputation in the eyes of the client. It is the fact that you made a gesture of apology that counts here.

Now you need to focus on either repairing the broken item or finding catering equipment suppliers who can replace the item. Make sure you address the issue at the earliest possible opportunity. By doing so, you can make sure the same problem does not happen again next time.

How to Buy Second-Hand Catering Supplies Online

Whether you own a large catering company or you need catering supplies UK for a one-off event you are planning, this is a major expense. Purchasing brand new supplies can set you back quite a significant amount. You do not have to approach the big catering equipment suppliers to get the deal you are looking for, though.

It is possible to buy them second-hand online. In this article, we are going to show you the best way to do it.

Find a Seller

To start with, you have to find someone who is willing to sell you second-hand equipment. This is not always easy because there are so many possible locations you can check. The first place you should look to is your local area. Use websites like Gumtree and Craig’s List to help you track down individuals and businesses in your locality that may have various bits and pieces for sale.

Do not limit yourself to seeking out sellers who have absolutely everything you need. Be willing to buy pieces from multiple sellers, otherwise you could be searching for a long time, and there is no guarantee you will find the right seller.

Check them Out

Sadly, the online world is a hub for people who want to rip good businesses off. This is why you have to be especially careful when looking at catering equipment UK. Get in contact with the seller and ask them some questions about what they are selling. Most importantly of all, you need to ask them about whether you can see the items in person before buying.

We always recommend making the purchase in person wherever possible. Doing so allows you to thoroughly check the condition of the items and make sure they really are how they appear in the original ad.

Once you are happy with the equipment, you can move on to the final step in the purchasing process.

The Agreement

When you are happy with the items, it might be tempting to hand your money over and be on your way. This is the wrong way to go about it. In a conventional land-based store, you would automatically have access to a return and refund policy. You also may have the opportunity to have an item repaired if it breaks within a certain period.

You have to be clear about what the seller’s responsibilities are as part of an independent, second-hand purchase. In most cases, they will not offer refunds or repairs. Once you take the item away, that’s it. This is also why you will often get a lower price for an item bought in this way.

Is it a Good Idea?

Some people stay clear of making a purchase of second-hand catering equipment in this way. They believe the risks are true great. Whilst it is not inherently unsafe, you do have to take care with the way you purchase these items. There is always a risk of buying something and it breaking down immediately. If you are buying equipment to last for years to come, it is nearly always better to look towards paying extra for completely new equipment.

How to Buy Catering Equipment from Closing Businesses

Kitchen equipment is expensive. If you want to outfit a commercial kitchen from scratch with brand new equipment, you can expect to pay thousands of pounds to do it. It is no surprise to see businesses looking for an alternative means of getting what they need. Thankfully, there are other options available.

One of these options is closing sales. Businesses that have closed down for whatever reason need a way of getting rid of equipment quickly. To do this, they hold a public sale where other businesses can come in and make offers on what they have.

Here is how you can go about making a purchase.

Find the Sale

You will not find closing sales widely advertised. It is a case of latching on to various rumours and making sure you turn up on the correct day. The easiest way of finding a sale is to actually drive past a business and see a sign in the window. Obviously, this is not a practical way of doing things. Instead, browse local online community boards. Businesses will normally advertise a closing sale on a local basis so they can get enough buyers.

What is the Sale Type?

Determine the type of sale before you start to splash your cash. It does not always work the same way as conventional kitchen suppliers. You cannot always walk in, make an offer, and walk out again. Some sales are conducted in the form of an auction where you must bid against fellow buyers in an attempt to win.

If it’s not an auction, it’s just like going into any store and taking something of the shelf. An auction, however, throws up a whole host of problems. Primarily, you have to avoid overpaying. It is easy to get carried away with the desire to beat someone out of an item. Focus on yourself and nobody else.

Auction Tips

1) Inspect the item before buying. Do not buy what you have not seen.

2) Set a strict spending limit on an item. Avoid going over this limit.

3) Do not build the auction up in your mind. It is easy to overspend when you believe this is your one and only chance of buying something. It’s not your only chance.

Establish the Terms of Sale

Prior to handing over any money, you need to know about the terms of sale. Closing sales do not always work the same way as conventional catering equipment suppliers. You will never have the same buyer protections in place. This is a closing sale. You will not have anyone to complain to when the business selling the items drops off the face of the earth.

Work out what they will and will not take responsibility for. Even at closing sales, businesses will offer some form of temporary warranty for the first few weeks. If the item breaks, they will take responsibility. What you will not have is the option to ask for a refund. Once you buy the item, the item is yours to keep.

Every closing sale works differently. When you are happy with the terms of sale and the price, hand the money over and take your new equipment back with you.

Top Tips for People Learning to Use Commercial Kitchen Equipment for the First Time

Learning to use commercial kitchen equipment for the first time is a nerve-wracking experience. Many people walk in thinking it is going to be like the cooker they have at home, but when they see all the knobs, dials, and settings they go to pieces.

If you are training to use kitchen equipment, here are some top tips to make sure you take in as much as you possibly can.

Listen to the Trainer

It seems like an obvious one, but not for the reason you think. Yes, you need to listen to them if you are going to learn how to use the equipment. What people forget is every catering company has a different procedure and a different system for using commercial machinery. If you get this wrong, it could land you in hot water with both your peers and the management team.

Get Used to the Speed

You will have to get used to a certain way of working. Someone who uses commercial equipment will have to be able to produce food in a certain period. Consistent timing is everything in catering because the waiters need to be able to manage their time effectively, otherwise guests could be waiting twenty minutes before they receive their next meal.

Hard Staff Members

Catering is a high-pressure industry. You have to have a thick skin no matter where you are in the process. When you train, you will make mistakes, but you have to be willing to accept the fact senior staff members will be harsh on you. The waiters will especially have a problem with failure because they rely on topping their wages up with tips.

If you cannot find the right button on a commercial grill, the extra time lost could mean they do not get a tip.

Leave Your Ego at the Door

You might think you are the most technical person in the world and nothing can touch you. With this sort of attitude, you’re setting yourself up for disaster. Leave your ego at the door and listen to what people with more experience than you are trying to tell you.

Focus on Your Job

Most of the time, you are going to be working in an environment where you are close to people. It can get tempting to start talking about what you did at the weekend or what you were doing last night. Cut out the small talk. You are in a work area that relies heavily on good timing and getting things right the first time every time.

Reduce the number of mistakes you make whilst training by focusing on the job at hand. If you are working on the commercial coffee machines, you do not want to press the wrong button because you were trying to talk to a friend standing next to you.

Overall, remember not to be too harsh on yourself. You are a trainee and many of these machines can take some getting used to. Most trainees do not realise how complex some of these machines are until they confront them for the first time.

The Three Things Every Waiter Has To Take Into Account

Waiters have one of the hardest jobs in the world. They have to manage the entire eating area for minimum wage. It is hardly a desirable job, but they do it anyway. It is a difficult job and you need a certain set of skills and characteristics to do it.

In this article, we are going to delve into some of the things every waiter has to take into account.

Time Management Skills

Timing is everything. Guests want their food to always be fresh. This is why a waiter has to be able to deliver fresh food when a guest calls for it. They have to be able to understand how long it takes for their specific brand of commercial kitchen equipment to make a meal. It is a case of estimating when a guest might need it.

Time management is not only about keeping track of all the commercial catering equipment in the back. It is also about keeping guests informed about how long something will take to create.

For example, you will have to explain that a well-done steak will take longer to make than a steak cooked to rare. It may seem like common sense, but many guests need to have it explained to them if you do not want them to kick up a fuss.

Multi-Tasking on Ever Trip

There is a rule within the restaurant industry. Every waiter should leave the kitchen with their hands full and come back to the kitchen with their hands full. In plain English, this means they should be picking up any plates or glasses on their way back to the kitchen after delivering food.

Good waiters know how to multi-task. The average waiter could be taking care of up to five tables at the same time. This means they have to clear away the plates, take orders, bring out the drinks, and handle all those extra niggling jobs.

Multi-tasking is more of a mind-set and an example of good organisation than anything else. Always think, “How much can I get done on this single trip to the floor?”

Do They Like Me?

A waiter’s job is to bring the food to the table and take it away again. This is not your primary concern. What you need to do is establish that important human relationship. Having a moody waiter come to your table can completely ruin a meal. You do not understand how crucial a well-mannered waiter is until you experience a waiter who cannot make small talk.

It is intimidating to walk up to a bunch of strangers and ask them what they would like, but you have to.You will find yourself repeating the same lines to different tables all night long. Make them like you and you may even get a few extra tips at the end of the night.

Remember, always remain professional and never let small talk take you away from serving other tables and attending to your tasks. Good waiters talk fast, end the conversation, and get back to work.