Amazon has had a major impact on all aspects of our shopping and purchasing experience. The internet has redefined retail and led the way for a radical shift in shopping habits and expectations. Amazon’s success proved the model and opened markets to all kinds of economies of scale offered by the internet. Major retailers that were firmly market leaders a few years ago are now looking at ways to compete and maintain share against the plethora of internet shopping options. Traditional brick and mortar stores, of all kinds, are under assault from a vast array of internet retailers.
The restaurant supply industry is no different. Our industry has been inundated with online retailers, willing to provide a product at bargain prices. These online retailers often seem to offer the same products at a lower price than a traditional store could. However, these online retailers cannot compete on customer service. It’s not even close.
One case study with a restaurant showcases the dangers of ordering your restaurant equipment online.
Our Quote Versus the Internet Price
Arctic Food Equipment recently experienced the problems that can arise when restaurants attempt to save money on the internet, rather than using a local expert. A new pizza joint was coming to town and asked us to provide a quote for the kitchen build-out. We gathered information as well as examined plans and the building site. From there, Arctic Food Equipment worked with our suppliers to get the best possible prices for our quote. Despite our efforts, an online retailer was able to offer the equipment cheaper--at our cost. The potential customer decided to purchase the equipment online and hired us to complete the install.
This is where the trouble started.
Their Problems Were Multi-Faceted
Nearly every piece was damaged in shipping. Many of the bricks for the oven were unusable, and nearly all of them were damaged. A wash station could not be hooked up because the drain and water lines were opposite of the orientation of the building. Storage lockers would not fit in the designated area. Three-phase equipment had been ordered, where there was not three-phase power.
The worst part involved the ice machine. The customer had failed to order a critical component for the ice machine. With the Grand Opening days away, they were forced to lease an ice machine until the required equipment arrived.
Did the Restaurant Really Save Money?
The restaurant’s attempts to save money ended up costing significantly more than if they had used a local company in the first place. The shipping damage, the missing components, the time lost, the extra stress, and the added expenses of a complicated install completely negated the upfront “savings.”
Why Choose Arctic Food Equipment
Arctic Food Equipment is the go-to expert for installs. Most equipment is complicated with very specific technical requirements. We know local health and building codes. Our technicians will be onsite to ensure you get the correct equipment. Our job is to understand where remote units need to be placed. We know how drain lines need to be installed. Our team understands what types of power and gas are present and feasible. We handle those questions and concerns for you.
Arctic Food Equipment also has an incentive to ensure the job is done right. We want you to become a long-term customer. We want your referrals. We care about our reputation within the community. We place a priority on long-term relationships, and we want to work with your restaurant from the initial build and as your trusted service technicians for years to come. We want to partner with you, to grow with you.
Contact Arctic Food Equipment Today
Saving money is a good thing, but remember when shopping online for commercial food equipment it usually pays dividends and saves money to use a local company, like Arctic Food Equipment. As the old adage goes, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” In the case of internet food equipment, cheaper is almost certainly not better. Contact us today or call (417) 888-0100 to start the conversation.
