Should I buy a commercial refrigerator online?

Commercial refrigerators are an essential part of running a successful food, drink or retail business. Being able to store your goods safely to prolong their shelf life is vital to good food and drink management. With our range of display units, you can not only store your goods safely but also display them in an attractive and appealing way, to help convert more sales and, ultimately, increase your profit. There are different options for buying your next commercial refrigerator. You could visit a commercial refrigerator store, or you could purchase one online. As with everything, there are pros and cons to both options, and we will explore these options below, and help you to decide which is the best buying method for you and your business.

Benefits of buying a commercial refrigerator online

When you choose to buy your commercial refrigerator online, you have the convenience of browsing at your leisure. Most online retailers offer a good range of commercial units, designed to suit a variety of budgets and scenarios. You can spend time weighing up the different options, and seeing which one will suit your business the best. Online companies can often give competitive prices and deals, as they are not having to cover the cost of running a physical store, with all the associated expenses that come with this. Once you’ve found a make and model you think would suit your business, you can spend time reading reviews online for this particular refrigerator and obtain real-life insight into how this will work in your business. A commercial refrigerator is an important investment in your business, and you want to do your research to ensure that you are investing your money wisely.

Disadvantages of buying a commercial refrigerator online

Obviously, everything comes with disadvantages. The biggest one with buying online is that you can’t physically inspect the different units on offer. However, nowadays, most online companies have excellent photos, and you may even be able to find videos of the specific model that you’re interested in online.

The other main concern that people have about buying online is around shipping, delivery and returns, so make sure you read the small print before clicking buy so you know what to expect, and when.  

The importance of choosing a reliable online company

To eradicate the possible complications of buying online, you need to choose a reliable online company, like Fridgesmart. Before shopping with any business online, it’s always worth checking out their business reviews and ensuring they are a reliable and professional company. Companies should always state their company address and be easy to get in touch with. Beware of companies that don’t display their phone number clearly. A good online company, such as ourselves here at Fridgesmart, will always be happy to talk to you and help you with any queries you may have.

Always check the return policy of an online company, as mistakes do happen, however careful you may be. It is always reassuring to know that a company has a robust returns procedure and that they will help you out with your return, should the need arise.

Tips for buying a commercial refrigerator online

Buying a commercial refrigerator online can be a convenient and cost-effective way to find the right appliance for your business. However, there are several key factors you should consider to ensure you make a well-informed purchase:

• Know your requirements: Before browsing, be clear about your specific needs. Consider the size of the fridge, the type of food you’ll be storing and the space available in your business premises. Different types of commercial refrigerators serve different purposes; for instance, a bakery might need a different type of refrigeration compared to a steak restaurant.
• Check the dimensions: Always double-check the external and internal dimensions of the refrigerator. You need to be sure it will fit in the designated space in your kitchen or storage area and that the internal storage space is adequate for your needs. Remember to check your access points, too, to make sure your new fridge will fit through your door when it’s delivered.
• Read reviews and ratings: Look for customer reviews and ratings of both the product and the seller. Reviews can provide valuable insights into the reliability of the refrigerator, the level of customer service provided by the seller, and the experiences of other buyers. Be wary of products or sellers with consistently poor reviews.
• Understand the warranty and return policy: Before making a purchase, ensure you fully understand the warranty provided with the refrigerator. Check what’s covered and for how long. Also, clarify the return policy in case the unit is damaged upon arrival.
• Consider energy efficiency: Energy-efficient models can save your business a considerable amount in electricity bills over time. Look for fridges with a good energy rating and consider the long-term savings you could make, even if the initial purchase price is higher.
• Look out for delivery options and costs: Verify the delivery options and costs. Some online sellers might offer free delivery, while others could charge based on distance or the size of the item. Also, check whether the seller or delivery service will assist with installation and whether there’s an additional cost for this service.
• Compare prices: Don’t just settle for the first option you see. Compare prices across different websites to ensure you’re getting a good deal. Remember to factor in delivery costs, installation, and any ongoing maintenance or warranty costs.
• After-sales service and support: Ensure the seller or manufacturer offers good after-sales support. Having access to customer service and technical support can be invaluable if you encounter any issues with your refrigerator.
• Safety and compliance: Make sure any refrigerator you’re considering complies with relevant UK and European safety standards. This is crucial not just for the safety and legality of your operation, but also for insurance purposes.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can make a more informed decision when purchasing a commercial refrigerator online, ensuring that you find a model that suits both your operational needs and budget.

Come to Fridgesmart to buy your commercial refrigerator online

Here at Fridgesmart, we pride ourselves on the high level of service we provide to all our customers. We work with businesses of different sizes, across a range of industries, to ensure their commercial refrigeration is second to none. Whether you’re planning for a refurb and need to discuss the best option for your new layout or need an urgent like-for-like replacement in an emergency, we’re here to help. Our fridges are all chosen for the quality of their design and manufacture, and we spend time researching the best makes and models to offer to our customers. Take a look at what we have to offer here. We know that buying commercial refrigeration can be an expensive and vital investment, and we want our customers to enjoy the peace of mind of knowing they’ve made a sound investment that will last for many years. Our experienced and knowledgeable team is always on hand to discuss your commercial refrigeration with you, simply call us today on 01792 677169.