Fitness Equipment Safe Buyers Guide

Gym Equipment Buying Guide

We hold a lot of products and to the inexperienced, choosing between countless brands, models and machines can be daunting. Even the most experienced Personal Trainer or Instructor will undoubtedly struggle to compare their advantages. But rest assure, our sales staff are here to help! Experts in the field, our Former Qualified Health Club Operators listen to your needs, recommending what’s right for you.

So to assist you on looking for a company that’ll professionally supply, we’ve put together this simple guide:

What condition will your item arrive in?

Used gym equipment can vary hugely in terms of quality, appearance and condition. What quality control procedures are in place and how thorough is the inspection and service process before the machines are sent to clients?

At Gymkit UK for example every machine is assigned to a specific Service Technician to prepare before sending out. All machines are stripped and go through a rigorous 25-point quality check.

This process includes, for example, recalibrating the speed and resistance on machines, entering the service software programme to identify and resolve any error codes, re-tensioning belts, chains, replacing bearings etc. All machines are then given a complete commercial clean and lubrication before being wrapped and secured to a pallet for transportation. Finally the service check sheet is checked and counter signed by the Quality Control Supervisor before dispatch.

Be sure that you are clear about exactly what you are ordering and the process your machine will go through before it arrives or you could disappointed. Not all companies have the expertise, systems or procedures in place to prepare the equipment to the standard that you might expect. Some companies will simply give the machine a clean and functionality check. Know what you're buying!

What experience does the Seller have?

Gymkit UK have been working in the health club Industry for over a decade. We have operated over 100 Health Clubs in that time. We also employ 15 full time, trained and highly experienced service engineers to service and maintain the machines. We understand not only from a users point of view, but also from a service perspective how to get things right.

What about after sales service?

Some companies don't employ their own service staff, they're either too small, or they don't understand the benefit. Instead they employ only self-employed service engineers. Whilst many of these engineers are experienced, professional tradesmen, standards can vary. Often the seller may never have met the engineer that they would pay to service or repair your machine.

Whilst in certain cases we do employ self-employed engineers, most service calls are covered by our team of 15 trained service technicians. We have contracts with many Local Authorities, Private Health Clubs and we are even employed by some of the world’s largest commercial equipment manufacturers to service and install their machines.

Do you carry spare parts?

We have many warehouses and more than 5500 used commercial fitness machines in stock. We have a massive dedicated used parts store, and accounts are set up with all the major manufacturers for buying new. If your machine breaks down, you can rest assure we'll have the parts and expertise to get it working, time and cost efficiently. Gymkit UK supply many smaller used equipment sellers, both with equipment and spare parts on a wholesale basis.

Can I try before I buy?

Unless you are really sure about what you are buying and clear about what to expect in terms of condition of your used gym equipment, its a good idea to visit the company that you plan to buy from and see the machine for yourself. Gymkit UK have a 1500 ft² purpose built showroom, where you can try the machines for yourself before making a final decision. The workshop backs onto the showroom, so you can even meet the team that prepare the machines and see our operation in practice.

If the seller doesn't have a showroom, or if they are less than enthusiastic about inviting you down to see them, then you may want to ask a few more questions or get some references from satisfied customers. They may be hiding something. Some sellers appear professional with a glitzy website, but may operate out of a spare bedroom, with equipment stored in a shed, or old barn. We have seen this on occasions!

Do you offer warranty?

Our 3 month warranty is a full parts and labour warranty. You can have an extended warranty and a full gold service maintenance contract for an additional fee if you wish. If your seller does offer a warranty, be sure to know what is included. Some warranties don't include parts, others don’t include labour. What is the company's first time fix rate, and what is their average call out time? You don't want your machine to be sitting around broken for weeks without repair!

Does the price include VAT?

Prices shown on our website are inclusive of VAT. What you see is what you pay - no "if's" or "buts" and no hidden extra's. Some websites show prices net of VAT and vat is added at the check out, after you've entered all your financial details and delivery address. Check that prices include VAT.

Do you offer Free Delivery?

No delivery is free. Everyone pays for delivery; it's usually hidden in the price, or the quality of the machine. We'd rather let you know clearly, exactly what you pay for the machine, and what you pay for delivery. We don't make money on the delivery; we charge it out at cost. Our profit is only made from the sale of the machine - not hidden elsewhere. Taking these costs into consideration, our prices are extremely competitive so we are rarely beaten on price.

We know what the margins are on used machines and if you can get the same machine for less, then please check all of the above points - make sure you are comparing apples for apples. Cheaper don't always mean a better price. If everything is comparable and it’s still cheaper, then congratulations, you've got a real bargain!

Still need information? Feel free to call us and we'll give you the best advice we can.