Why choose branded fridges for your shop?

In the commercial fridge market, you have literally thousands of options for your shop. The choice can be overwhelming.

So, you might be wondering, why spend all that money on a branded fridge, such as TEFCOLD?

Why can’t you just buy an unbranded or lesser-known model for a little less?

Well, in some instances, that may be a good idea. However, we find that’s rarely the case, as this article explains.

Proven reliability

We’re sure that plenty of small-name commercial fridge companies produce reliable fridges for both display and storage. But as a business owner, you need to know, as much as possible, that your fridges will run reliably. They’re storing your food, drink and ingredients, the lifeblood and assets of your business.

This isn’t something you can afford to take a chance on. And with branded fridges, you know that these companies have been around for decades, and that they’re trusted by businesses around the country and around the world. It’s that peace of mind that makes them so valuable.

Simpler maintenance

One of the biggest benefits of branded fridges for your shop is when it comes to maintenance. Other models might not be quite so straightforward, especially if you don’t have a local specialist technician on hand.

First of all, you know that your fridge, whether it’s a multideck display unit or a storage chest fridge, will come with easy-to-understand instructions. And if you ever have any questions, you know there’s plenty of material online and plenty of experienced technicians nearby or within easy reach (like us).

Second, consider parts availability. While branded fridges are mass-produced, in the world of commercial refigeration, that’s a good thing. It means you’re much more likely to be able to find replacement parts than if something goes wrong with a unit from a smaller company.

Warranty and after-sales support

Well-known commercial fridge brands – including TEFCOLD, Framec, Elcold, ISA and others – can offer superior warranties and after-sales support. Sadly, even though smaller brands often produce great fridges, they don’t have the resources to give their clients this level of guarantee.

But a new fridge, especially if you purchase multiple, like a series of multidecks, is a significant investment. You need to protect that investment as much as possible. Generally speaking, purchasing a unit made by a big commercial fridge brand is a much safer investment in this regard.

Customer trust

When a customer comes into your shop, they immediately start looking for reasons to trust (or distrust) your business. This includes looking around to see how tidy everything is, whether the shelves are stacked, how staff treat them, and the brands that you rely on.

When customers see that you’re using high-quality brand names, they’re more likely to trust you. And that bond of trust facilitates more sales. It’s a win-win.

On the flip side, if they don’t recognise the brand, they might start to subconsciously feel less reassured. You might be doing nothing wrong, but as soon as someone places that seed of doubt in their own mind, it’s harder to win them back.

Resale value

It’s perhaps a sad truth, but buyer demand is typically much narrower for lesser-known brands. Restricting your future buyer pool means driving the value down. As such, you’re either committing to losing money at the point of resale or you’re committing to keeping the unit for its entire lifespan. Paired with potentially limited warranty options, though, that can be a financial disaster.

Branded fridges, however, are highly sought after, particularly those with a good reputation for being reliable, energy efficient and cost-effective. And while you’re unlikely to sell a refrigerator for the same price you bought it, your cash flow is likely to be much healthier. For any business, that’s a win.

Choose a branded fridge for your shop from Fridgesmart

So, even if you save a few pounds on an unbranded or lesser-known brand fridge, you’ll probably lose those savings very quickly. In contrast, a branded fridge is, in most cases, more likely to offer a much better potential ROI.

You might have found an excellent unbranded fridge or a unit from a company few people have heard of. And, in some cases, that may well be the best one for you. The best way to know is to plan everything out, especially from a financial, maintenance and food safety perspective.

However, for most people, branded fridges offer the most well-rounded solutions. If you’re ready for some new units, give Fridgesmart a call on 01792 677169. Our friendly team will be delighted to have a commitment-free chat with you to help you find the perfect model for your shop.