Indoor Playgrounds - Buying Used

Thinking to save money with used indoor playground equipment?  In some cases you can find great buys for used indoor playgrounds, but be aware of all the added costs; in most cases you will need to replace the foam, post-pad, netting and in some cases perhaps some of the plastic and/or steel pipe and clamps, as well as some older events or activities.

Then you have to consider is the playground still standing, or has it already been disassembled? Who is responsible for tear-down and storage (if needed)?  What is the cost of transporting that used playground equipment? What about original plans and drawings?  How will you configure that indoor playground equipment to work for your location, and will you need to hire a company to help you reconfigure or install it?  There are a few companies out there that do offer used and in some cases, a hodge-podge of new and used combined.  Although using their installation talent may be a good idea, I would be wary of any company that offers a mix of both new and used playground equipment.

Think about it, if you are buying indoor play equipment and your manufacturer happens to sell both, how would you know the product you are getting is all new or had a few “reconfigured” pieces in it?  From a manufacturers point of view, it could make sense - that big truck-load of used plastic and pipe they just bought from a now defunct project from China is sitting there and who would know if they slipped in a couple used pieces.  See why we mention INSURANCE a lot in these articles?  And here you were thinking... ‘awwww, these guys are so good to work with, look at the great pricing they offer’.

As with any big purchase, due diligence and a quality product will save you over the long run.  As will having an outside consultant review your project plan and playground design -  the FEC Network has a long history of indoor play, design and consultation and is always eager to help new amusement entrepreneurs in their project plans. If you would like a second pair of eyes to review any plans or used equipment opportunities, without obligation feel free to call on us.