Gym owners have a hard time every time they need to renew equipment or bring new machinery and pieces. Why? Because everything is turning more expensive in 2025.
New tariffs, fees, and considerations are always making people question how much they will have to spend for them to buy what they did before.
If so, how are gym owners and trainers still working and changing their spaces?
Most of them are turning to fitness equipment liquidation and commercial gym equipment surplus. Not only are they more affordable but also viable as just as safe as the retail options that can be found.
Turning to them allows owners to maximize value, minimize costs, and keep up with evolving client demands. This is not only on equipping the spaces but also selling them.
A few pieces and certain products can be moved to the spaces for reselling purposes.
Whether outfitting a new facility or refreshing an existing one, understanding the differences between commercial and consumer gear will be needed.
You need to know what to look for in refurbished equipment, returned pieces, and when buying in bulk. Otherwise, you may not get the substantial savings and long-term reliability this can offer.
Coastal Surplus Solutions knows this well, as we help all consumers, owners, and trainers to connect with surplus and fitness equipment. We are able to find gym liquidation for personal trainers, or work on your specific request.
But what we want you to know before you incur this strategy is to answer the question: what am I buying?
Commercial vs. Consumer: Durability Differences and Pricing
Commercial gym equipment surplus and just commercial options overall are engineered for high-frequency, traffic, and multi-user environments.
These machines can last a long time and are built with reinforced frames, upgraded electronics, and durable components.
Anything from treadmills to ellipticals and weight benches will feel and be different from your consumer pieces.
In contrast, consumer-grade equipment is designed for lighter, infrequent use. This means the lifespan is shorter and does not support that constant traffic and usage.
But how much is the difference in terms of costs?
- Pricing: Liquidated commercial gym equipment can often be sources for 30-70% less than new retail. This makes it a smart investment for those equipping their spaces more than reselling them.
- Resale and longevity: Commercial machines retain value longer and are easier to refurbish and resell. However, most people that go for surplus goods to this level are consumers, not so much gym owners or trainers.
Just be careful with the type and who your target audience is. From there, you can make a decision.
Popular Equipment: Cardio Machines, Weights, and Accessories
What do people look for when buying exercise equipment wholesale closeout? Or when choosing fitness equipment for bulk buyers?
The most sought-after items include:
- Cardio equipment, like treadmills, ellipticals, and stair climbers. Bikes from brands like Life Fitness and Precor also enter this category.
- Strength equipment that includes dumbbells, weight plates, and benches. Anything around racks and cable machines is included.
- Accessories that focus more on regular activities, like medicinal balls, resistance bands, and mats.
- Specialty equipment, like all-in-one stations and plate-loaded machines for comfort.
These items are worth the investment and always bring that amazing profit margin to your business.
Refurbishment Needs: Maintenance, Parts Replacement, Warranties Included
What is the most important part when sourcing from gym liquidation for personal trainers or wholesale channels? Confirming how much work these items will take.
You want to check if they will require refurbishing, if they have been already worked on, or if they are new.
Always consider refurbishment processes if you know they are not the best in terms of conditions.
- Refurbished equipment always undergoes cleaning, repainting, and replacement of worn parts. This is quite simple and can restore the entire piece to its full functionality with very minor expenses.
- Re-manufactured equipment. It is stripped down to the frame and requires critical interference. This includes component replacements and upgrades.
- Warranties should be included from most of the equipment and machines you buy, but make sure the seller or supplier included it accordingly.
- Bulk sales always come with amazing prices, but most of the time, you will face the “this is what you get. No complaints allowed” treatment.
Knowing how to source and what you are sourcing all play important roles in getting your equipment. As established by the Small Business Bureau, smart sourcing and expertise already save you lots of costs and time.
This is what we aim to do for all gym owners and trainers in Florida.
Case Study: Miami Gym Chain Saves $100.000 on Equipment Refresh
Gym equipment can be and is expensive.
If done right, you could save hundreds of thousands just like this Miami-based gym chain.
They recently upgraded multiple locations by purchasing commercial gym equipment surplus.
They focused on refurbished machines and checked if they would need to go over extra steps to make them functional.
With sourcing through liquidation and wholesale closeouts with care, they acquired high-end cardio. This was in addition to strength equipment.
All of it at an average of 65% below new retail costs. This saved them over $100.000 with all the number of items acquired and thanks to the extra bulk discounts obtained.
The savings allowed them to reinvest in other improvements and boost retention and satisfaction.
Feel free to work with us at Coastal Surplus Solutions and learn how to access all these surplus solutions. We help find fitness equipment for bulk buyers, and get all the machines for your space.
Contact us today and start leveraging your space.
