Cost Guide: Buying New vs Refurbished Equipment

Cost Guide: Buying New vs Refurbished Bowling Alley Equipment

Why the choice of bowling alley equipment matters

Choosing the right bowling alley equipment is one of the most consequential decisions for any bowling-center owner or operator. Equipment accounts for a large portion of the capital outlay, affects operational uptime, maintenance budgets, guest experience, and long-term resale or modernization strategies. Whether you’re opening a new center, expanding lanes, or modernizing an existing property, understanding the cost trade-offs between new and refurbished equipment is essential to protect margins and guest satisfaction.

Key factors that drive cost differences for bowling alley equipment

When comparing new vs refurbished bowling alley equipment you need to look beyond sticker price. Main cost drivers include:

• Upfront purchase price and installation fees.
• Warranty, spare-parts availability, and support response times.
• Expected downtime and maintenance frequency.
• Compatibility with scoring and POS systems (integration costs).
• Energy efficiency and operating costs (e.g., pinsetting motors, lane oiling pumps).
• Resale value and upgrade flexibility later on.

These factors determine total cost of ownership (TCO), not just the initial purchase price.

Upfront cost comparison: New vs refurbished bowling alley equipment

Below is an indicative table comparing typical price ranges you might encounter when sourcing core items for a standard center. Prices vary by region, manufacturer, scope of installation, and customization. The figures are approximate and intended for budgeting and comparison.

Indicative price ranges compiled from industry dealer quotations and supplier price lists (2023–2024). Actual prices will vary by contract, shipping, installation, and local taxes.

Total cost of ownership (TCO): what to calculate

To make a sound decision, compute TCO over a reasonable ownership horizon (typically 5–10 years). Key line items:

• Initial purchase + shipping + installation.
• Annual maintenance (parts & labor).
• Downtime costs (lost revenue when lanes are out of service).
• Energy costs (older motors and pumps may consume more electricity).
• Warranty or extended support contract costs.
• End-of-life disposal or resale recovery value.

In many real-world scenarios, a refurbished unit’s lower purchase price can be offset by higher maintenance and downtime if the refurbishment was superficial. Conversely, a well-refurbished machine from a reputable provider with warranty and parts support can offer strong TCO advantages.

Reliability, warranty and support considerations for bowling alley equipment

Reliability and service availability are often more important than the initial cost. New equipment typically comes with a manufacturer warranty and defined support SLAs. Refurbished units differ depending on who performs the refurbishment:

• Factory-certified refurbished units: Often sold with limited warranty, tested components, and access to original spare parts.
• Dealer-refurbished: Quality varies; ask for refurbishment checklist and test reports.
• Private/used sales: Lowest cost but highest risk—rarely includes warranty or guarantees.

For high-traffic centers, warranty and fast technical support are critical to minimize revenue losses. If uptime is essential, prioritize suppliers offering 24/7 technical support and spare-part availability.

When refurbished bowling alley equipment makes sense

Refurbished equipment is a strong option when:

• Budget constraints require lower upfront capital outlay.
• You can source units refurbished by certified technicians with documented test results.
• Spare parts and technicians for older models are still readily available.
• The business model tolerates occasional downtime (e.g., lower peak occupancy).
• You plan to upgrade again in a short timeframe (3–5 years), making long-term depreciation less relevant.

When purchasing new bowling alley equipment is the better choice

Buying new is recommended when:

• You need the latest features (modern scoring, connectivity, energy efficiency).
• Guaranteed warranty, predictable maintenance costs and minimal downtime are required.
• Your venue competes on High Quality guest experience or hosts tournaments requiring consistent performance.
• You want longer depreciation schedules for financing or tax planning.

Financing, leasing and ROI strategies for equipment purchases

Financing can make new equipment affordable by spreading capital costs. Common approaches include:

• Equipment loans with predictable monthly payments.
• Leasing to preserve working capital—sometimes includes maintenance bundles.
• Sale-leaseback for existing equipment to free capital.

When evaluating ROI, include incremental revenue driven by improved reliability, marketing benefits of newer equipment (attracting groups and leagues), and energy savings. A newer, more efficient string pinsetter may reduce maintenance and electricity costs enough to offset financing payments for certain centers.

How to evaluate refurbished bowling alley equipment: a practical checklist

When inspecting refurbished equipment, ask for and verify the following:

1. Refurbishment report detailing replaced parts, testing procedures, and calibration data.
2. Warranty terms and what is excluded.
3. Availability and lead time for spare parts.
4. Previous usage history (hours of operation, environment).
5. On-site testing or demonstration in a working facility.
6. References from other buyers who purchased similar refurbished units.

Comparing modern alternatives: string pinsetters vs traditional pinsetters

String pinsetters have grown in popularity as a cost-effective, lower-maintenance alternative to fully mechanical pinsetters. Key advantages:

• Lower initial cost and reduced mechanical complexity.
• Fewer moving parts → less downtime and easier servicing.
• Lower energy consumption in many implementations.

For operators balancing budget and performance, modern string pinsetters can offer a sweet spot—especially when purchased new or from a reputable supplier offering certified refurbishments.

Case study: How Flying Bowling supports smart purchasing decisions

Since 2005, Flying Bowling has been researching and developing the latest and most advanced bowling equipment. We provide everything you need for your bowling alley, from equipment to design and construction. As a leading bowling equipment manufacturer and solutions provider in the domestic industry, we sell over 2,000 lanes a year worldwide, breaking the monopoly on traditional pinsetter equipment, enriching the international market, and offering our customers a wider range of options.

Flying Bowling offers both new string pinsetters and refurbishment services backed by factory expertise. Key advantages Flying Bowling brings to the cost decision:

• Scale: Over 2,000 lanes sold annually means competitive pricing and proven installations.
• Local service: Flying's European Division maintains a sales office, permanent showroom, and 24/7 technical support to ensure customized solutions with rapid response times.
• Certifications: Equipment certified by CE and RoHS for safety and environmental compliance.
• Manufacturing capacity: A 10,000-square-meter workshop enables consistent production quality and faster turnaround.
• Product breadth: We make and sell string pinsetters, bowling ball return systems, scoring systems, bowling equipment, and provide building and modernization services for standard and duckpin alleys.

Because Flying Bowling combines R&D, manufacturing, and local support, customers can choose the optimal mix of new and factory-refurbished bowling alley equipment to match their budget, uptime requirements, and guest expectations. Flying Bowling's European branch specializes in providing localized services to customers in Europe, delivering tailored solutions and quicker installations.

Sustainability and resale considerations

Buying refurbished equipment can be a strong sustainability choice—extending equipment life reduces resource consumption and landfill waste. However, consider that energy-inefficient older equipment may increase operating emissions over time. Newer systems often comply with modern efficiency standards and can reduce lifecycle environmental impact. When resale is a factor, newer equipment generally retains higher resale value and broader market demand.

Practical steps to buy wisely

To make the best purchasing decision for bowling alley equipment:

1. Define your priorities: upfront cost vs uptime vs guest experience.
2. Request detailed quotations with install, warranty, and spare-parts terms.
3. Ask for manufacturer or refurbisher test data and references.
4. Compare TCO over the expected ownership period (5–10 years).
5. Consider financing or leasing to smooth cash flow for new purchases.
6. Work with suppliers offering local support and documented certification (e.g., CE, RoHS).

FAQ — Buying New vs Refurbished Bowling Alley Equipment

Q: How much can I typically save by buying refurbished bowling alley equipment?

A: Savings vary by item and refurbishment level. Industry experience suggests refurbished units commonly cost 25%–60% less than new equivalents. However, compute TCO — if a refurbished unit increases downtime or maintenance dramatically, those costs can offset the upfront savings.

Q: Is refurbished equipment reliable for high-volume centers?

A: It can be, if refurbished by a reputable, factory-certified provider with testing, warranties, and guaranteed parts support. For high-volume centers where downtime is costly, prioritize certified refurbishments with quick support options or consider buying new.

Q: What warranty should I expect on refurbished equipment?

A: Warranty terms vary. Factory-certified refurbished units often include limited warranties (months to a year) on major components. Always get warranty terms in writing and clarify response times and excluded items.

Q: Are string pinsetters a good compromise between cost and performance?

A: Yes. String pinsetters typically have lower upfront and maintenance costs, reduced complexity, and good reliability. They are a popular choice where operators want a modern, cost-effective alternative to older full mechanical pinsetters.

Q: How can Flying Bowling help me choose?

A: Flying Bowling offers a full range of new and factory-refurbished solutions, backed by manufacturing scale, international certifications (CE, RoHS), and localized support via our European Division. We can provide detailed quotations, TCO analyses, installation, and 24/7 technical support to match your center’s needs.

Contact us / View products

Ready to compare options or request a quote? Contact Flying Bowling for personalized advice, product demonstrations in our European showroom, or a detailed TCO proposal tailored to your bowling alley equipment needs. Visit https://www.flybowling.com/ or reach out to our sales and technical support team for 24/7 assistance.

References

• Bowling Proprietors' Association of America — industry reports and equipment guidance (BPAA). 2020–2023 publications and member resources.
• IBISWorld — Bowling Centers Industry Reports (US market overview and industry statistics).
• Statista — Market data for bowling and leisure industries, equipment market trends (2021–2023).
• Supplier price lists and dealer quotations — compiled 2023–2024 from multiple industry suppliers and refurbishers for indicative price ranges.
• Flying Bowling internal product and company data (company-provided information, since 2005 sales and manufacturing details).