In daily life, buying a second-hand high-valve product has always been a wise choice if the budget is limited. For example, people buy second-hand houses, cars, furniture or even clothes. Although not all the second-hand purchases are a great deal, but you can get what you want with a small price, so most people are willing to take the risk. When it comes to inflatable bouncers, you may want some advice about whether a second-hand bouncy house is good or not. That depends as usual. If you want to know whether you are getting a good deal or inheriting someone else’s problems, here are a few things you need to consider carefully before you make a second-hand purchase.
1. Who is the manufacturer?
If you want to buy a new inflatable jumper for daily use or rental business, of course you will consider the manufacturer. But for a second-hand inflatable, you are not trading with the manufacturer, but you still need to know who is the manufacturer of the bouncy castle you are looking at. Is it made by a large reputable manufacturer that you have heard of or a small workshop that is not known? The brand determines its price on the second hand market.
2. Who is the seller?
Is the seller an individual, a rental business owner or even the manufacturer? You can get different inflatables from different sellers. The individuals may sell their residential bounce houses or small commercial bounce houses at very low prices, and sometimes you may get a looks good jumping castle from a failing inflatable rental business, but you can get better maintenance and warranty service from a manufacturer.
You don’t know how the condition of this used bouncy castle is. But think about the difference between them, a manufacturer will have a reputation to uphold whole other sellers are more likely to be irresponsible. Furthermore, if you buy a used inflatable from a manufacturer and it turns out to be a great investment, you will probably choose this manufacturer again when you need to buy another inflatable, and also tell your friend who needs a second-hand or brand new bounce house.
3. What are the reasons the seller selling it?
This is the most important and decides whether you can get a good bouncy house or not. Usually the answers why they sell their inflatables are positive, you can still ask a few more questions to get a side look. A bouncy castle rental company in operation is unlikely to resell their inflatable equipment, if they do, it means that this used inflatable is very likely not suitable for rental anymore. And you can imagine what it will look like.
The best way to evaluate a second-hand inflatable jumper is always inflate it and inspect it in person. If you live a long distance from the seller, you can ask for a recent video of the inflatable in action. If you can inspect the inflatable on site, you will feel more secure. Check the outside first, does it look clean and without mildew smell? Are there mold spots, tears, nicks or duct tape repairs? Check the stress points and abrasions to the PVC material, whether the seams are starting to separate.
4. More considerations.
Remember to ask the seller for a proof of purchase and the warranty card. This can tell you how long it has been used and it’s not stolen. Check the accessories come with the inflatable too. See if it contains the manufacturer manuals and maintenance records or test certificates. Check the anchored stakes and blower whether they are working well. At last, consider more than just price. Don’t consider the used inflatables with unrepaired damages.
Whether you should buy a second-hand bouncy house depends on what you are going to do with it. If you just want to add some entertainment in the backyard for your child, a good second hand inflatable bouncer is a sensible alternative for family on a budget. But if you want to make some purchases for your start-up party rental business, second-hand inflatables are not a good choice unless you buy them directly from the manufacturer, because your customers won’t like old and dirty jump houses. Anyway, buying a brand-new commercial bouncy house for your frequent use is a good investment and there is no risk of wasting money.