Commercial Grade Savings

Tired of paying retail prices for kitchen products and supplies? If so, it may be time to try a new source: restaurant supply companies. These companies make a business of offering restaurateurs top quality equipment and supplies at wholesale prices. It’s a great deal for restaurant owners, and there’s no reason it can’t be a great deal for you as well.

Here are just some of the potential items you could save on:

Appliances - If you’re looking to replace your kitchen appliances, restaurant suppliers are a great source for top-of-the-line, commercial grade appliances. For the best deals, seek out suppliers that deal in used goods. Such companies will have a large inventory of equipment obtained from out-of-business restaurants—and will be much more likely to negotiate a bargain price.

Just imagine how great your kitchen would look with a glass front refrigerator or a fancy, stainless steel stove!

Tableware - Dishes, silverware and glassware can all be obtained through restaurant suppliers for less than retail, and not just in the typical restaurant white. No matter what your decorating scheme, you are sure to find a pattern that suits your needs.

Have your mind set on a particular brand? Not a problem. Many major retail labels also sell to the restaurant industry.

Cookware - Ready to upgrade to better cookware, but short on cash? Restaurant suppliers can help with that too. Whether you’re looking for cast iron, stainless steel or copper cookware, you can bet there’s a restaurant supplier who has what you want, and at a price you can handle.

You’ll also find good deals on all of the latest kitchen gadgets and accessories, whether it’s silicon oven mitts or a pancake batter dispenser that you’re after.

Furniture - You may not want to stick a restaurant-grade table in your kitchen or dining room, but there are many pieces of restaurant furniture that could work in your home. Dining room chairs and barstools are just two possibilities.

Many restaurant suppliers even offer outdoor furniture, so if you’re looking for a high quality patio set that’s designed to last, this could be a great source for you.

Disposables - Planning a large party or reception? Save money on disposable plates, napkins and utensils by purchasing them directly from a restaurant supplier, where bulk purchases are common practice.

You may even find that this route lends you more color choices then the local party store, and that you can pick up fun extras like popcorn containers, hotdog holders or snow cone supplies.

Storage supplies - Forget about those dinky boxes of foil and plastic wrap with the anything-but-dinky price. Restaurant suppliers offer commercial-size versions of all these storage must-have. Pick up one roll of each, and it will be year’s before you need another.

For reusable storage containers, skip the Tupperware party, and purchase exactly what you need from a restaurant supplier—even super-sized containers that you can’t get elsewhere!

Cleaning supplies - Is it time to stock up on cleaning supplies again? Skip the retail racket, and purchase your cleaners in bulk from a restaurant supplier. Whether you need window cleaner, carpet shampoo or trash bags, you’re sure to find what you need—and lots of it.

Before you buy replacement bags for your vacuum, check to see if you can get a better deal through a restaurant supplier. This works especially well if you own a commercial-grade vacuum cleaner, like an Oreck or something similar.

Where to Go

To find a restaurant supply source, you needn’t look far. A simple search of the phone book should turn up several in your area. Perhaps even some that deal in used restaurant supplies—just imagine the savings! For an even larger selection of restaurant suppliers, just turn to the Internet. Many web-based suppliers even offer free shipping to sweeten the deal for potential customers.

Average Joe in the Know

Obviously these suppliers cater to the restaurant industry, but that doesn’t mean they’ll deny you—the average Joe—a chance to join in on the savings fun, especially when they know you have money to spend.

Check out a few restaurant suppliers in your area, and you’re sure to come away with some true, commercial-grade savings.

-Erin Huffstetler

Erin Huffstetler is a freelance writer specializing in frugal living tips and tricks. Her work has appeared in numerous print and electronic publications including Family Circle, Guideposts For Kids and Pregnancy. As the stay-at-home mom of two young kids, Erin is always looking for new ways to live better for less. For fun decorating and craft project ideas check out Erin's "Trash to Treasures" and "Bead Making Basics" courses at Suite101.com.

Photo: Cafe de France Poster at Allposters.com