6 Tips for Buying Used Apparatus #GRATZ!
Posted by Andrea Maida on February 18, 2016 in The Apparatus Revealed
The purchase of your Pilates apparatus is one of the major investments you will make as a Pilates instructor/studio owner. Regardless of the equipment manufacturer, one option isto seek out used apparatus to outfit your Pilates space. New upholstery and accessories can be added and still bring the cost well under the purchase of new equipment.
Two of my colleagues, Barbara Stamis and Nicole Marcione, have perfected the art of securing a screaming deal on the Gratz apparatus in particular, often scarce in the used market. I have gathered some tips and strategies that my lovely ladies were so gracious to share with me and I wish you luck on your quest.
I did some poking around myself on these websites for just a few minutes and found some Gratz goodies right away even though I am not technically “in need” of additional equipment. Although the price of a used Gratz Wunda Chair did turn my head for a moment… And a Cadillac made me pause for a hot minute as it was the very same color as mine: espresso.
Note to self: there is not room for another Cadillac…
OMG Team Half-Hanging! How fun would that be?
This forum is constantly updated with various people selling all kinds of equipment, especially Gratz. Barbara connects with Max Panther (a regular in the forum and it seems, a legitimate dealer of used Pilates equipment. Barbara’s not sure how he gets his hands on things, but he does and he frequently updates on the forum). She found Max to be extremely helpful and almost bought an old OLD school Gratz Reformer for $1500.
“[The Reformer] needed to be refurbished, but it was such a deal, and quickly snatched up by another teacher. Gratz moves fast!”
Plus they have a new Community Shopper feature with better search ability:
I found lots of Gratz goodies in my specific search area on this site. There was so much for sale in the Los Angeles area.
Barbara’s expert advice:
“I have the most amount of luck looking for Gratz on Pilates Connections, and Max Panther is super helpful. He would be my go-to when I need another piece.”
Nicole also bought her Reformer from Max Panther on Pilates Connections. Once in a while she’ll email him directly to let him know if she’s looking for something in particular.
This is such an easy sight to check out to find out what’s for sale nationwide. Barbara found her Gratz Reformer and Arm Chair via the Pilates Guy. Bonus: he’s also a great contact for the maintenance of your studio apparatus. I think my Reformer needs him 🙂
Not associated with Craigslist, onegraigs.com works in the same way. This site trolls the craigslist databases (all of them) to find what you are looking for. From Barbara: “It’s like a national Craigslist. It’s so great.”
This is a Facebook forum dedicated solely to the selling and purchasing of equipment. It is easy to scroll through and you can write a post if you are seeking something specific in your area. There are tons of people on this forum who help to get the word out, or possibly even have what you want.
Nicole has bought most of her equipment from Craigslist posts. Her best deal/steal was a Gratz Cadillac for $2000. She looks on Craigslist almost daily in search of Gratz.
Nicole’s expert advice:
“I think that [searching daily] is key, know what you want and start to look everyday online. Don’t be afraid to look far away, shipping isn’t too much if you get a great deal. Also, don’t be afraid to negotiate. BUT! You do need to know what a good price is on a piece, so you will know when not to negotiate and snatch it up. I’ve negotiated on everything except my 80″ reformer, it was already a great deal at $2700.”
6. Your local network of Pilates instructors!
Put the word out.
Many times teachers know someone (another teacher, studio or client) who wants to get rid of some piece of equipment. Lucky you if they really want it “to be gone.”
Just like the Pilates Method, “patience and persistence are vital qualities in the ultimate successful accomplishment of any worthwhile endeavor.”
Bonne Chance!
About Andrea Maida
A native of Pittsburgh, Andrea began her study of the Pilates method in 2000. She holds two comprehensive certifications from Romana’s Pilates in New York and Excel Movement Studios in Washington, DC. Andrea continues to study with numerous world-class instructors including Romana Kryzanowska, Jay Grimes, Sari Mejia-Santo, Junghee Kallander, Cynthia Lochard, and Kathryn Ross-Nash whenever possible. Andrea was privileged to be in the inaugural class of The Work at Vintage Pilates under the direction of Jay Grimes, 1st Generation Master Teacher and student of Joseph Pilates.
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