Bowling Marketing campaigns Loyalty card Leisure complex Dark Kitchen Fast Food Food Court Franchise Karaoke Loyalty program Traditional Restaurant Digital solutions Digital foodservice solutions

Control terminals: 5 mistakes to avoid when buying refurbished equipment

May 19, 2025
alt

Are you looking to buy new equipment without blowing your budget? Refurbished equipment may seem an interesting solution.

But in the restaurant business, faulty equipment doesn't just waste time: it also drives away customers and undermines your service.

In this article, we list the 5 most common mistakes when buying a new car Self ordering kiosk reconditioned. Reliability, compatibility, warranties, hidden costs, scalability... we take a look at everything to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Mistake 1: Focusing solely on price

Let's make no mistake: refurbished products are attractive first and foremost for their price. But buying an order terminal isn't like buying a toaster on Leboncoin.

The risk? Getting equipment that's too slow, poorly configured, or crashes as soon as you start the rush. 

And when the terminal doesn't work, it's your sales that collapse, not the seller's.

Cheap but poorly tested equipment means screens that freeze, restart over and over again, or customers who abandon their order because the kiosk is slow. 

In short, what you thought you'd save, you lose in uncashed tickets.

Before you buy, ask yourself the right questions:

➜ Has the equipment been serviced by a pro?
➜ Are you given a real test report or just a vague promise?
➜ Who provides after-sales service in the event of a problem?

It's not the terminal that's most expensive. It's what you lose if it doesn't hold up.

Want to find out more? Discover our resource ➜ Why be wary of low-cost control terminals?

Tip #2: Don't check software compatibility

A terminal isn't just a touch screen. It's a tool connected to your entire service chain: ordering software, cash register, kitchen, payments... If it doesn't communicate properly, you lose efficiency at every stage.

With refurbished products, this is a real point of vigilance. Many models run on older versions of Android or Windows. As a result, some software crashes, or can't even install itself.

Check before you buy:

➜ which operating system is installed,
➜ whether it can be updated (and to which version),
➜ whether the terminal is compatible with your checkout and ordering software,
➜ if you can configure it remotely or connect other devices.

Want to find out more? Discover our resource ➜ Control terminal software: how to choose?

Mistake n°3: Buying without a guarantee (or with a vague guarantee)

When a terminal breaks down in the middle of service, it's not the time to scrutinize the fine print of the contract. And even less time to discover that the warranty doesn't cover... much of anything.

All too often, reconditioned equipment is sold with short, vague or even non-existent warranties. And when things go wrong, you're on your own with your phantom after-sales service.

Before you buy, ask these questions:

➜ How long does the warranty last, precisely?
➜ What elements does it cover (screen, motherboard, connectors...)?
➜ in the event of a breakdown, the reconditioner intervenes within how many days?
➜ is there a temporary replacement service if the equipment goes for repair?

A terminal without a clear guarantee means taking a risk. And in the catering business, technical risks quickly pay for themselves.

Mistake No. 4: Forgetting "hidden" costs

You think you're getting a bargain with a half-price terminal. But when you arrive, the price goes up: missing stand, cables not supplied, installation at your expense... And then the "good plan" becomes a budget trap.

What we often see:

➜ bollard supplied without stand, bracket or printer,
➜ power supply or cables not compatible with your network,
➜ additional charges to configure or connect the device on site,
➜ need a technician to integrate the terminal with the rest of the system.

And while you're dealing with that, the terminal isn't operational. So it's not profitable.

Before ordering, make a complete checklist of what's included (and what's not). Ask the right questions. Because the real price isn't just the one on the bill.

Mistake #5: Not anticipating scalability

Today, your terminal works. But what about tomorrow? If it doesn't keep up with software updates, new features or the evolution of your business, it will quickly become a hindrance.

This is often the case with hardware that is too old or limited from the outset: not enough memory, no compatible payment chip, no port to add a printer... In short, not built to last.

Before validating, ask yourself:

➜ will the terminal be able to handle future software updates?
➜ is it compatible with tools you might add later (CRM, loyalty, prepaid cards...) ?
➜ will it hold the load if your order volume explodes?

Rigid equipment locks you in. Evolving equipment accompanies you. 

And when you've got a project that's on the move, that's no small thing.

Want to find out more? Discover our resource ➜ Everything you need to know about Obypay order terminals

Two people in a restaurant placing an order using an Obypay ordering terminal

Equip yourself without cutting corners

Yes, refurbishing can lower the bill. But when it comes to control terminalsWhen it comes to service, it's best to avoid unpleasant surprises. A screen that crashes, software that doesn't work or after-sales service that's not there... and your entire service suffers. 

At Obypay, we know that equipment can quickly add up. That's why we offer new, reliable, ready-to-use equipment, with solutions to spread the cost.

No compromise on quality, and no compromise on your budget.

Do you need help to make sense of it all? Contact us or take a look at our case studies to see how the solution works in the field.

France Drive: when digital technology boosts local catering

Le Palais Nancy: a hybrid food court for entertainment and dining

Krispy Kreme: the doughnut franchise gets a boost from ordering kiosks

The future belongs to those who choose reliability (especially at our side)

our other articles

alt

 Control terminal software: how to choose?

Looking for kiosk software? Don't settle for the basics. Discover the essential features of good kiosk software and make the best choice. Intuitive interface, payment options, security... All the secrets to leaving nothing to chance are here!

alt

5 reasons to choose an all-in-one solution rather than separate restoration tools

Too many restaurateurs are still navigating with a cash register on one side, a loyalty program on the other, a CRM tool on top, and email software for good measure.
On paper, each tool does its job. But in reality, you spend more time putting the pieces back together than managing your customer relationships: exports, re-entries, marketing actions that are complicated to implement... By grouping everything in a single tool, you simplify your day-to-day work.
Data flows, reminders are triggered automatically, and the customer experience remains seamless, from the first visit to the next.
No more Excel spreadsheets or manual imports: everything is connected, in real time.