5 Practical Tips on Buying Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Choosing the best commercial kitchen equipment for personal use or for your food business can be a tricky thing to sort out. There are inevitable choices you have to make, such as whether to opt to buy brand new or used kitchen equipment, and each decision should be settled through a thorough deliberation process. Keep in mind that the equipment you use in preparing your meals is crucial to the success of your cooking. They will either help you or give you headaches in the long run, and you’d do well to avoid the latter as much as possible.

Cooking should be a pleasant experience for everyone. Whether someone is already an adept cook or still learning how to do things properly, the kitchen must have equipment that will enable anyone to prepare food without any hassle or any drawbacks. Of course you’d only want the best, hence this article will be of great help in assisting you on how to efficiently shop kitchen equipment.

1. Start with the essentials

If you are on tight budget, starting with the kitchen must-haves is a good decision, especially if you do not want to spend that much to begin with. Some of the essentials every kitchen must have are: a pan designated for everyday use; to help you deal with almost every basic recipe and even do some little baking, a saucepan; and for when you begin to make sauces and the like, a covered casserole.

Other equipment such as refrigerators and freezers such as those from kitchen venture in Singapore in Singapore are also essential to help preserve food longer. You will also need a stove to cook in your kitchen. You also have to get hold of kitchenware such as knives, kitchen tongs, and the like. It is important to equip your kitchen with the necessary tools in order to help you prepare and cook your meals well.

2. Opt to buy commercial-grade equipment

Buying commercial-grade equipment is considered an investment in the long run considering the many times you use it to prepare countless meals. If you buy the best—within your budget, that is—you are likely to prepare food much more efficiently. These tools will help you run the operations in the kitchen smoothly, thus increasing your productivity and enjoyment. Aside from that, these equipment are also generally easier to clean and much more durable, since they were designed with heavy and constant use in mind.

Meet up with a local kitchen equipment supplier to become familiar with the best brands today. If you disclose your budget from the start, chances are you will also be provided with the best plausible options you can take.

3. Buy new, if possible

If your budget allows it, opt to buy new commercial kitchen equipment. Buying brand new is likely to fall in your favor as it will save you from repair costs and other headaches down the road of your business’ journey. You will also be granted the peace-of-mind that you are using something that will remain in proper functioning for the years to come, as long as you handle it properly.

Another perk attached to buying new equipment is that it comes with warranty. Hence for a covered period of time, you don’t have to worry about contacting a local technician to do the repairs nor worry over costs for their services. This perk will protect you against any chance malfunctions, ensuring you that the tool is worth buying.

4. Buy used when practical

When operating on a strict budget, it is likely that you can’t have the option of buying new. Buying used is your best alternative in instances like these. There are premium brand secondhand equipment sold in the market that you can acquire for half the price of a brand new one. Stoves and ovens for instance, which can typically cost you a couple hundred dollars, can be bought for a much lower price in secondhand stores. The money you’ll save from buying used equipment can be allocated to other costs instead, such as buying meal ingredients in bulk.

In Singapore, there are a number of kitchen equipment auctions and even online website auctions you can check. It is best that you have a talk with your kitchen equipment supplier and see if there are relevant details you can get hold of. Who knows, there might be an auction happening next block tomorrow.

5. Inspect any scratches or dents

Regardless of whether you decide to buy new or used commercial kitchen equipment, there are instances of factory malfunctions that arise every now and then. It is then wise to thoroughly inspect your equipment for any scratch or dent in order to get the best of your money’s worth. You have to be extra cautious when buying brand new, especially if you’re putting out lots of dollars on a single tool.

In buying secondhand, however, it is often difficult to find something that hasn’t obviously been through wear and tear. What you can do instead is to ensure that these minor imperfections won’t affect the performance of the unit in the long run.

Remember that an investment in your kitchen equipment can play a crucial role in the success of your business, especially if you’re planning to generate revenue off your cooking. Considering you’re only in the beginning phase of your business, there might be financial restrictions, but having a strict budget is not necessarily a hindrance for you to get quality equipment. A number of shops in Singapore will offer you generous options. Weigh the options you may take for every situation, and anchor every decision based on what is good for your business.

Audio-Visual Tips for Conferences and Meetings

The basic audio-visual requirements of any meeting and conference are pretty simple: a quality sound system and display equipment appropriate for the size of the audience and the venue. Your sound system rental company should be able to suggest suitable AV equipment choices that meet these needs.

Other than the sound system and projection gears, there are a few more things to consider. If your boss puts you in-charge for your next company product launching or event meeting, here are some tips on how to make it a remarkable and effective event.

1. Set the Stage Appropriately

The first thing to consider is the appearance of your stage. For meetings and company events, the stage doesn’t have to be big and overly decorated. Simply elevating the presenter a few inches above the ground level is enough to make them visible to the audience and gives the gathering a focal point. If you have found good audio visual equipment for rent it will be important to provide a good setting for it.

For an event that calls for audience involvement, a creative setting that allows everyone to comfortably move and socialize should be considered. Custom-made backdrops may look fancy, but simply blocking unnecessary background with a drape creates a minimalist and straightforward stage for your event.

2. Choose the Right Podium

Do not make the mistake of putting the presenter—or worse your boss—behind a hideous podium. Before the equipment is delivered, ask to see the podium included in your AV equipment rental to ensure that it’s appropriate for the affair.

A clear acrylic podium is a professional choice for company events and gives a friendlier look since the speaker isn’t visually separated from the audience. If the speaker is shorter than average, raise the podium or ask for a step for the presenter to use. The presenter should look and feel confident when on stage, and a few additional measurements will avoid awkward situations when the speaker steps up to deliver his speech.

3. Use Confidence Monitors

The presenter should be connecting with the audience, but this can be hard if the speaker needs to constantly look sideways on a screen rather than to the audience. One common solution many of us do is to bring the presentation laptop on the podium. However, the laptop blocks the presenter and requires him to constantly look down at the presentation rather than out to the audience.

The professional solution for this is to add two large confidence monitors at the edge of the stage, play the presentation from these monitors and have it remotely controlled by the speaker with a handheld clicker. This way, it’s easier for the speaker to see the presentation as he looks up into the crowd.

4. Know Your AV Technicians

If you will be working with more than one AV technician, know what each technician will be in charge of during the event. Since your event calls for a PA system rental, your AV technicians will likely include the following staff:

• Monitor Engineer – this staff controls what the presenters see and hear via the monitor system and usually works at the backstage.
• Audio Assistants – for smaller events, one audio assistant is enough. For larger ones, three to four assistant may be necessary. They are the people responsible for setting up and breaking down of AV equipment, as well as plug connect cables and replace components when needed.
• Front of House (FOH) Engineer – they control the audio for the audience, and are typically stationed behind the audience or in front of the stage.

5. Communicate With the Speakers

Ask the speakers about their specific audio-visual needs to ensure that their presentation works as they planned it to be. Also, make sure that the sound system rental company in Singapore is able to provide the speakers’ needs. Vocalize the needs of your event early on during the planning process. You and your PA system rental provider can refer to the following reminders during the installation of equipment:

• Are there wireless microphones in case of hands-free demos?
• Is there microphone stand set-up on the floor to allow attendees to speak or ask questions after every presentation?
• Does the sound system feature a mono or stereo sound?
• Are there VGA and HDMI connections available for presenters who may need them?
• How many audio sources can the event use? How many power outlets can be used and where are they located?
• Is there connection for different devices, such as Macbook, iPad and PC?
• Are the adapters compatible with the power outlets of the venue and equipment used?

These are some of the critical questions to answer as early as possible to avoid last-minute glitches.

6. Don’t Hesitate to Ask Questions

You should always feel comfortable and safe with your AV equipment rental company. You should trust your AV technician’s recommendations, suggestions and advices for your event—after all, that’s what these professionals are paid for, right?

However, if you have questions or concerns about their decisions, don’t hesitate to ask. Although you’re so used to being in charge, there’s no need to be ashamed in admitting your limitations and asking questions, especially when it comes to crucial and intricate matters of audio-visual production. If you can’t understand what your technician is trying to say, do not pretend that you do. Ask further, so your technician will be able to address your concerns in a more understandable way.

Planning for the PA system rental for company meetings is pretty straightforward. Since the event is likely more on presentations and speeches rather than music and entertainment, less sophisticated AV equipment would be enough. As long as you work with the right rental company in Singapore and consider the needs of the speakers and presenters, you will surely impress your boss for organizing a smooth-sailing company event.

4 Important Questions to Ask before Quitting Your Job

 

Have you been looking forward to quitting your job? If you feel miserable at work, it’s definitely time to take some action. However, you shouldn’t jump to the idea of a resignation without seriously reflecting on it.

Before you start drafting your resignation letter, think about these important questions first to make sure you are making the best decision for yourself and for your future.

Dear Boss, I Quit: Unhappy Employee Message

  1. What is it exactly that’s frustrating me?

Pinpointing the problem is the first step to finding out whether quitting your job is the best decision or not. Is the problem your boss, your officemates, the environment or the work itself? After defining the reason of frustration, consider the scope. If you think the work isn’t your niche, see if you can be transferred to another department or assigned to another project. However, if you believe you’re in the wrong company or industry altogether, then it’s probably best to leave.

  1. Do I have realistic plans for landing my next job?

Know your strengths and figure out how to leverage them. Do not think too much about the job title and the company; focus more on your experiences and skill set. If you discover that you lack on a particular area plan out how you will be able to nurture that part. You may need to pursue higher education, take a volunteer work or start positioning yourself for your next job while you’re on your current job. Additionally, consider the industry you hope to move into. Is your target company achievable or is your dreams of working for Apple or Google too ambitious?

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  1. Do I have enough on my bank account?

People planning to quit their job should have savings for six months’ worth of expenses. If you’re quitting your job, it’s likely you won’t get unemployment benefits, so make sure to plan your expenses ahead of time. Your mortgage, loan payment, credit card, food and transportation costs are just some of the expenses to consider. You may also need a little extra for unexpected expenditures like health emergency and car repairs.

  1. Am I timing my resignation right?

Since you’re considering of quitting your job, make sure you’re doing it at the right time. First, know whether it’s the best time to leave. Is it the busiest season of the year or are you currently working on a big project? Consider your present commitments so your team won’t be left hanging, and so you’ll be able to leave your current company in good terms. Second, maximize the money matters. If you would like to get your mid-year, quarterly or 13th-month bonus, it might be wise to wait for a few more months.

Quitting a miserable job may seem like the best thing at the moment of frustration. However, you have so much more to gain when you take the time to think about your next steps before tendering your resignation.

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