How to sell used gastronomy machinery and supplies in Colombia

Liquidating, renewing, or restructuring a gastronomic business in Colombia involves making quick decisions regarding industrial kitchen fixed assets. High-performance stoves, automatic fryers, convection ovens, vertical stainless steel freezers, and industrial blenders represent a considerable investment that should not be given away when closing a location or changing a menu. The second-hand market in cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Barranquilla is extremely active, driven by entrepreneurs looking to equip their dark kitchens, cafes, or restaurants with optimized budgets.

However, selling commercial machinery is not the same as selling a home appliance. Professional buyers demand detailed technical data sheets and clear guarantees regarding the condition of the motor or combustion system. Below, we explain how to structure the sale of your kitchen equipment, comply with the Colombian regulations in effect in 2026, and protect your payments in every transaction.

1. Prepare the technical data sheet that convinces professional buyers

The main mistake when listing commercial machinery is using generic descriptions like "nice industrial stove for sale." Buyers in the gastronomic sector need to know immediately if the equipment adapts to the electrical or gas network of their commercial space. If you omit this information, you will waste time answering basic questions from unqualified users.

Before taking photographs, consolidate the following key technical data for each piece of machinery:

• Type of steel and material: Specify if the structure is AISI 304 stainless steel (required for direct contact with food in industrial preparation) or AISI 430 (common in exterior panels and finishes).
• Electrical specifications: Clearly indicate if the equipment operates at 110V (standard single-phase) or if it requires a 220V/440V connection (two-phase or three-phase), detailing the amperage and horsepower (HP) of the motor.
• Thermal source and gas calibration: For stoves, cooking pots, and fryers, clarify if the machinery is calibrated for urban natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in a cylinder or stationary tank. Converting nozzles or injectors represents an additional cost for the buyer.
• Exact dimensions and capacity: Measure width, height, and depth in centimeters. Add the commercial capacity (for example: 20-liter fryer, 12-kilo dough mixer, or 2-door cold table).
• Manufacturer plate and serial number: Include a legible photo of the metal identification plate with the brand (Javar, Hobart, Frymaster, Rational, among others) and the serial number.

According to active ads on Colombia Move (August 2026), the appliance category has 6 active ads and 5 recent listings. A data sheet with voltage, measurements, and clear photos helps make that offer comparable for gastronomic buyers.

2. Prior maintenance and compliance with sanitary regulations (Resolution 2674)

In Colombia, food preparation is regulated by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection through Resolution 2674 of 2013. This standard establishes that equipment in direct contact with food must be made of smooth, non-porous, non-absorbent materials free of hard corners that could accumulate organic residue.

Dirty or grease-covered equipment creates distrust and drastically reduces the perceived value. Follow this quick protocol before putting them up for sale:

• Deep degreasing: Use biodegradable industrial degreasers on grills, burners, and hoods. Remove carbon buildup in cooking areas.
• Descaling and draining: In combi ovens or fryers, drain oil wells completely and remove scale from steam or water lines.
• Checking gaskets and seals: In industrial refrigerators and freezers, clean or replace magnetic door gaskets. A freezer with broken gaskets loses cold air and projects an image of an overloaded motor.
• Functional verification: Check the pilot lights, the condition of the thermostats, and the compressor startup. If the equipment has any minor functional issues, it is better to fix them or leave them expressly noted.

3. Legal aspects and guarantees according to the Consumer Statute

A recurring question among those liquidating commercial equipment is whether they are obligated to provide a legal guarantee on used goods. The answer lies in Law 1480 of 2011 (Consumer Statute) and the guidelines of the Superintendency of Industry and Commerce (SIC).

According to Article 15 of Law 1480 of 2011, used products can be sold without a warranty, as long as this condition is expressly agreed upon and accepted in writing by the buyer. If you do not inform the buyer in writing that the product is used or if you sell the equipment while omitting known faults, the buyer may demand the legal warranty for the corresponding term.

Legal Concept	Sale as New / Unspecified	Commercial Sale of Used (Agreed Upon)
Mandatory Warranty	Yes (legal minimum according to manufacturer or regulation).	Can be expressly waived in writing.
Documentation Required	Traditional sales invoice.	Delivery report / Contract with detailed condition.
Liability for Wear and Tear	Seller's responsibility.	Accepted by the buyer upon signing inspection.
Accounting Support / DIAN	Electronic sales invoicing.	Supporting document for acquisitions (if not obligated) or fixed asset invoice.

When finalizing the negotiation with a company or individual, sign a simple delivery report or a fixed asset purchase agreement listing the machine's serial number, accepted cosmetic or wear-related faults, and an explicit declaration that the good is delivered in the condition it is found in after on-site inspection.

4. Dismantling logistics, gas installations, and heavy transport

Moving a cast-iron four-burner stove, a three-meter cold table, or a stone pizza oven requires specialized logistics. The most common damage to used machinery does not happen during use, but during improper loading and dismantling.

To avoid last-minute arguments, make the following commercial points clear in your ad:

• Freight and loading at the buyer's expense: Expressly clarify that the buyer must arrange for the van, truck, or crane, as well as the loading personnel (helpers or assistants).
• Safe gas and electricity disconnection: If the machinery is still connected to the premises' mains, hire a technician to shut off the valve and seal the pipe with a threaded plug. Never allow the buyer to rip out gas hoses by force. To relocate other business assets, you can use our tips on how to sell commercial furnishings and office furniture during the property handover.
• Vacating the premises on time: If you are handing over a rented property, coordinate the dismantling dates before the contract expires. If you need details on the handover of the physical space, check the guide for listing and handing over commercial properties for rent.

5. Secure payment protocol and fraud prevention for heavy machinery

High-value gastronomic goods (such as smart ovens or industrial freezers) are frequent targets of fraud, such as deposits via checks subject to clearance or fake bank transfers sent on weekends.

Follow these rules to protect your sales proceeds:

• In-person testing by appointment: Allow the buyer to visit your shop or warehouse to start the motor, verify the temperature, or test the gas ignition. If the premises no longer have active utilities, you can use voltage testers or a portable tester in a suitable space; for this technical step regarding motors, review the precautions for verifying used motors and power tools.
• Firm verification of funds: Do not authorize the loading of the machinery until you confirm the money is available in your bank's mobile app. Ignore notification emails or text messages; only the available firm balance guarantees that the transaction is real.
• Direct transfers: Prioritize payments via bank transfer (Bancolombia, Davivienda, PSE) or instant transfers. Reject checks or deposits subject to 24 to 48-hour clearance.

Frequently asked questions

❓ Can I sell used restaurant machinery without providing a warranty in Colombia?

Yes, according to Article 15 of Law 1480 of 2011, it is completely legal to waive the warranty on used goods as long as that condition and the details of use are expressly stipulated in writing and accepted by the buyer.

❓ What type of stainless steel do gastronomic buyers look for most?

AISI 304 stainless steel is the most sought-after in Colombia because it complies with Resolution 2674 of 2013 from the Ministry of Health for direct food contact, thanks to its high corrosion resistance and ease of disinfection.

❓ How do I prove that a gas oven or fryer works if I have already closed the shop?

It is recommended to record detailed, well-lit videos with a visible date showing the burners lighting and the temperature reading before disconnection, or to allow testing with a propane gas tank at the warehouse.

❓ Who should pay for the dismantling and transport of heavy equipment?

By commercial custom in Colombia, freight, loading labor, and transport are assumed by the buyer, but this agreement should be made explicit in the listing description or contract.

❓ What documents should I give the buyer when selling used machinery?

You should provide a handover document or a sales contract signed by both parties, including serial numbers, a description of the equipment's physical condition, and, if applicable, the electronic invoice for the fixed asset or a copy of the proof of origin.

❓ How can I avoid fraud when receiving payments for high-value machinery?

Demand electronic transfers verified directly in your banking app's available balance before handing over the keys to the premises or allowing the equipment to be loaded, while rejecting checks subject to clearance or fake printed receipts.