Answer the call
How One Bidder Turned $26K Into $100K+ in Equipment
The Math That 49 Bidders Understood (And You Should Too)
This winner could sell HALF the equipment tomorrow
and still double their money.
📊 The Arbitrage Opportunity Nobody's Talking About
Forget the food truck dream for a moment. Let's talk pure economics.
Equipment Liquidation Value Analysis
| Equipment | Used Market Value | Quick Sale (60%) |
|---|---|---|
| REFRIGERATION SUITE (8 Units Total) | ||
| Delfield Pizza Prep Table | $4,500 | $2,700 |
| Delfield Sandwich Prep Table | $4,000 | $2,400 |
| Delfield 4-Drawer Chef Base | $3,500 | $2,100 |
| Delfield 2-Door Undercounter | $3,200 | $1,920 |
| Delfield Work Top Cooler | $2,800 | $1,680 |
| UStar Reach-In Freezer | $3,000 | $1,800 |
| Delfield Reach-In Freezer | $3,500 | $2,100 |
| Arctic Air Cooler | $2,000 | $1,200 |
| COOKING EQUIPMENT | ||
| Henny Penny OFG-322 Fryer (170K BTU) | $6,000 | $3,600 |
| Royal Flat Top Griddle | $2,500 | $1,500 |
| Asber 4-Burner Range | $2,000 | $1,200 |
| Equipex Cheese Melter | $1,200 | $720 |
| CRITICAL SYSTEMS | ||
| Hood + Kitchen Knight Fire Suppression | $12,000 | $7,200 |
| 3-Bay Sink + Hand Sink | $3,000 | $1,800 |
| Climate Control (3 AC Units) | $6,000 | $3,600 |
| 360° Security System | $2,500 | $1,500 |
| EQUIPMENT TOTALS | $61,700 | $37,020 |
| Trailer Value (30ft, 2019 build) | $40,000 | $24,000 |
| TOTAL PACKAGE VALUE | $101,700 | $61,020 |
Paid: $26,551 | Quick-Sale Value: $61,020
Profit at fire-sale prices: $34,469
🚀 Three Ways This Buyer Can Cash Out
Option 1: Part It Out
Sell the refrigeration only:
8 units @ quick sale = $15,900
Covers 60% of purchase price
Keep: Complete cooking operation + trailer
Net Cost: $10,651 for a food truck
Option 2: Quick Flip
List on Facebook Marketplace:
"Turnkey Food Truck - $65,000"
(Still 35% below actual value)
Instant profit: $38,449
ROI: 145% in 30 days
Option 3: Geographic Arbitrage
Ship to NYC/LA:
Transport cost: $800-2,500
Market value there: $90-120K
Potential profit: $60K+
ROI: 226% after transport
"The winner isn't buying a food truck. They're buying $100K of commercial equipment at 26 cents on the dollar. The food truck business is optional."
📍 The Geographic Arbitrage Nobody Sees
Same Trailer, Different Markets
Pennsylvania Market
$26,551
What it sold for
Average food truck: $40-60K
Market saturation: Medium
NYC/LA Markets
$90,000-120,000
What it's worth there
Average food truck: $80-150K
Market demand: Extreme
The Simple Math:
- ✓ Purchase price: $26,551
- ✓ Transport to NYC: $800
- ✓ List for: $89,900 (below market)
- ✓ Profit: $62,549 (235% ROI)
Pro Tip: NYC requires only a $50 permit for food trucks. California's stricter, but the margins still work.
🔍 Why This Unit Is Different
The SushiCo Advantage
- ✓ Built 2019 (practically new)
- ✓ 8 refrigeration units (most have 2-3)
- ✓ Triple climate control system
- ✓ 200-amp electrical service
- ✓ Proven multi-concept operation
- ✓ Florida-tested (heat & humidity proof)
What Makes It Unique
This unit ran THREE brands simultaneously:
- 🍣 SushiCo (cold prep intensive)
- 🍗 Sam's Crispy Chicken (fryer focused)
- 🍔 Umami Burger (griddle operation)
Translation: The equipment versatility isn't theoretical - it's combat-tested.
🎯 The Perfect Fit Factor
Not every trailer suits every concept. But THIS configuration - heavy on refrigeration, complete cooking line, premium build - that's the unicorn setup. When you find YOUR perfect fit at these prices, you don't hesitate.
💡 What Smart Buyers Know
The Restaurant Equipment Dealer Play
Equipment dealers are watching these auctions like hawks. Here's why:
Henny Penny Fryer alone:
- Dealer pays: $26,551 (for everything)
- Sells fryer for: $4,500
- Net cost for remaining equipment: $22,051
Add the hood/suppression system:
- Sells for: $8,000
- Net cost now: $14,051
Sell ONE prep table:
- Sells for: $3,000
- Net cost: $11,051
Result: Dealer now owns 5 refrigeration units, cooking equipment, and a 30-foot trailer for $11K. Everything else is pure profit.
📈 The Numbers Don't Lie
Return on Investment Calculator
Investment: $26,551
Conservative Sale (60% of value):
Market Value Sale:
NYC/LA Flip:
Even the worst-case scenario doubles your money.
🎯 Your Next Move
This buyer understood something crucial:
Equipment auctions aren't about food trucks.
They're about buying dollars for quarters.
Coming Up at PCI:
More equipment-heavy units hitting the block.
Some with even better ratios than this one.
The question isn't IF you should bid...
It's whether you understand the math.
Winners see arbitrage where others see auctions.
📋 Due Diligence Checklist
Smart Buyer's Inspection Points
- Refrigeration compressor hours
- Fire suppression certification date
- Generator compatibility (if needed)
- Electrical panel condition
- Trailer axle/tire assessment
- Title status verification
Contact Information
PCI Auctions East Coast
141 W End Drive
Manheim, PA 17545
Sales: 717-945-3986
Direct: 717-450-7241
Pro Tip: Serious buyers preview in person and bring their equipment dealer.
The Bottom Line
$26,551 purchase price.
$101,700 in assets.
$75,149 in instant equity.
This winner didn't buy a food truck.
They bought a wholesale equipment lot with a free trailer attached.
And 48 other bidders knew it.
In the auction game, math beats emotion every time.
This buyer just proved it.