These programs, unique for each customer, make it easy to re-use existing assets and avoid unnecessary purchases of new equipment. Typically, dispensers are removed from a location that is slated to receive new equipment, sent to PPI-DurEquip for refurbishing or rebuilding, then shipped to a location where the gasoline volume doesn't justify new dispensers. Sometimes, the operator's strategy for medium- and low-volume locations is simply to cycle the equipment through a custom process at DurEquip, then put it back on the islands for another five or more years of use.

What are the advantages?

The biggest advantage is that you can install new-looking and performing equipment for between 25% and 50% of the cost of brand-new. A second advantage is that the equipment is usually compatible with the existing piping and wiring, so your installation costs are minimized.

Defining a custom program also gives you the ability to exactly define the quality level of the equipment to suit your needs and budget. Sometimes this is as simple as specifying a standard-spec PPI-DurEquip rebuild with custom paint and decals. Other times, you may want only a cosmetic refurbishing: a new look with minimal internal work on your equipment. You also can tailor testing specifications and tailor a warranty to your exact needs.

What are the disadvantages?

The only possible disadvantage of refurbishing your good equipment is that it sometimes isn't upgradable to the latest manufacturers' electronic specification. If you need card readers, cash acceptors, or other leading-edge technology at every location then you may not be able to re-use the majority of your equipment. Assist-type vapor conversions can be a problem on older multiproduct equipment too, but balance-type systems can normally be installed. (In such cases, PPI-DurEquip may be a buyer for your equipment. We have a constant need for equipment to rebuild for customers who don't have units to exchange.)

How do I determine my specification?

We will work with you to determine the specification that best meets your needs. For example, we normally steer customers who do not have their own maintenance organizations towards a fully rebuilt unit with a warranty. Operators doing maintenance, however, are usually better off with a specification for a new-looking exterior and replacement of just the most failure-prone internal items. For example, leak-prone Gilbarco meters are normally replaced, but Tokheim meters are not.

Almost all specifications include new exterior sheet metal, resulting in a like-new look. We can also supply hose retractors, hoses and nozzles, and other items you need at installation time.

What does it cost?

For one- and two-hose dispensers, cost ranges from well under $1,000 up to about $2,000. The low end of this range would be for a cosmetic refurbishing specification and the high end would be for a full PPI-DurEquip-spec rebuild. For multiproduct units, the range is wider: from under $1,500 to about $4,000 depending on model and specification.

Refurbishing can be tax-efficient, too. Depending on the specification, you often have a choice of treating the cost of the refurbishing or remanufacturing as a capital item or as an expense.

How does it work?
Who handles transportation?
What about the finished goods inventory?

Just as the specification is tailored, the logistics of a custom program are tailored to your needs. Typically, PPI-DurEquip takes responsibility for shipping and for inventory. We arrange pickup of equipment at your warehouse or installer location, we bring it to Minneapolis and we put it through our factory. When the work is completed, you are billed and we store the equipment for you in a segregated area of our warehouse until you need it. (Our accounting system can give your asset accounting department an inventory by serial number at any time.) Then, we ship directly to the installation site as it is needed, scheduling the equipment to arrive on the day it's required. This approach saves the cost of shipping and handling the finished equipment through your warehouses. We charge you only our actual cost for inbound and outbound shipping. Inbound freight in full truckloads can be as low as $30-40 per dual dispenser. On outbound freight, usually common carrier, you receive the benefit of the substantial discounts we have negotiated.

How can I get started?

Just call us at any time or send us an E-Mail with your general requirements! We'll be happy to provide sample specifications that we have developed with companies like ExxonMobil, Wayne-Dresser, Speedway/Superamerica, and 7-Eleven Corporation, together with ballpark pricing. Once you've reviewed these, we'll help you firm up your specification and give you prices.