Tips for Buying Pre-Owned Networking Equipment

Organizations worldwide turn to the secondary network equipment market for high-quality pre-owned, used and refurbished networking equipment. In addition to savings, product availability and responsive service attract forward-thinking IT departments to the secondary market.

NHR offers tips for navigating the secondary market and ensuring that your experience includes all the advantages the industry has to offer:

• Ask your secondary market reseller to provide information about quality assurance, equipment testing and authentication practices, and favor providers with recognized quality certifications like ISO 9001:2008 and TL 9000.
• Resist manufacturer pressure to upgrade because end-of-life products are nearing end of support. Secondary market resellers should continue to offer support until your scheduled upgrade.
• Ask about the trade-in or cash value of your surplus or decommissioned equipment. Taking advantage of an asset recovery program can put much-needed dollars back in your IT budget. With secondary marketers like NHR, you can trade-in for cash or credit towards your next purchase.
• Check the references of the secondary market reseller, including customers and business partners. Also check to see if the reseller belongs to reputable industry associations, such as ASCDI and UNEDA.
• Make sure the secondary market reseller has the equipment. Favor resellers who have their own warehouses and inventory over brokers who don't.
• Review the testing procedures of the secondary market reseller. Before committing to a large purchase, buy something to test with the option of returning it if not completely satisfied.
• Closely review warranty information. Make sure your secondary market reseller at least matches the typical 90 day OEM warranty but favor resellers who offer a lifetime warranty on all equipment.
• Beware of prices that are too low. As a baseline, expect used equipment prices to average 70 percent off OEM list while equipment that is "new-surplus" typically costs slightly more.
• Check out the company's Web site. Is it professionally done? Read current press releases and company history to learn more about their experience in the industry.
• Check the seller's credit rating. Regardless of OEM partner status, ask questions about financial stability, credit rating and longevity to evaluate business integrity.
• Look for maintenance packages along with equipment. Ask the secondary market reseller for a free trial of their TAC support to make sure you're satisfied with the level of service.