subject: Is It Safe to Purchase Refurbished Network Hardware? [print this page] Is It Safe to Purchase Refurbished Network Hardware?
Reliable IT departments and infrastructure are vital in today's business world. So much of business interactions, day to day work and internal communications rely on information technology that it is almost impossible to quantify how necessary it is. However, the costs of effective, reliable network hardware can be staggering. One of the ways in which many businesses, especially small and medium sized businesses, seek to reduce the cost of capital investments is to consider buying network hardware that has been previously used and refurbished. The cost savings can be more than half the price of purchasing such equipment new. An important thing to consider when making this choice is the safety and reliability of previously owned and refurbished network hardware. Should it malfunction or fail, the loss of business, need to buy new equipment quickly and lost working hours of staff may well exceed any saving that was made.
Refurbished network hardware can be a very good investment. Many of the companies that supply such equipment offer extensive warranties, showing their belief in the quality of the goods and providing purchasers with added security in the unlikely event that something does go wrong. However, the buyer must beware, as with any purchasing decision. Offers that seem too good to be true should often be regarded with caution. Unscrupulous sellers may provide non-functioning equipment or try to pass off low quality, counterfeit models as the real deal. Companies should ensure that they scrupulously check into the background of a seller before they make a purchase. This is especially important if purchasing over Ebay or other internet sites. While such sites can be a great place to get a bargain or a quick purchase, they are also vulnerable to listings from conmen and dishonest sellers.
There are a number of organisations that aim to protect consumers when purchasing refurbished hardware. For example in the US, the United Equipment Dealer Association (UNEDA) is an organisation that educates buyers and attempts to fight counterfeit dealers and fraud. Membership of UNEDA means that a seller has been approved by the other members and certified as being legitimate. UNEDA can provide interested parties with a list of their members so that illegitimate dealers can be avoided.
Those business owners who cannot afford to be without network hardware but still wish to enjoy the cost savings of a refurbished model may wish to consider refurbished "failover" network hardware. Failover devices are provided at less than the full cost and are stored until such a time as they are needed. In other words, if your current network hardware fails, you have a replacement ready and waiting which you have paid a deposit for, paying the full price only when you need it.
Refurbished network hardware can undoubtedly be both a safe and effective purchase and a savvy way for a business to save money. However, unless proper research is done ahead of time, it is possible for purchasers to be swindled and scammed. Business owners should make sure they are not taken advantage of and do not fall for the bargain basement prices of unscrupulous con-men.
