Saving in the Secondary Market (Part 4)
Finding the Best Equipment
Procurement officers unfamiliar with the secondary market typically are concerned about the quality of the refurbished equipment they purchase. They want authentic equipment that will function properly right out of the box and last as long as brand-new equipment.
So how can purchasers be sure that pre-owned or refurbished equipment is the right choice? While purchasing from the secondary market, keep the following suggestions in mind:
Go with reputation. Find an established vendor known for delivering on its promises and establishing partnerships with its customers, and then ask for references. Preferred vendors are those that thoroughly test all products; conduct necessary refurbishment; include – at a minimum – a one-year warranty; ensure the products come complete as new; and have a responsive technical support team. Often these companies also will offer service contracts or sell spare parts at a discounted rate. In addition, the best providers are large enough to maintain extensive inventory, rather than requiring the customer to work through a broker.
Seek diversity. Vendors that are not tied to a particular manufacturer tend to be more focused on customers’ needs and have the flexibility to offer a number of cost-effective options. While Cisco constitutes between 55 and 60 percent of the new market and makes an excellent product, a less expensive alternative also may meet a customer’s needs with equal success. Ask your vendor, as you may not be familiar with brands such as Extreme Networks or Foundry that actually may be a better fit for your particular situation.
Look for value. Unlike the entity that sells on eBay, reputable vendors add value by refurbishing networking equipment to bring it up to certain standards. The certification process should include a comprehensive physical inspection, full product testing, refurbishment, warehousing and packaging. Ask any prospective suppliers about their quality assurance processes.
Original URL: http://www.gpnews.com/Issue/Article/70500/Issue
Article Written by Joe Serra, Executive Vice President at Network Liquidators
