IT leaders have had a tough couple of years. Overnight, you had to get everyone online and keep them there – month after month. Then, you’re finally headed back to the office with the budget to get after some long overdue server and storage upgrades when suddenly….screech.
Now you’re facing supply chain disruptions and long product lead times. And that also means project delays and users who don’t have what they need.
If you’re one of these leaders, our guess is you’re here because you’re considering refurbished equipment, possibly for the first time.
With nearly 30 years in the industry, we’ve become experts in bringing reliable, refurbished IT hardware to the market. Here, we offer you a few pro tips to help you get started and find the best refurbished network equipment available.
Tip #1 – How to find an experienced vendor
Your first step is to interview a few vendors to find the best partner. We recommend companies that have been around for 10+ years. They’re most likely to have defined processes and time-tested standards in place. And they’ll have more industry knowledge to help you navigate today’s refurbished network equipment marketplace.
- How long have they been selling refurbished IT equipment?
- Do they serve similar customers in terms of company size and equipment needs?
- Does their website transparently and thoroughly explain their refurbishing process and quality standards? How about what customers can expect?
- Are they a member of UNEDA (an alliance of the top refurbished IT equipment dealers worldwide)?
Tip #2 – How to quickly get the highest quality refurbished networking equipment
Your next step is to get a detailed walkthrough of your partner’s refurbing processes. (Here’s ours in case you want an example.)
Best-in-class vendors scrutinize the product and accept only the highest quality equipment for resale. They also make necessary repairs, test ports, return the operating system to factory defaults, and ensure all auxiliary pieces are included.
These steps ensure that when you’re buying refurbished IT equipment, it meets your needs and it’s ready to put into your network.
Finally, given current supply chain disruptions and long product lead times, you’ll want to ensure your vendor keeps product stock on hand. If they only acquire a product when you need it, this could cause you a longer wait time.
Tip #3 – How to protect your refurbished networking equipment
When you purchase new IT assets, the manufacturer issues the warranty and it usually lasts for a limited time.
When you buy refurbished IT equipment, your reseller issues the warranty. So, ask potential vendors about the exact terms of their warranty, replacement timelines, and whether it includes advance replacement.
With advance replacement warranties, you receive a replacement before you’re required to send back the failed/defective equipment. This protects against downtime and allows for quick switchovers (especially helpful for IT assets that aren’t easily uninstalled).
Finally, ask whether they offer service after the sale or include maintenance options, both of which protect your investment and keep you online.
Ready if you are
At Summit 360, we sell hardware and technology, but we’re really in the business of relationships. We opened our doors in 1992, and many of our very first customers are still with us today.
Our refurbishing process means you’re buying refurbished network equipment of the highest quality. And we offer a true lifetime warranty that includes advance replacement. We also have a network of partners we source equipment from and keep most of the equipment you’d need in stock.
Contact us today to learn more about buying refurbished IT equipment.
