Whether you’re starting a new company or growing your long-running business, buying used telecom equipment is a cost-effective business decision. If it’s your first time considering used or refurbished network equipment, you likely have some questions about what to expect. Just as with buying anything previously owned, you will find just as many advantages as there are disadvantages.
Here are our answers to the most common questions about used telecom equipment from the team at eNetwork Supply.
When an item is labeled “refurbished,” it means that it’s undergone a thorough inspection to ensure that it’s working. During the inspection, the product is cleaned, tested, and returned to a “like new” condition by making any necessary repairs. Refurbished telecom equipment and any other tech devices are reset to factory settings, wiping the hard drive of the previous owner’s data.
Under extreme circumstances, you may be buying a refurbished product that required extensive repairs and replacement parts. However, it’s more likely you’re buying a product returned by someone who didn’t want it or no longer needed it and then refurbished.
Recertified products undergo an inspection process utilizing the same methods used during manufacturing. They then get securely packaged as if they were new and sold at a reduced price.
A product labeled “factory serviced” or “factory recertified” was returned to the store as damaged or broken. The store then sent it back to the manufacturer for an advanced inspection and repairs. You can usually buy such products at a significant discount.
It’s impossible to predict the lifecycle of used telecom equipment after its purchase, but buying from a reputable seller will ensure that you don’t get ripped off. Check that the seller offers details on the product’s condition, a reasonable warranty, tech support, repairs, and buy-back options. Also, be sure to read recent customer reviews, search for the business on scam websites, and make sure it has been in business for a while.
Telecom equipment providers source their inventory from various establishments, but most often, they purchase it from other companies. At eNetwork Supply, we purchase used telecom equipment from data centers and other establishments that have a surplus. Since such a fast turnover exists in the tech industry, most products only get used for a short time before they’re refurbished.
The most prominent benefit to buying used telecom equipment is the price. You’ll be able to find refurbished switches, transceivers, network routers, and more, at a 20-30% discount. The money you save on buying used devices can be better spent elsewhere and can be especially helpful to those just getting their business off the ground.
Another big advantage is that you’ll know you’re receiving a fully functional, high-performing piece of equipment. Unlike new products or those you buy from a stranger online, you’ll know for sure that any refurbished telecom equipment you buy was recently inspected and repaired. There’s no chance you’ll be buying a dud.
Some companies lean more towards refurbished and used telecom equipment when they want to try something out with minimal commitment. If you plan to grow your business by implementing a new device or telecom equipment, you have no reason to pay full price. Try used or refurbished items first so that you can see if they are a good fit for you and your team.
Finally, buying used telecom equipment is an eco-friendly choice. Landfills are overflowing with electronics, as so many people are quick to toss out their old devices in exchange for the latest gadget. Building your company on used technology is not only cost-effective but a sustainability practice that more businesses should consider.
Any reliable vendor will back their products with a valid warranty. At eNetwork Supply, we provide a limited warranty on all of our used and refurbished products. The length of our warranty is specific to each product and varies between 90 days to five years.
One of the biggest concerns business owners have with buying refurbished or used telecom equipment is the possibility of encountering harmful malware. Malware contamination is only possible if you don’t buy products from a trustworthy vendor. Our team at eNetwork Supply ensures that we wipe all devices clean and return them to factory settings before we put them up for sale.
If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a store you purchased from, you can easily test any used or refurbished items for malware before installing them. Regardless of whether you buy new or used, it’s essential to put security measures in place to protect yourself, your staff, and your customers from data breaches.
As mentioned earlier, as many disadvantages as advantages exist when buying used technology. The most significant disadvantage is the risk of buying stolen, counterfeit, or malware-contaminated products intended to steal your data. By dealing only with reputable vendors, you can avoid these issues entirely.
Another disadvantage to buying used telecom equipment is that you won’t be using the newest model. While this works for most businesses, as models within a few years of each other aren’t usually much different, some people prefer to have the latest technology.
After 40 years in business, eNetwork Supply has become one of the top telecom solutions providers in the industry. We buy surplus telecom equipment from data centers and other businesses looking to upgrade their technology. After the devices undergo a thorough inspection—during which we clean, repair, and wipe them clean—we resell them at affordable prices.
Whether you’re looking for a specific telecom device or want general information on our refurbished and used telecom equipment, we’ve got what you need. Our sales team is available 24/7 to offer their assistance and answer any questions you may have. Contact us at eNetwork Supply today by dialing 312-283-5983 or sending an email to sales@enetworksupply.com.
