Why Buy Refurbished Network Equipment?
For any business, the bottom line should always be at the forefront of your mind. It’s no different for hosting companies and service providers. And that’s why it’s important to ask yourself, “why buy refurbished network equipment?” There are actually several reasons why you should consider it.
What is refurbished networking hardware?
Before you buy used network equipment, you want to understand what the term “refurbished” actually means. Refurbished network equipment, or pre-owned networking equipment, is simply hardware that has been used. And, like anything used, the price of used equipment is lower than new equipment.
In fact, at BrightStar Systems, our used equipment is up to 95 percent off the original list price.
And used networking equipment does not indicate that it is damaged or doesn’t work properly. All the refurbished networking equipment we stock is fully operational. In fact, we don’t even buy equipment that isn’t functioning properly. If it doesn’t pass our quality control test, we don’t buy it.
That being said, the cosmetic appearance may not be the same as new equipment; it may show signs of being used in the form of minor scratches and dings. However, none of these cosmetic issues will affect its performance, and quality networking equipment is known for having a very long span.
The other difference with refurbished equipment is who sells it. While new equipment is often sold by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), refurbished equipment is sold by third-party networking equipment vendors that buy hardware in bulk from large-scale enterprises and data centers, like us.
Benefits of Buying Refurbished Network Equipment
What are the advantages of buying refurbished network equipment? There are several. For starters, you can save a lot of money. Not only that, but when you sell your refurbished networking equipment from a qualified networking vendor, you can often work with that same vendor to sell your used equipment.
Additionally, you can get your hands on end-of-life equipment from third-party resellers since the original equipment manufacturers no longer offer those products.
And if you’re replacing existing networking hardware but don’t want to have to worry about any compatibility issues, it makes sense to opt for second-hand network equipment.
Plus, buying used equipment is beneficial to the environment.
Let’s review each of these pros of buying refurbished network equipment in detail.
It’s Significantly More Cost Effective
The main reason people buy refurbished network equipment comes down to cost. Refurbished equipment is an excellent alternative for businesses that don’t have the budget to buy new equipment, but that need high-quality equipment that offers reliable performance they can count on.
When buying new networking equipment, the price can quickly add up — especially if you’re buying hardware in bulk. If you examine the cost of pre-owned network equipment versus the cost of new, you see a stark difference. In fact, the savings could easily reach 95% when all is said and done.
The best part is, you don’t even have to buy outdated equipment to save money. Even if you go back just one generation or two from the latest model, you can receive plenty of savings. Think of it in the same vein as buying a used car. While having a brand new one with the latest features can be nice, having a vehicle that’s only two or three years old is still safe and enjoyable but costs a lot less.
You Can Often Sell Existing Hardware to the Same Reseller (and Put the Value Toward a Purchase)
Another argument for buying refurbished network equipment is that many resellers will allow you to sell your old hardware and put the value toward the upgrade.
Plus, when you work with an experienced networking vendor like BrightStar Systems, the transition can be as smooth as possible. Our team of professionals can even set up the freight shipping of your old equipment while planning out the delivery for the updated models.
Additionally, a premium reseller can help you determine which equipment makes the most sense for your deployment. By discussing your organization’s needs with experts, you can choose the best equipment for your needs. And if you have questions, these experts often have answers.
Most resellers also stock a variety of brands, ensuring that you aren’t stuck with just one choice. So if refurbished Cisco network equipment isn’t right for you, the reseller can recommend something better.
It Allows You To Purchase End-of-Life (EOL) Devices
New networking equipment has its own quirks as well — e.g. the latest model often has bugs that haven’t been worked out yet. By purchasing end-of-life devices, you may get more reliability.
All of the parts in used equipment have been tested and the bugs have been worked out. In fact, a large percentage of hardware failures occur during the first month of installation. This isn’t something you need to worry about with EOL devices because they have already proven to be reliable.
It can also be difficult to find a reputable used networking equipment supplier that sells the specific devices you’re looking for. So when you find high-quality used network equipment for sale, you shouldn’t have to worry about searching for another supplier for at least a while.
You Can Avoid Any Kind of Software or Hardware Compatibility Issues With Existing Equipment
When you purchase new networking equipment, you have to be aware of whether or not they’re going to be compatible with the rest of your devices. In some cases, you may even be told by a salesperson the new products you’re purchasing are compatible, only to find out after the installation that they’re not.
This is not only a headache, but it can also force you to shut down at least part of your network.
And while you could also choose to upgrade your entire network with new pieces of equipment and parts in order to guarantee compatibility, that can get very expensive very quickly.
The ability to purchase used network equipment that you already know is compatible can save you a lot of trouble — and money. And if a valuable component of your network goes down and you need to replace it, why wouldn’t you consider replacing the same piece of equipment? You already know that part works as it should and that you won’t have to worry about any compatibility issues.
And if you’re interested in upgrading the equipment slightly but aren’t sure which parts will be compatible, our team of experts can help guide you. We have a ton of experience with various equipment manufacturers, knowing what used equipment works well with other components.
Purchasing Refurbished Is Good for the Environment
While the biggest advantage of buying refurbished network equipment is the fact it saves you money, you shouldn’t overlook how it benefits the environment. In a lot of situations, you end up paying a premium for products that have a positive impact on the environment, but not in this situation. For once, you can benefit the Earth without spending more money, making it an easy choice.
Designing and manufacturing computers and networking equipment require a lot of natural resources. Companies need raw materials to manufacture the products and require a lot of power to assemble them. Not only that, but properly disposing of network equipment has its own set of challenges.
When you buy used network equipment, you help extend its life. Networking components that are only a few years old have plenty of life left and should not just be thrown away. If a company decides to sell used equipment to a reseller, you can be the hero by purchasing it and extending its lifespan. In this situation, everyone wins. Not only do you save money; you reduce your environmental impact.
While many companies are happy to pay more to protect the planet, this is one instance where you don’t have to. Buy used, if you can, and you’ll feel even better about your purchasing decision.
Partner With BrightStar Systems For Your Refurbished Networking Equipment Needs
Look no further than BrightStar Systems for the top refurbished networking supplies for your needs. No matter what used equipment you are looking for, BrightStar Systems is ready to help. We can replace the equipment you currently have with upgraded options at the best prices. We purchase all of our refurbished networking equipment in bulk and then pass the savings onto you.
We provide access to the top brands for whenever you’re ready to replace your networking equipment. Whether you’re looking for products from Juniper, Arista, or Cisco, we can help. We can also set you up with any additional parts, such as optical transceivers and cables, you require.
And if you’re unsure which devices, parts, or accessories you need, our team will help you decide.
Additionally, we’ll buy any refurbished equipment you’re replacing when you buy used equipment from us, so be sure to talk with our team about selling your older equipment. We can offer top dollar for your hardware and you won’t even be responsible for testing it or shipping it. We’ll do both.
When it’s time for you to take the next steps for your company’s networking needs, we’ll help guide you in the right direction, and we always strive to offer the best hardware at the most competitive price. Let us help you make the transition less stressful while saving you money. Contact us today.