Buying used or refurbished equipment for your business is more popular than ever. As demand grows, so too do the number of outlets offering second hand options. If you’re getting ready to refurbish your office or simply need to get your hands on some hardware, here are some of the top reasons to consider going second hand.
#1 It’s cheaper
Perhaps the biggest motivator that leads businesses to sample the second hand market is price. Quite simply, buying used equipment is substantially cheaper than purchasing new. The difference can be stark, and even nearly new hardware is far cheaper than completely new. The moment a product leaves a store or factory for the first time, its value drops dramatically. Even if you’re buying nearly new, you’ll notice this difference and it will make a big impact on company finances in the long term.
#2 It’s greener
Environmentally friendly practices are more important than ever. Buying second hand is one of the best (not to mention easiest) ways of making your business that bit greener. Not only do you prevent waste by rehoming items that might otherwise have been disposed of, but you cut down on production and air miles. Buying second hand means that a new piece of hardware doesn’t have to be built and shipped.
#3 It’s already been tested
In the scramble to own the most cutting-edge technology available, many people overlook this crucial element of buying used. Second hand products are proven to work well over the long term. Issues won’t suddenly surface and nor will there be any other surprises. Used two ram balers, for example, are already tried and tested. They’ve undergone rigorous working routines and been used in a real-world environment. No factory testing of completely new products can match that experience.
#4 You still have buyer protection
New products often come with warranties and all kinds of insurance options. It’s easy to imagine that the same protection is lacking when you buy used, but that simply isn’t the case. Most second hand retailers will offer warranties and also ongoing support in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. The used market is booming and functions in much the same way as the brand new, so you’ll always be able to take out some level of protection when you make a purchase.
#5 It’s quicker
Delivery times on new products can be long. In some cases (and depending on what you order) those delays might even be prohibitive, especially with the current worldwide chip shortage. Some more complex pieces of hardware are only built when an order is placed, and if they’re shipped from abroad the wait times quickly become astronomical. No such problems occur when you buy used. Not only does the item already exist, but it’s undergone all the required maintenance and safety checks and is usually ready to ship. If you need equipment fast, then buying second hand is invariably the best option.
