Why refurbished doesn’t mean compromise

By Peter Miller, Sales Manager at ETB Technologies.

  • 3 months ago Posted in

In the age of data and AI, there’s no denying the allure of a shiny new piece of tech. Businesses are racing to adopt the next cutting-edge equipment but, in a time of economic turbulence, purse strings are being drawn tighter. This means businesses are looking for ways to harness the performance of new tech, without having to commit to the hefty price tag.  

For all but a tiny proportion of businesses, buying refurbished technology provides all the benefits of buying new but at a much lower price point. Despite this, some are put off by the myths and misconceptions that surround the refurbished sector. So, let’s start off by addressing the elephant in the room.

Buying refurbished is not like picking up a second-hand pair of jeans on Vinted and hoping the sizes are accurate and the pictures aren’t hiding some damage or discolouration. When bought from a reputable supplier, refurbished equipment undergoes a rigorous series of checks and inspections to ensure it meets the highest standards before hitting the market. These technologies are not a second choice or backup option; they are carefully restored to like-new condition, providing customers with peace of mind and reliability equivalent to that of brand-new equipment. This means businesses don’t need to compromise in exchange for the benefits that come from buying refurbished tech.

Every reseller will have its own processes but when a product is brought in to our warehouse, all its components are fully tested and cleaned.  Any components that play a particularly key role, such as hard drives or RAM, undergo a specific diagnosis to gauge the health of the item. For instance, if a hard drive's health falls anywhere below 90%, it will not make it through to resale.

Operational efficiency is crucial, particularly for certain sectors like managed service providers (MSPs), businesses cannot afford significant periods of downtime so it’s absolutely essential that refurbished tech is fully functional and like-new. In the rare instance that there is a fault, we’ll ship out a new part quickly to ensure minimal downtime.

One of the most compelling arguments for investing in refurbished technology is the significant cost savings it offers. In a world where every penny counts, opting for refurbished tech allows businesses to stretch their budgets further, without compromising on performance or reliability. This leaves room in the budget for other, more critical areas of the business.

And while the cost is certainly a perk, partnering with the right supplier is crucial to ensure the same level of support and service you would expect from the biggest manufacturers. There’s no reason to sacrifice peace of mind, reliability or support. The service should go beyond the sale, meaning you should be able to buy from your trusted partner with confidence, knowing that all products come with a reassuring warranty.

Additionally, sustainability is an increasingly important consideration in today's business landscape. As the push towards net zero intensifies, companies are seeking ways to reduce their environmental footprint and embrace more sustainable practices. In fact, sustainability can be a key defining factor in new business bids. Refurbished technology plays a pivotal role in this by extending the lifespan of electronic devices, in turn reducing the amount of e-waste going to landfill. By choosing refurbished over new, businesses can contribute to a more sustainable future while also reaping the financial benefits – a real best of both worlds situation. 

Despite the undeniable benefits of refurbished technology, the lingering myths and misconceptions have the potential to deter some businesses from exploring it as a viable option. But we cannot let them put people off. It’s important customers know that buying refurbished tech doesn’t mean compromise. Businesses do not need to sacrifice quality of equipment and peace of mind just because they buy second hand. By dispelling common misconceptions like this, we can empower businesses to make informed decisions that align with both their budget and their strategy. So let go of the myths and embrace the opportunities that refurbished technology presents – your budget and the planet will thank you for it.

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