Purchasing New vs. Refurbished Equipment

Purchasing equipment is important for businesses as it can have a big impact on productivity and profitability. When it comes to networking equipment, though, it can be tough to choose between new and refurbished options. 

You might be wondering whether you should go for brand new equipment with better quality but higher costs or refurbished equipment with potentially lower quality but lower costs. And, of course, you’ll want to think about sustainability too. 

But don’t worry—we’re here to help! We’ll answer all your questions about networking equipment and help you make the best possible decision for your business.

What is “new equipment,” really?

New equipment is just that—brand new, in the box, and ready to plug and play. While it sounds like the perfect fit for your needs, it can often come at a cost, and for certain types of networking equipment, that cost can be quite high. 

This consideration makes many budget-savvy small businesses and startups feel they have to look for alternative options, such as refurbished equipment or some other type of cheaper resale solution. 

No matter what camp you fall into, however, we want to encourage you—getting high-quality network equipment and networking hardware without breaking the bank is possible. It just depends on what you wish to prioritize in your purchase process. 

What does refurbished mean?

Refurbished, by definition, means “renovated” or “made to look new again.” Usually, refurbished network equipment has been previously owned or used—but that doesn’t mean you’re getting any less value for your dollar. 

Used and refurbished networking equipment are often just as functional as their newer counterparts. For example, it may have been swapped in favor of a newer model to appease corporate policy, or the business might have undergone an entire system swap.  

Manufacturer Refurbished vs. Seller Refurbished

To fully understand what refurbished means, we have to look at two key subgroups that refurbished content can fall into: Manufacturer refurbished vs. seller refurbished. 

• Seller refurbished: This term means that refurbishment fell entirely to the seller and didn’t have any oversight by the company that originally produced the networking equipment. Quality checks, if done at all in this process, may be subjective or less comprehensive than you’d see with a manufacturer-refurbished product. 
• Manufacturer refurbished: This means the actual manufacturer did the refurbishment process and likely has been subject to quality tests and checklists to ensure that no quality was lost. 

If presented with these choices, it’s best to go with the former—seller refurbished. Why? It often comes with a lifetime warranty (granted, you partner with the right company), and its products are tested to ensure you end up with a functional, high-quality product. 

What is the difference between refurbished vs. new network equipment?

When deciding between refurbished and new network equipment for your business, there are several factors to consider. While new equipment has advantages and disadvantages, many are unaware of the full scope of benefits that high-quality refurbished networking equipment can offer.

In certain situations, purchasing refurbished equipment can be a wise decision. For example, in a fully remote work setting where equipment may need to travel with team members or could be at risk of damage, for positions with high turnover rates, or in cases where equipment may need to be replaced more frequently due to damage or theft. Buying refurbished equipment can be more advantageous in such scenarios due to the up-front cost savings on comparable equipment and products.

However, if you prioritize quality and ease of use over potential cost savings opportunities, investing in new equipment from the start may be the right choice for you. To make this easier, we break down the differences for you. 

Pricing and Costs

Did you know you can save up to 30% on your equipment purchases by choosing refurbished options instead of brand-new ones? This is a great option for businesses of all kinds—especially if you’re buying in bulk. 

Warranty and Support Considerations

When looking for affordable electronics options, it’s always good to keep in mind the warranty and service options. You usually receive a 90-day warranty with new equipment, but there’s no guarantee you’ll receive support after that. 

However, if you want a more reliable option, refurbished vendors can offer a lifetime warranty to keep your product working like new. So, it’s always worth taking the time to consider these factors when making a purchase. 

All that said, we specialize in seller-refurbished products, which have been thoroughly tested and inspected before being sold. Therefore, you can trust you’re getting a high-quality product with a fantastic warranty.

Benefits of buying refurbished network equipment 

Let’s take a deeper look at the many benefits you can gain from buying refurbished equipment—especially if you buy from the original equipment manufacturers. 

More Cost-Effective

If you’re looking to save some cash without sacrificing the quality of your network equipment, buying second-hand is the way to go. It’s a great option for small businesses on a tight budget. Plus, it’s an environmentally friendly choice that reduces the demand for new equipment.

Don’t worry, you don’t need to compromise on quality when buying used. Just make sure to do your research and find a reputable vendor that offers refurbished devices that are reliable and high quality. And, of course, double-check that the equipment you’re considering is compatible with your existing network setup.

Sell Existing Hardware 

Did you know that refurbished hardware can help you make some extra cash? When you upgrade your systems, you can sell off any older equipment you no longer need. 

And the best part is, even if your equipment is a bit older, it can still provide similar backward and forward compatibility, which might open up new sale opportunities for you. This not only helps you declutter and free up space but also puts some extra money in your pocket.

Purchase End-of-Life (EOL) Devices 

End-of-life devices are those that are no longer supported by the manufacturer. However, they can be a smart choice for those on a budget. 

Just make sure to do your research and find a reputable seller. It’s also a good idea to purchase a warranty or insurance if the device doesn’t function as expected.

Good for the Environment

By choosing refurbished, you can reduce the amount of e-waste that ends up in landfills. This is a growing environmental concern, and we can all make a difference by choosing to reuse electronics instead of constantly buying new ones. Plus, buying refurbished is often more affordable than buying new, which is great news for your wallet. 

Now that you’ve reviewed the perks… 

It’s time to ask yourself a few questions to determine which method of purchasing works best for your current scope of need. 

Do You Need Maintenance Support?

If so, a newer product (or a comprehensively supported refurbished product) might work best. Seller-refurbished items rarely offer ongoing maintenance support or care, so if you choose to buy refurbished, we recommend using a manufacturer-refurbished option. 

Newer models generally always offer maintenance—just be sure to read the fine print and explore all possible options to ensure you’re getting the type of support you anticipate needing. 

Believe it or not, seller-refurbished items come with cost-effective maintenance programs with 24/7 global technical support, flexible contracts, and multi-vendor support. Hardware support options ensure you find the best solution for your needs, and multi-generation hardware support covers even end-of-life products.

New items may only cover maintenance under a limited warranty—just read the fine print and explore all possible options to ensure you’re getting the type of support you anticipate needing. 

Can You Wait for the Equipment? 

This question is important to ask if you’re considering refurbished vs. new network equipment, as delivery times can vary across the spectrum. Feel free to connect with your sales rep so there is no confusion about when your equipment will arrive and when your rollout can begin. 

Partner with Network Craze for your refurbished networking equipment needs

Both new and refurbished equipment offer benefits and drawbacks that businesses must consider as they navigate system swap-outs. While refurbished models offer immediate cost savings and comparable quality. The choice can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. 

If you’re considering choosing between refurbished vs. new network equipment, we’re here to help streamline that process. The team at Network Craze is committed to bringing you the most possible benefit for your investment. 

Connect with us to learn more.