Should You Buy Used Networking Equiptment?

By Jelani Harper
Updated: September 29, 2011

Due to an uncertain economy and a challenging financial climate, many people are opting to utilize used or refurbished computer networking equipment.

So says Mike Sheldon, president and CEO of Network Hardware Resale, a company that specializes in selling both used and new hardware components for computer networks.

The growing movement of consumers using refurbished equipment is part of an overall tendency of budget-conscious enterprises and their employees to maximize the lifespan of equipment beyond the shelf life of most vendors’ predictions.

“The trend towards keeping what you have longer and extending its life, and really using the equipment far longer than the manufacturer would typically suggest that you cycle up, is happening across businesses,” Sheldon said. “Products that came out five, six and seven years ago are absolutely functionally appropriate in many uses, while you would pay three times as much for a newer device.”

Yet while the demand for equipment continues to increase, several aspects of the financial climate may prevent customers from purchasing the latest variations of needed equipment.

“We’re growing rapidly because the demand for networking equipment is independent of the economic cycle,” Sheldon said. “We fill that gap where if you really need it and you can’t afford it or you just don’t want to spend the money for the latest and greatest products but want to expand the infrastructure in your network, we can supply equipment at half the price of new stuff with great service and maintenance.”