Ask a group of IT professionals what the gray market is, and you’ll likely get a variety of answers. Is it knock-off equipment from overseas? It is equipment with dubious origins? The answer to both is a vehement “no.” The common deinition of the gray market is “the sale of equipment through channels that aren’t licensed or authorized by the original manufacturer,” and it’s both legal and legitimate.
The stigma—and confusion—associated with the gray market has prompted many resellers to undertake an ad-hoc rebranding campaign. “Used market” sufices for many, while others prefer “green market,” pointing to the environmental advantages of keeping equipment in the marketplace and reducing landill materials. Whatever you call it, the gray market offers smart buyers quality equipment at attractive prices.