Purchasing networking equipment on the rapidly growing secondary market can prove to be a financial boon to many enterprises. The cost of used network gear can be 50%-90% less expensive than in the primary vendor and channel market. However, buyers must understand the potential risks and know how to avoid them. This research note examines the following aspects of purchasing network gear on the secondary market:
- What can be purchased, and how much can be saved.
- When used or refurbished equipment makes sense.
- How to identify reputable and reliable resellers.
Most enterprises will find some circumstances where buying refurbished network equipment on the secondary market makes a lot of sense. Know when the opportunity exists, and understand the market before committing to a buying decision.