Patience has its rewards. As a business owner, you might be looking for affordable yet reliable computers, printers, servers, routers, and other components. If new equipment seems a little pricey, buying used HP or Dell parts could be the solution.
Sure, you could buy refurbished parts and shave off around a quarter of the price, but you can save more than half the MSRP by buying used if you’re willing to take the risk. The market for used electronics, however, is a lucrative minefield. To raise your chances of striking gold, consider these tips.
If It’s Too Good to be True, It Probably Isn’t
Be realistic about the prices you expect, and don’t wait months for a discount that will never come. High-end flagship smartphones, for instance, tend to keep a hefty fraction of their values in the used market after a year.
When deciding on a price, factor in:
- The product’s condition
- Included accessories
- Any possible warranties
If a price seems unusually low, it’s smart to be suspicious.
Research the Prices
Do your research to compare what other similar products are priced at. Average together the prices of second-hand offerings from popular platforms like eBay, Amazon, and Craigslist to get a good idea of where the offering stands. If the price seems too high, consider going for a lower-spec model or one from a previous generation. Sometimes, generational improvements aren’t worth the extra cost.
And don’t forget offerings from different brands for essentially the same product can differ in cost considerably too. Companies generally buy from the same brand for most of their hardware. Buying used Dell servers then might be easier than buying a used HP server if a local company running on Dell decides to sell off some old equipment.
Timing is Key
Used prices fluctuate immensely but predictably. When the iPhone 8 was released, thousands of listings for used iPhone 7s hit the market as consumers sold off their old phones to buy the new one. As a result, you could potentially score a great price right after a new product’s launch.
Also, take into account seasonal fluctuations. Sales for used goods tend to go after holiday sales or other large buying events.
Protecting Your Investment
It’s no secret that buying used is risky business. Sometimes, you don’t get a return policy or manufacturer warranty like you do with buying refurbished products. Many storefronts such as eBay have buyer protection that also covers the used market, so it’s wise to keep your receipts. Also,
- If you can, test the product out before buying. Not only can you check for counterfeits but also see whether the model number matches what you want. Selling a cheaper variant of an authentic product is a common scam to look out for.
- If you’re buying a personal computer specifically, every operating system lets you check the system specifications. Know how to do so to ensure you get what you paid for.
- And finally, complete the exchange with a credit card or PayPal transaction, which offer better fraud protection than plain cash.
Netcon Solutions – A Reputable Seller for Buying Used Dell or HP Parts
Are you a business owner looking for used and price-efficient equipment in Toronto and the GTA? Consider checking out Netcon Solutions. We bring 20+ years of experience in business electronics can get you the best price for used and refurbished parts and equipment. Whether you’re looking to buy used Dell parts or Cisco and Juniper routers, Netcon Solutions is ready to offer a one-year warranty and top-notch customer support to help your business stay modern without breaking the budget.
- Buyers must take considerable precautions when participating in the used electronics market.
- There are many factors to consider when buying used electronic equipment. To get the best price, research the market, know when the price goes down, and double check that you’re getting what you’re paying for.
- Netcon Solutions is a great source for buying used HP parts, Dell servers, Juniper routers, and any other equipment from the industry’s best brands for your business.