While some people are increasingly enthusiastic about buying used technology, others are still quite hesitant about the subject. The reason for this is often the fear of receiving inferior and outdated equipment that could lead to a fault in the IT infrastructure or a loss of data.
To anticipate this concern: It is unfounded. If you know what to look out for when purchasing, used and refurbished IT hardware is a real benefit for you. We mean that in the truest sense of the word, because: By buying second-hand, you save money and make a valuable contribution to environmental protection at the same time.
In this blog post, we take a closer look at these factors and explain why the reluctance to buy used IT hardware is unfounded.
No time? 👀 Here are the most important points at a glance:
- Refurbished hardware is tested, reconditioned and often as good as new – including warranty.
- You save money compared to new devices and can use modern technologies.
- The devices are environmentally friendly, reducing waste, raw material consumption and CO₂ emissions.
- Immediately available and flexible in use, even as a temporary or bridging solution.
IT remarketing refers to the process of professionally refurbishing and reselling used and unused hardware. This hardware may include IT products such as networking equipment, servers, peripherals, computers or laptops. During this process, all data is certified as having been erased, and the product is refurbished by testing its functionality and bringing the device up to the latest standards. Refurbishment is closely linked to IT remarketing, although refurbishment focuses solely on technical reconditioning, whereas IT remarketing describes the entire process of collection, data erasure, reconditioning and resale. We label the devices as ‘fully refurbished’.
IT remarketing thus ensures an improved, more sustainable and extended lifecycle for IT equipment and forms part of ‘Green IT’. This means the products enter a ‘second lifecycle’ and are disposed of after their initial use. Compared to new products, these products are highly sustainable, as they save resources and reduce CO2 emissions. In most cases, refurbished products also have virtually the same certified quality, making them a sustainable, cost-saving option. Green IT is also of great importance when it comes to IT remarketing, as it reduces the energy consumption of IT systems and minimises environmental impact. This also includes the efficient operation and responsible disposal of IT products. You can find out more about Green IT in our expert article on sustainable information technology.
The three terms all belong to the same context, but are quickly mistakenly blurred into synonyms. However, there is a significant difference that will certainly influence your choice:
First of all, used means all devices that have already been in use. That is the only thing this term says and therefore nothing about the quality and condition of the hardware in question.
Refurbished IT hardware is also used - but is extensively checked for defects and refurbished before being resold. This includes, for example, the conscientious deletion of data, the replacement of faulty individual parts and cleaning. In the end, you receive a used device that has been refurbished as good as new and even comes with a warranty.
In the remainder of this blog post, we are deliberately referring specifically to refurbished devices. This is because you are on the safe side with these, especially in a corporate context. This is also the reason why we at IT-Planet have specialized in a range of new and refurbished IT hardware.
It is not without reason that more and more suppliers are offering refurbished appliances as well as new ones. There are many advantages associated with the purchase. These apply to private users as well as companies of all sizes.
Our IT remarketing process comprises three key steps: the purchase of used hardware, its refurbishment, and its transport and resale. We place great importance on a clearly structured process and prioritise security, efficiency and maximum value retention.
The manufacturer supplies all devices and delivers them to customers, who then use them as first-time users, as these are products in mint condition. As soon as the first user stops using the product or acquires a new one, we step in with our IT remarketing service, highlighting how these unused or second-hand devices can be given a second life by professionally refurbishing them to ensure they are fully functional and of a very high standard.
We collect the devices from the customer, erase all data in accordance with certified procedures and standards, and assess the products. They are then professionally refurbished, cleaned and, where necessary, upgraded with new hardware. Following a successful functional test, quality is assured so that the device can be remarketed. Devices that cannot be reused are recycled or disposed of properly by us.
We generally recommend that you play it safe and opt for refurbished products. Particularly in the corporate context, you are just as protected in this way as with new devices.
To show the other side: Refrain from buying hardware declared as used from private sources. The term is elastic and can mean anything from inferior technology to minor signs of use, especially on popular flea market platforms. However, as you cannot claim any warranty or service here, in the worst case scenario you will be left with an interrupted IT infrastructure.
Make sure you buy from reputable sources. There are now various such providers and dealers of new hardware also offer a section with used products.
By the way: Refurbished does not immediately mean old! Contrary to a widespread assumption, you will not only receive discontinued models, but also modern technologies.
Attention also when selling used devices
Also look for a reputable provider when buying your used IT hardware (IT-Planet also buys hardware)! Ideally, you should delete all the data on your devices yourself before you hand them in. However, if you overlook something, it can quickly become very detrimental for you in the wrong hands. Professional refurbishers make sure that all data has been carefully deleted before the device is sold on.
As part of a major healthcare project, we worked with Dell to set up a high-performance IT infrastructure for the Saxon Hospital in Großschweidnitz. As the lead partner, we provided suitable Dell server and hardware solutions and oversaw their integration into the existing system environment.
Particular emphasis was placed on the use of refurbished Dell hardware. Alongside new systems, refurbished servers and components were specifically deployed to create a high-performance yet cost-effective infrastructure.
This project demonstrates that reliable and high-performance IT systems can be built using professionally refurbished hardware, even in demanding sectors such as healthcare. Our refurbished products impress with their tested quality, high reliability and sustainable use of IT resources. Furthermore, by using refurbished hardware, the hospital was able to save around 66% in costs without compromising on performance. This reduced operating costs whilst achieving three objectives: cost-efficiency, high availability and sustainability.
The result is a stable and scalable infrastructure for critical healthcare applications, as well as a successful collaboration between the customer, Dell and IT-Planet.
You can find more information about this implementation of a cost-effective and sustainable system for a hospital in our case study. Would you also like to modernise or expand your IT infrastructure? Simply submit your project enquiry via our enquiry form. We are happy to support you from planning through to implementation.
At IT-Planet, we offer you both as-new and refurbished network technology and IT hardware. The latter is not just a side business for us, but a priority. That is why you will find a large selection of used products from well-known manufacturers such as Cisco, APC, HPE Aruba or Juniper. Furthermore, the APC Factory Renewed UPSs are a good example of refurbished hardware sourced directly from the manufacturer, with quality assured. You can also find these in our shop.
We are therefore the ideal contact if you need hardware for your company.
Expand your IT infrastructure now with high-quality switches or routers and do something good for the environment in the process. We look forward to your inquiry.
Refurbished IT hardware comprises used devices that undergo a special reconditioning process. They are professionally refurbished, both technically and visually, before being resold. The devices are thoroughly tested, cleaned and repaired. Defective or worn components are replaced, often with more powerful parts, so that the device is fully functional again. Visual defects such as scratches or signs of wear are removed, so that refurbished devices look almost like new, but are more cost-effective than new products. In addition, all personal data is carefully deleted so that the devices can be reused without hesitation. Refurbished hardware is also particularly sustainable, as it conserves resources and extends the life of the devices. At IT-Planet, you enjoy a longer warranty on our refurbished products than on new devices – namely 3 years.
Yes, used hardware is very well suited for use in companies of all sizes. It is safe because it is professionally refurbished and tested by certified specialist companies. If the used devices comply with GDPR standards, all personal data has been deleted, the hardware has been updated to the latest version and any existing security gaps have been closed. The operating system, firmware, BIOS and all security-related updates have been carried out and checked. With used devices from IT-Planet, you don't have to worry, because we place particular emphasis on security and quality, so all products come from certified refurbishers.
Refurbished devices come with a minimum warranty of 12 months by law. At IT-Planet, we go above and beyond: our refurbished products come with a 3-year warranty, which is one year longer than the warranty on new devices.
All personal data on used devices is completely deleted during the refurbishment process. Simply resetting the device to factory settings is often not enough to reliably remove all data.
There are various methods for permanently deleting data:
This way, companies and individuals can be sure that no sensitive information remains on the devices.
