We occasionally talk here in the Home Business blog about making purchases of office supplies and equipment. Depending on the type of business you are operating, equipment and supplies could be a major and constant concern or more of a periodic issue in your planning and budgeting. Even for those of us with relatively small businesses and minimal equipment needs, equipment may very well be one of our largest expenses. Deciding whether to buy brand new in a box, or consider something used or refurbished can be a major business decision.
I know a few people who have bought used and refurbished office equipment, including computers, printers, fax machines, phones, etc. and it has worked out just fine. The key, they told me, was to do their research and to make sure they did not buy something that was too old. Technology changes so quickly that things quickly become obsolete. There is a big difference between a computer and printer that are five years old and one year old. The other important issue with used equipment is to make sure it can still be serviced, repaired, and you will be able to get parts and supplies for it. It doesn’t do much good to get a really good deal on a fine-working piece of equipment, if you won’t be able to get parts or service for it in 6 months.
In addition the fact that new office equipment is technologically current and often comes with a guarantee or service agreement, you know that you will be able to find parts, supplies, and people to answer your questions. The money you save in accessibility and availability of these things may offset the initially higher price of buying new. Whereas, it might be so much work and expense to take care of something used that it ends up being harder on your bottom line. This is where your research, homework, and evaluation of the pros and cons of buying new and used all become an important part of the purchasing process.
Also: The COMPUTING Blog and the DEALS Blog