In the era of a "down economy" many companies are searching every avenue to save money. Some companies have tried to go the route of used equipment. Buying from Craigslist, Ebay, Lease returns and other used equipment sources. does it save money? or Is it as costly or more costly as new?
Over the years I have seen used equipment purchased in many environments. Frankly the results have been mixed. Sometimes, companies have found a great fit that was a great savings for them. More often, I have found companies disappointed. The savings have either not been what they expected and some times a direct loss.
Heavy Duty Caster
Over the years one of the greatest mistakes I have seen with the purchase of used equipment is improper shipping. A number of years back, one customer called for help with a folder inserter they had bought from a few states away. The seller had boxed the 70+ pound machine in a heavy duty box with Styrofoam popcorn. Now, popcorn is an ok packing material for light weight product. Unfortunately, it is not adequate for what is in essence a 70 lb brick. Needless to the machine did not arrive in an operational mode. The frame was bent and need serious repair and replacement parts before the machine would work. Another customer called us for help with an address printer. The printer was so bent it could not be repaired. A few years back, I thought I had found a "DEAL" at a lease return house that I could resell at a great profit. Unfortunately, the machine had an electrical glitch that would have cost ,000's to repair (more than the machine was worth).
Two years ago I was working with a time share resale company to acquire an addressing machine. They decided instead to purchase a machine from eBay. The machine worked but not so well. After using that machine for six months and then trying another used machine, they finally purchased a new machine. Shortly after delivering and installing the machine I received a text from one of the principals, "Homer, I'm in love." was the response. They were able to increase their productivity from 4,000 to 6,000 pieces per hour to nearly 20,000 pieces per hour (oh, and achieve a better approval rate from the United States Postal Service (i.e. less postage $$)).
In another setting, a company leased a used copier because they felt they would save dollars because it was a used copier. In the end, they are spending more money for the used copier and are receiving less utility. The used copier, was slower, higher supply costs and not the same quality of print they would have received with a new unit.
So the moral of the story, Used equipment might save you money. But, if your going to purchase used equipment make certain you have a company that can service your equipment. It is not IF you will need service but how often you will need it. It may look inexpensive at the outset but it may just be cheap. Unfortunately cheap, frequently means more expensive.
Also, don't be afraid to look at new equipment. Many manufacturers are putting together promos and lease packages that make New Equipment actually less expensive. They are motivated to move the gear out of their showrooms and warehouses. So ASK. Make sure you have "right-sized" your equipment. With all of the changes in our world, you may not need as large of a machine as you once did. Then again, maybe you do. Take a look, either way, having the right equipment will be budget saving in the end.
Look for new equipment that fits your budget. Equipment that you know the history of, Equipment with a warranty, Equipment that has someone who will support you in accomplishing your mission with the equipment.