October 06, 2009, 2:01 PM — Have you looked around your data center or IT department lately? Perhaps you noticed there are several pieces of decommissioned networking gear laying around gathering dust or taking up valuable real estate?
If so, before you send them to the dumpster or try to pawn them off on one of the IT staffers to take home and play with, let me whisper two words "asset recovery." Did you ever think that your unwanted but still viable networking gear actually retains some value? It does on the thriving secondary market where hundreds of companies make up what, according to Sanford C. Bernstein, is a $2 billion market.
So with today’s IT budgets already cut to the bone, who can pass on an opportunity to create a new revenue stream that also may eliminate storage fees (or at least corporate clutter) while delivering much-needed funds that could fuel future network upgrades or at least some other worthwhile corporate initiative?
For savvy IT executives, the opportunity to offset capital expenditures by offloading displaced equipment is an increasingly attractive compelling proposition. Yet the reason more organizations do not pursue this avenue is that the process does come with some risks and annoyances. Sure, you could put the gear on eBay or some other auction sites, but who wants to deal with the associated hassles, time spent and responsibilities?
Yet there is money to be made. So a much more appealing alternative is to work with a proven asset recovery provider that specializes in networking equipment. Leading companies in this space are eager to add high quality, re-marketable gear to their inventories because they serve a global customer base that is continually searching for used routers, switches, access servers and IP telephony products.
To assist you in recouping the maximum value for your surplus goods, leading providers of pre-owned networking equipment provide a fast, efficient approach for recovering investments in surplus technology assets along with a variety of support services to streamline the entire asset recovery process. Equipment trade-in or consignment programs and “like value” asset exchanges typically are available.
Experienced asset recovery providers possess a high level of expertise that expedites the process, from assessing inventory value and condition to ensuring every detail is covered during the uninstalling, packing and shipping of equipment. Leading liquidators provide a highly responsive and thorough on-site inspection and assessment evaluation, resulting in a quote—in writing—in no more than 24 hours.
The bottom line: Asset recovery services turn unused or unwanted networking equipment into funds that can boost revenues, fuel new projects or cover unforeseen expenses.
Tips for finding an asset recovery partner:
(1) Look for a company that specializes in networking equipment. Many asset recovery vendors are “generalists,” handling items such as furniture and other office equipment. Those specialized in networking gear typically offer the most services and the best prices.
(2) Make sure the partner is a legitimate player. Ask whether they are a member of UNEDA, United Network Equipment Dealers Association). Members of this trade group are held to strict ethics standards and therefore are a more trustworthy source.
(3) Check with the Better Business Bureau.
(4) Ask for references.
(5) Make sure your deal is put in writing.
Mike Sheldon is chief executive officer and co-owner of Network Hardware Resale
