What Should You Expect From a Network Hardware Supplier?

A good network hardware supplier puts six things in writing before you order: the exact part number, the condition, what’s included, the warranty, the return terms and when it ships. Two quotes aren’t comparable until both cover the same configuration on those six points; the lower price is often missing a power supply.

If you’re buying: send every supplier the same parts list and the condition you need, ask about anything the quote leaves out, and keep the written quote with your purchase order.

What belongs on a hardware quote?

	The quote should say	Why
Part number	The full manufacturer SKU and quantity	“Catalyst 9300” covers dozens of configurations
Condition	New, refurbished or used	No surprises when the box arrives
What’s included	Power supplies, fans, modules, optics, rack ears	A bare chassis can’t go into service
Warranty	Who provides it, how long, how to claim	You know who to call when it fails
Returns	Terms for unopened, opened and defective items	A working unit can still be the wrong one
Shipping	When it ships and how	“In stock” isn’t a delivery date

Quote the complete part number

A model family isn’t a configuration. A C9300-48P and a C9300-48UXM are both “48-port Catalyst 9300s”, with different PoE, port speeds and prices, and the license suffix (-E or -A) changes the price again. Quote and compare by complete SKU.

When you need a module, optic or power supply for equipment you already have, give the supplier the exact model it goes into. “Same speed” and “same brand” don’t guarantee it fits. If the supplier offers a substitute, make sure the quote includes everything the substitute needs to work.

Get the condition in writing

New, refurbished and used should be stated on the quote, along with what’s included. For a spare or an expansion of an existing network, a refurbished unit that matches your installed model is usually the better buy. For a new building, your policy may require new. Say so up front so every quote is like for like.

Our guide to buying used network equipment covers when refurbished makes sense.

Read the warranty and the return policy separately

A warranty covers a unit that fails. A return policy covers a working unit you don’t want. They’re different terms, and suppliers handle them differently. Ask how long the warranty is, who handles the claim and whether you need an RMA number, and what a non-defective return costs once the box is open.

At Link US, refurbished units and units from our own stock carry our 90-day warranty, and returns need an RMA. Unopened items can be returned within 30 days. After that, or once opened, returns are handled case by case, with a 25% fee if the unit is unsealed. The buyer pays return shipping on non-defective returns. The full policy is on our refund and returns page.

Ask when it ships, not just whether it’s in stock

For an urgent replacement, ask when the order ships and when it will arrive, and check that against your maintenance window.

At Link US, items in our own stock ship the same day if ordered by 3 PM ET, and other in-stock items ship in 1 to 2 business days. Refurbished units are quoted per request, so ask for the lead time on your quote. Shipping is free within the US; international orders ship at cost.

Ask whether they buy back old equipment

A refresh leaves you with the old switches, firewalls and access points, and they’re worth money. Get the buyback offer separately from the new order so you can judge each on its own.

Link US buys used networking equipment of any brand. Send us the list and we’ll make an offer the same business day; local pickup is available. Planning the replacement itself? Our guide to buying network hardware without overbuying helps you size it.

Get a quote

Send us the part numbers, quantities and condition you need, and we’ll quote them the same business day.