Should You Buy Refurbished or Used Network Equipment?

Equipment purchases are a big deal for businesses—they impact productivity, efficiency, and, of course, the bottom line. But when it comes to networking hardware, should you go for used network equipment or invest in brand-new gear?

Brand new equipment has the newest features and the best support from the manufacturer, but comes at a premium price. Refurbished or used hardware can provide great savings with very little performance impact. The sustainability aspect is real; buying used gear means less electronic waste.

So, how do you determine what’s better for your business? We’ll take you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

What Is Considered “New” Equipment?

New network equipment is just that—new, freshly manufactured, factory-sealed, and ready for use. It’s a start-and-go solution, and for many businesses, it’s the simplest choice. But the convenience has its price.

For startups or businesses operating on a shoestring, investing in all-new equipment may be impractical. This is where used network equipment is an affordable option.

What Does “Refurbished” Really Mean?

Theoretically, when we say “refurbished” equipment, it means hardware that has been returned to like new to new condition. That doesn’t mean you’re getting lesser quality—it just means the equipment has been pre-owned and repaired, tested and quality checked.

There are some companies that upgrade their networks every few years, and do so, leaving perfectly working hardware behind. This is when the devices go into the refurbished market, which can be a great opportunity for businesses to get quality equipment at a much lower price.

Manufacturer Refurbished vs. Seller Refurbished

Not all refurbished hardware is created equal. There are two main categories:

• Manufacturer Refurbished: The original manufacturer restores, tests and puts it through high-quality standards, which often includes a warranty.
• Seller Refurbished: Manufacturer refurbished by a third-party seller. Some sellers employ rigorous testing protocols, but quality does vary, and it’s essential to buy from a reputable source.

At Link US Online, we have quality pre-owned network equipment by highly acclaimed companies, such as Cisco, Meraki, HPE, Ubiquiti, etc. We test all of our refurbished products to guarantee consistent reliability and performance.

New vs. Refurbished: Key Differences

Whether to go with new vs refurbished networking hardware is determined by your business needs, your budget, and your long-term goals. Here’s how they compare:

Cost Savings

Refurbished electronics often have one of the biggest advantages — the cost. Save up to 30% or more versus buying new. If you’re making bulk purchases or equipping an entire network, those savings add up quickly.

Warranty & Support

New equipment usually includes a manufacturer warranty (typically 90 days to a year). But some refurbished vendors include extended warranties; lifetime coverage is even available in some instances.

At Link US Online, we stand by our products. You get high quality, reliable refurbished hardware with excellent warranty options: the hardware is thoroughly tested and inspected before you ever see it.

Sustainability & Environmental Impact

Purchasing pre-owned networking equipment is an environmentally friendly choice. Millions of tons of e-waste are dumped into landfills each year. Refurbished equipment helps businesses prolong the use of technology and cut down on waste and resource extraction.

Availability & Delivery

If you need equipment quickly, refurbished can be better in most cases. Supply chain issues may result in long lead times for new models, but refurbished hardware is usually able to ship immediately.

Why Buying Used Network Equipment Makes Sense

Refurbished and used network equipment come with several benefits beyond just cost savings. Let’s break it down:

1. Cost-Effective Without Compromising Quality

If money is tight for businesses, purchasing refurbished can save you quality hardware for a fraction of the cost. If you use an experienced supplier, you’ll never have to worry about performance or reliability issues.

2. Sell Your Existing Hardware for Extra Cash

Upgrading your network? You don’t need to allow old hardware to gather dust. Most businesses will sell used equipment to help recoup some costs and reinvest in new upgrades.

3. Access to End-of-Life (EOL) Devices

Some manufacturers simply stop making a product — even though it still works perfectly fine. If your network relies on a particular model that has since been discontinued, purchasing refurbished may be your best option.

4. Reliable Testing & Quality Assurance

Reputable vendors like Link US rigorously test all refurbished hardware to ensure it meets performance standards. That means you’re getting equipment that works just as well as new—at a fraction of the cost.

Questions to Ask Before Buying

Still unsure whether to go for new or refurbished? Here are some key questions to consider:

Do You Need Ongoing Maintenance Support?

If ongoing support is critical for your business, you may want to buy new equipment or consider buying manufacturer-refurbished items with service continuity options.

But if you’re cool with third-party support, seller-refurbished gear can be an affordable option. Most sellers provide maintenance plans, 24/7 technical support, and assistance for multi-vendor.

Can You Wait for the Equipment?

New equipment may have longer lead times because of production schedules; refurbished gear is usually available to ship immediately. Used or refurbished options can help you avoid downtime with networking hardware when you need it fast.

Why Choose Link US Online for Your Networking Needs?

This guide is meant to help business owners find refurbished network devices. So if you are searching for things like used Cisco routers, Meraki switches or HPE access points, then we’ve got you covered.

✔ Expertly Tested: Every piece of equipment goes through rigorous testing.
✔ Warranty Protection: Get peace of mind with extended warranty options.
✔ Fast Shipping: Avoid long wait times—our inventory is ready to go.
✔ Eco-Friendly Choice: Reduce e-waste while saving money.

Upgrading your network doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re ready to explore cost-effective alternatives, contact Link US Online today at (919) 825-0900, and let’s find the best solution for your business.