April 1998

BY CECIL JENKINS

Voice and data telecommunications equipment is engineered to last. So, when you need to expand your current system, add new extensions and accessories, or update your data transmission features, you are wise to consider buying refurbished equipment on the secondary market.

WHY BUY REFURBISHED?
High-Quality Products
Unlike many other products on the market today, all telecommunications equipment is manufactured to work at peak performance long past the original five year warranty life. Refurbished units are cleaned, and worn components are replaced. Comprehensive, state-of-the-art testing and retesting verify the equipment is restored to its peak dependability.

Recycling Value
Since out of use equipment is bought in surplus quantity from around the country, your costs begin at a fraction of the initial manufacturer’s suggested price. Within days or weeks, systems and components are ready for use after refurbishing.

Maximize Savings And Features
You can stretch your budget by adding refurbished equipment to your existing system to get the up-to-date accessories and transmission peripherals you need. You don’t need to overspend on newly manufactured devices when you can buy more refurbished equipment that will do what you want.

Competitive Warranties
Although the original manufacturer’s warranty is voided with the resale of the equipment, you should receive a quality guarantee by the refurbishing manufacturer. Depending on the age of recycled units and their brand, you can expect warranties ranging from three months to three years on most refurbished equipment in the secondary market. Your

Current Equipment Is Discontinued
Over the years, manufacturers make enough changes in design to make new models available, and then discontinue servicing and making older models. That equipment is still available and serviceable around the country through refurbishing companies.

Older Equipment Needs Repair, Not Replacing
Repair services through refurbishing operations offer consumers of telecom equipment many options to extend their budget and the lifecycle of their current voice and data units.

Use Refurbished And New Equipment Together
With data transmission and other digital features available on newer telecom products, you may do best to combine refurbished voice components with new data equipment. Refurbishing is an affordable way to customize your entire system.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A VENDOR
A Knowledgeable Team
This is probably the most important element of your buying decision. You need to know you aren’t buying someone else’s out-of-date equipment. Make sure your refurbishing manufacturer is experienced and thoroughly understands your needs and what future developments you plan for your existing system. They can advise you on ways to stretch your budget, design your system with the features you need, and give you informed technical support.

Company Longevity
There are many companies launching into the refurbishing market without the industry-specific technical background or skills they need to really meet your telecommunication needs. Integrity and longevity in the industry, in addition to a good reputation with customers, are your best measurements to avoid purchasing under tested or inadequately repaired equipment.

Technical Refurbishing
Since you aren’t looking for just a fresh paint job on your new handset, you need to make sure your refurbishing company has trained technicians. These experts should clean, repair, replace, and test each element of your handset, desktop unit, cables, cards, circuits, switches, and systems. Many companies don’t do the actual technical refurbishing themselves — it is sometimes outsourced with lower quality control standards than may be found in inhouse operations.

Fast Response
Since buying power, technical expertise, and volume warehousing are key to a reputable refurbishing operation, you can place an order and have that order shipped to you within 24 hours. A few outstanding refurbishing operations can even offer you emergency same day shipping.

Competitive Pricing
Since costs for quality testing and technical expertise vary between operations, pricing differs between resellers in the telecom secondary market. Demand, as well as quality of workmanship, are variables in your final costs. Picking the lowest bidder may not give you optimal supplier experience and commitment to quality.

Relationship With Your Supplier
Whether you are a frequent or sporadic buyer of telecom and datacom products, you need to work with a rep reprsentative who will remember your needs, stay on top of your order, and provide you with the best assistance and technical advice. You don’t need someone to just take your order, but an account representative who knows the industry, your products, and the market.

The secondary market for telecom and datacom equipment is an established and profitable resource for today’s businesses. The bottom line for top-quality products can be stretched through the wise purchase of refurbished equipment.

Cecil Jenkins is director of marketing and supervisor/system design coordinator for voice and data products. Since 1981, Tele/Systems Inventory Management has been a cornerstone in the telecommunications secondary market, serving the continental U.S., Canada, and Mexico. With over 40 employees, account managers, and trained technicians on staff, Tele/Systems continues to set the standard for service, quality, and integrity. Its state-of-the-art diagnostic and hands-on refurbishing departments detail over 50 different manufacturers’ products such as: Nortel, AT&T/Lucent, Siemens, Tadiran, Mitel, Toshiba, NEC, TIE, and Executone. Tele/Systems is also a proud distributor for ADTRAN products like DSU/CSU, Frame Relay Products, Network Management, ISDN Products, Channel Banks, and accessories. For more information, contact Tele/Systems at 800-311-9830 or visit their Web site at www.telesystems.com.