Finding a remarketing provider for your IT equipment should not simply be a matter of sending out equipment lists for bid. Selling for the highest price could result in selling to the highest potential liability for your firm. You can protect yourself by researching and performing due-diligence on the bidders ahead of time to make sure they meet the highest standards for equipment remarketing.
To avoid risk and minimize your liability, here are some areas to research when you’re in the market for an IT and technology equipment remarketing vendor:
Processes and reporting
Does the remarketer provide detailed audit reports? How quickly is the IT and technology equipment processed and are sales reports produced?
Data security and NAID certification
Data security is of utmost importance anytime you dispose of IT and technology equipment. When searching for an equipment remarketing provider, ask if they wipe computer hard drives clean and if you receive reports or documentation saying so. What software do they use? Is it certified? The certification to look for, to ensure maximum data security, is NAID (National Association for Information Destruction) AAA Certification.
Relationship with buyers
A good equipment remarketer has developed strong relationships with buyers downstream, both wholesale and retail. Established relationships give the IT equipment remarketer quick access to a variety of channels for a diversity of types of equipment, allowing them to offer a balance between value and time to sale.
Can they handle your equipment?
Your firm might have a wide range of IT and technology equipment it’s looking to resell. Is your remarketer familiar with all the equipment types you have? Are they generalists or specific buyers? Looking at the big picture, in equipment remarketing, a diverse capability will usually result in a higher return on investment (ROI) and will be the easiest to manage.
More than one location
Having an equipment remarketing provider with multiple locations across the country that all process equipment to the same high standards lowers the risk of loss and damage to your equipment and reduces costs. For leasing companies and lessees, and for enterprises with multiple locations, this is especially important.
Environmental compliance
What does your IT equipment remarketing vendor do if your equipment can’t be resold? You could be liable if the remarketer does not properly dispose of your equipment. Find out if the remarketer has the necessary certifications to dispose of and/or resell IT equipment, according to all local, state, and federal regulations. Check if the remarketing vendor is an R2/RIOS Certified Electronics Recycler. R2/RIOS is the EPA-sponsored industry benchmark for proper electronics recycling and reuse.
Take a tour
It’s always a good idea to tour your equipment remarketer’s facility to see first-hand how they process used equipment. Check out the cleanliness of the operation, how equipment is sorted and processed, and watch equipment being readied for resale or demanufactured for recycling. Also observe the security of the building and ask for details on things like employee background checks and training.
Researching these standards before selecting an IT equipment remarketer will help ensure the vendor you choose provides the best value to your firm for the least amount of risk. Contact Lifespan and ask us these questions!
