Introducing
The Testability Director Version 3.2
 

The first piece of advice is “do your homework.”  There is always a risk on purchasing anything.  There are ways to minimize that risk by knowing the product and the vendor that you are dealing with.

I would also suggest that you get two or three quotes, unless you have a long standing relationship with this vendor.

When you are buying  equipment there are several points that you should consider:

1. Know what you are looking for and if it requires any options.  Also are substitutes ok?  

2. What type of warranty does it come with and what is covered.  Is there a right of return?

3. Does it come with standard accessories?  (Standard accessories are what came with it new).

4. What condition is the equipment in?  If it is refurbished, what do they mean by that?

5. Does the equipment come tested or calibrated?  What is the delivery time?

6. Can you rent for one month and turn it into a purchase?  If so what percentage will apply toward purchase.

7. Get two or three quotes and select the one to meet your criteria.  Getting 10 or more quotes will increase the price because many vendors will be searching for the same item.

On the vendor side there are several concerns too.  

Dealers/brokers can range from a single person with a computer selling equipment to companies with hundreds of employees.  There are over 2000 resellers in the United States alone.

1.  Are they a broker or a dealer.  Do they carry an inventory?

2.  How long have they been in business and what size are they?

3.  Do they have an onsite laboratory or technical resource person(s)?

4.  Do they have different plans for the purchase of equipment?

5.  Who is the contact person if there is a problem with the equipment?

6.  What is their standard warranty?   Are loaners available during repair?

7.  Can they give you a couple of references?

This is by now way a complete list of criteria when it comes to buying used equipment.  With a little planning and fore thought you will be able to save yourself a lot of frustration.

Buying from an online auction is another way, but it is a high risk.  If you buy from auctions know if the equipment is still repairable by the manufacturer and the standard repair price.  If possible get a right of return if the equipment is defective.

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