Chapter List

Overview

Many companies buy used or refurbished equipment to cut costs. This market is a great place to buy telephones and equipment if you take a little time to do your homework and browse for the best deals. Why not buy refurbished equipment if it can run as good as new, comes with a warranty and saves you money?

Secondary equipment usually costs 30% to 70% less than new. Most vendors will tell you that the older the equipment, the greater the discount. Whatever is scarce costs more money. Phone color also affects value; unpopular colors are scarcer, so cost more.

You can shop for the system you want through the manufacturer or dealer, then call a secondary vendor to see if you can get it for less. Make sure you know your product. The telephone and KSU model numbers indicate analog vs. digital, plus non-visible features like speakerphone.

If you decide to buy from the secondary market rather than a dealer or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), make sure you can install it yourself or that you have someone lined up to install it. Secondary market sources are usually (but not always, so ask) equipment-only.