How to Buy Used Office Equipment

Office furniture and equipment is a necessary and costly part of any new or growing business. Purchase some office items--workstations, printers and bookbinders--used instead of new; the used counterpart works just as well. Save money when you buy used office equipment and use that wealth for other areas of your business.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find a reputable dealer to work with, such as Furniturefinders.com, for assistance with used office equipment. The price may be a little bit higher, but you should get some benefits such as limited warranty (see Resources below).

2. Consider used or refurbished office equipment. Refurbished means they use parts from previously used items. It differs from used in that the item is completely rebuilt using the old parts after inspecting and cleaning those parts. They discard worn parts that no longer function.

3. Buy used office equipment and get the actual product without the makeover. Oftentimes, offices sell their used equipment because they want to update or upgrade and the used pieces are still in good shape.

4. Inspect the used or refurbished office equipment before purchase. Ask if the product comes with a warranty.

5. Purchase used office equipment directly from the business selling it. You should save money since there is no middleman. You can also haggle over the price. Make sure you fully inspect the equipment if you buy used equipment this way, since it will be "as is" and you will have no recourse once you buy.

Tips & Warnings

• Protect your investment. Check with your business insurance agent about insuring your used office equipment.

Resources

• Buy used office furniture here.