BUYING AND SELLING PRE-OWNED IMAGING EQUIPMENT
By David Band
BUYER SIDE
One should buy equipment made by the major manufactures. The system should be easily upgradeable. One should have immediate funds available to secure the system. When state of the art systems become available they are usually sold within seventy two hours. Most state of the art systems are generally controlled by brokers with strong ties to Banks, leasing companies and OEM trade-in desk's and never hit the open market.
Once you buy equipment that is up and running, it should be inspected by a company that is going to de-install, re-install and provide a service contract. Make sure that any company used is insured.
When getting quotes for used equipment they should be compared very carefully to be sure the same software and all other options are included. Adding software options after the sale can be extremely expensive.
When buying equipment in the pre-owned market, one should pick a single broker in order to prevent ping-pong pricing. Especially, when one goes to more than one broker. It will seem that there is more than one buyer for a piece of equipment and this will drive pricing up.
If you are reading this page right now it’s obvious you are surfing the net. The internet is a great place to start your search but keep in mind there are many dishonest dealers with very nice websites. A lot of the systems that are available on the web are not available in the real world. If you find a system that meets your needs on the web, you must arrange for a physical inspection of the system by yourself or someone representing you so that you can be sure the system is as described and will fit your needs.
When dealing with a broker, one should make sure the equipment really exists. Do not give a deposit until inspection is completed.
As a founding member of I.A.M.E.R.S. we always recommend dealing with one of its members. I.A.M.E.R.S. members agree to do business by a strict code of ethics and bylaws focusing courtesy to the customer, professionalism and respect. Dealing with an I.A.M.E.R.S. will assure you of being treated fairly by someone who has a good knowledge of the business and customer service.
Taking these steps could save one substantially and will keep you from being taken advantage of.
SELL SIDE
One should keep equipment well maintained; have adequate service records and the original purchase document, which includes detailed specifications of the equipment.
There should also be detailed records kept of every upgrade performed. The equipment should be kept as clean as possible.
The equipment should be put up for sale ASAP to avoid market fluctuations. Selling used equipment on the used market is like selling commodities, values are dictated by supply and demand, so even if a system in not available for 6 months, it should still be placed on the market to maximize its value.
If one wished to sell their equipment through a broker, they should pick one reputable broker to handle the transaction, preferably an I.A.M.E.R.S. member.
If the seller is looking to trade their equipment, before doing so, please keep in mind that a broker will offer a real cash value. Trading in a system will only get you a discount you could have negotiated without a trade in.
The buyer should be responsible for the de-installation and rigging out of the equipment. The seller should be responsible for any construction that needs to be done to provide a path for the systems removal such as the removal of doors, walls, roof or the side of the building.
One should realize that this is a commodity market and the laws of supply and demand prevail.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me directly at 718-605-3310