Buying used test equipment no longer takes place in back rooms but continues growing in the mainstream marketplace. Many large companies, including the Fortune 500, implement buying strategies for refurbished and reconditioned testing equipment. The obvious reasons include savings to the bottom line, procuring good working equipment and adding to or replacing current inventory.

When dealing with companies that sell used test equipment, see or ask about their warranty and return policies. Many sellers offering reconditioned and refurbished items provide limited warranties. Some equipment sold as used maintains the original warranty. When buying preowned test instruments consider the following:

1. Get reconditioned test equipment with factory or in-house repairs and calibrations.

2. Find refurbished or reconditioned test equipment with in-house repairs or factory approved refurbishment.

3. Locate medical and environmental equipment that’s not outdated in these advancing fields, from reputable companies with good warranties.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy reconditioned test equipment for quality products

The seller's terms 'factory reconditioned' or 'reconditioned' typically mean the buyer or lessee returned the used testing equipment to the manufacturer. The manufacturer then services the used test equipment to its original specifications; however, some 'in-house' companies repair the equipment themselves. Many times these items retain a full warranty.

I recommend: Buy Agilent Technologies, Inc. remanufactured test equipment direct from the company through its Agilent CertiPrime program; click an electrical product from the “CertiPrime Product Categories.” For in-house reconditioned logic analyzers go to Spectra Test Equipment, Inc.; click other requirements by category from the menu. Fill in “Quick Search” or click “Catalog” at Naptech for reconditioned test equipment.

Purchase refurbished used testing equipment to replace or add to your business

Generally, factory refurbished means a repair center does the refurbishment. Refurbished typically carry either the manufacturer warranty or the sellers limited warranty.

I recommend: Select pre-owned test equipment from Calright Instruments; to determine condition, click “Detail,” then view condition as “Pre-Owned or Brand New.” Buy used test equipment by selecting a category at Test Equipment Connection Corp. Click the dialog box for categories and save 25% to 75% over new instruments at Electro Rent Corp.

Locate used medical test equipment for office or hospital

These companies carry a wide spectrum of inventory for the medical field. Check back often for new listings.

I recommend: Click “Electronic” from the categories for latest used electronic test equipment that includes testing devices and other products at Production Engineering-Medical Equipment Division. Buy pre-owned and refurbished testing equipment at Med1 Outlet or use “Equipment Search” for specific needs. Go to DRE Inc. for vital signs monitors; click unit, then see listings for factory new, refurbished and retired, or select another category from the menu.

Find used environmental equipments for sale with deep discounts

These companies update as products arrive. Email requests for all used test equipment your business needs and receive notification when available.

I recommend: Go to Enviro-Equipment, Inc. for limited warranties on all their products like gas detection instruments, organic vapor analyzers and water quality meters. Find used environmental test chambers and used test ovens at LR Environmental Equipment Co., Inc. Click “Used” under headings. Locate a refurbished environmental chamber and second hand vibration test equipment at Russells Technical Products, Inc. Look for geophysical, radioactivity detection and other environmental equipment at BES Warehouse, a division of Brininstool Equipment Sales, Inc.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider contacting the manufacturer of used testing equipment before buying to see if the company still supports it or offers upgrades. If possible, provide serial number.