Used electronic test equipment: What’s the difference in used, refurbished, remarketed and rebuilt?

Second-hand electronics, or pre-owned equipment, can be a great way to get good quality testing gear without spending the fortune that new equipment would cost. The key question is what kind of used equipment is available and how could you know where you are getting a good deal?

Used electronic test equipment can be either "used", "refurbished", "remarketed" or "rebuilt". Each type has different levels of condition and performance. Used electronic test equipment will usually be in the best condition as it will have been inspected thoroughly after it was purchased by a previous owner. This may include making some repairs or replacements if they were needed at the time of purchase. Used equipment may also have a shorter warranty than refurbished or rebuilt equipment.

Refurbished electronic test equipment is usually in good condition, but the vendor has made some repairs and replacements to bring it to like-new working condition. This can include replacing as many parts or components as needed, including all original components that can be tested and verified as operating properly. In some cases, "refurbished" may be used to state the gear still has a warranty, although this is not always the case. Refurbished electronics are an excellent choice for anyone purchasing pre-owned test gear who wants good quality equipment at a fair price.

Refurbished electronics will have a full warranty similar to new equipment. A refurbished test unit that has been tested and verified at the seller's facility is guaranteed to be in good working condition. Most refurbished test gear includes a 12-month parts warranty. However, before purchasing refurbished electronics check with the supplier to make sure it has been tested and is guaranteed to be operating properly. Also, you should check the name of the vendor as there may be others doing business under that name as well. This may not be the same company you are dealing with. Be sure to ask for additional information to check on the integrity of your vendor.

Remarketed electronic test equipment will have been in good condition but had previously been sold as new by a vendor who has returned it for credit, or a warranty repair, and then resells it as refurbished. This may include manufacturing defects or other issues that occurred before it was sold as new. The remarketing process should ensure that any issues are fixed and verified before selling refurbished equipment with a warranty. A remarketed test unit may be sold with some manufacturer’s warranties, but check with the vendor to make sure this is included in the price offered.

Rebuilt electronic test equipment is usually in good condition but has been completely disassembled and the parts tested and replaced as needed. Many rebuilt test units may include parts that have been certified as new by the vendor. This process ensures the rebuild is done properly so that the equipment will operate properly for a long time. You should check with the seller to see if this is included in their warranty claim before you buy it.

The better option to get good quality test gear at a fair price, even refurbished or remarketed equipment can be expensive, especially if you need specialized form factors or uncommon configurations. The crew at Field Service Solutions can provide optimum solutions for your needs, whatever they may be. We can provide complete service and repair of used, refurbished and rebuilt test equipment at a reasonable cost when compared to new equipment. We have a large inventory that has been used in the field and we can provide fast turn around. See some of our past projects to see what we can do for you.

What is it? Used Electronic Test Equipment is any item or component that has been used/used as designed, then removed from service/replaced by either its seller or manufacturer, repackaged and sold as new (new item), or cleared on its own (used item). Used electronic test equipment may also be refurbished electronically at the discretion of the manufacturer after its original manufacturer's warranty runs out.

What does it mean? Used electronic test equipment is any item or component that has been used/used as designed, then removed from service/replaced by either its seller or manufacturer. Used electronic test equipment may be refurbished electronically at the discretion of the manufacturer after its original manufacturer’s warranty runs out.

What are some of the issues with used electronic test equipment? [EXPOSED] There are several factors that impact the condition of used electronic test equipment. Although many vendors have a good reputation and will gladly extend a warranty period for many years, there are issues which may prevent clear communication and fair pricing. The following issues should be considered when purchasing used test equipment:

Broken or Damaged Boxes: As the equipment leaves the shipping area, it is usually placed into a large box for transport. Large boxes are usually crated for extra protection during shipping. The box may get thrown around a bit, dropped and packed tightly with other boxes at the shipping facility. A test unit inside of a damaged box may not work properly when you open it up. Visually inspect all items before purchasing; this is not difficult as most used electronic test equipment comes with its own packaging to protect against impact damage. If there is any type of visible damage to the chassis, this could be an indication that internal components have shifted and become out of place. Look for hiccups in the wiring and components to see if they have been bent or compromised.

As-Is: Many test units are purchased by the user with a full warranty on its components and testing. These vendors make it very easy to check on the condition of the items in their inventory. You can contact them directly via email or phone and ask questions about the items. Have some experience using electronic test equipment? Tell them you’re an advanced user, not just a buyer looking for something cheap off the shelf. It will give you more bargaining power in terms of price ($$$) as well as guarantees that you know what you’re getting (ie: working pre-tested used test equipment).

Vendor Warranty: Remember that many used electronic test equipment vendors have a limited warranty period (usually 1-year on new items, 1-year on refurbished electronics, and optional lifetime warranties on remarketed electronic test equipment). Even if they don’t explicitly say it, some vendors may have longer warranties. Some units have been tested and will carry a 12+ month parts warranty. If a vendor has been bought or sold, the standing warranty may no longer be valid. Be sure to ask about the product and if it carries a current warranty before you buy.

Item Description: All used electronic test equipment should have a detailed list of the components and functionality of the item. If you can't see a picture of all the necessary internal testing ports, you may need to ask questions about the item specifically. If you’re going to buy a network cable tester, make sure you can see what kind of connectors it has before purchase. Some used test gear doesn’t actually have the exact parts that were originally listed on its description (ie: they were sold with two BNC connectors, but delivered with 4 BNC connectors). Make sure that all parts are present and accounted for before purchase.

Conclusion

Searching for used electronic test equipment can be tricky. You need to consider the condition of the unit, how much it would cost you to purchase just parts and to have the item rebuilt/refurbed and what warranty you’re getting from the vendor. If you need custom size and/or configuration, there are a lot of options for new and refurbished test equipment that can meet your needs. If you need it fast, we've got that covered too.