| In the era of a "down economy" many companies are | | | | machine. Shortly after delivering and installing the |
| searching every avenue to save money. Some | | | | machine I received a text from one of the principals, |
| companies have tried to go the route of used | | | | "Homer, I'm in love." was the response. They were able |
| equipment. Buying from Craigslist, Ebay, Lease returns | | | | to increase their productivity from 4,000 to 6,000 |
| and other used equipment sources. does it save | | | | pieces per hour to nearly 20,000 pieces per hour (oh, |
| money? or Is it as costly or more costly as new? | | | | and achieve a better approval rate from the United |
| Over the years I have seen used equipment | | | | States Postal Service (i.e. less postage $$)). |
| purchased in many environments. Frankly the results | | | | In another setting, a company leased a used copier |
| have been mixed. Sometimes, companies have found | | | | because they felt they would save dollars because it |
| a great fit that was a great savings for them. More | | | | was a used copier. In the end, they are spending more |
| often, I have found companies disappointed. The | | | | money for the used copier and are receiving less utility. |
| savings have either not been what they expected and | | | | The used copier, was slower, higher supply costs and |
| some times a direct loss. | | | | not the same quality of print they would have received |
| Over the years one of the greatest mistakes I have | | | | with a new unit. |
| seen with the purchase of used equipment is improper | | | | So the moral of the story, Used equipment might save |
| shipping. A number of years back, one customer called | | | | you money. But, if your going to purchase used |
| for help with a folder inserter they had bought from a | | | | equipment make certain you have a company that |
| few states away. The seller had boxed the 70+ | | | | can service your equipment. It is not IF you will need |
| pound machine in a heavy duty box with Styrofoam | | | | service but how often you will need it. It may look |
| popcorn. Now, popcorn is an ok packing material for | | | | inexpensive at the outset but it may just be cheap. |
| light weight product. Unfortunately, it is not adequate | | | | Unfortunately cheap, frequently means more |
| for what is in essence a 70 lb brick. Needless to the | | | | expensive. |
| machine did not arrive in an operational mode. The | | | | Also, don't be afraid to look at new equipment. Many |
| frame was bent and need serious repair and | | | | manufacturers are putting together promos and lease |
| replacement parts before the machine would work. | | | | packages that make New Equipment actually less |
| Another customer called us for help with an address | | | | expensive. They are motivated to move the gear out |
| printer. The printer was so bent it could not be repaired. | | | | of their showrooms and warehouses. So ASK. Make |
| A few years back, I thought I had found a "DEAL" at a | | | | sure you have "right-sized" your equipment. With all of |
| lease return house that I could resell at a great profit. | | | | the changes in our world, you may not need as large |
| Unfortunately, the machine had an electrical glitch that | | | | of a machine as you once did. Then again, maybe you |
| would have cost $1,000's to repair (more than the | | | | do. Take a look, either way, having the right equipment |
| machine was worth). | | | | will be budget saving in the end. |
| Two years ago I was working with a time share | | | | Look for new equipment that fits your budget. |
| resale company to acquire an addressing machine. | | | | Equipment that you know the history of, Equipment |
| They decided instead to purchase a machine from | | | | with a warranty, Equipment that has someone who will |
| eBay. The machine worked but not so well. After | | | | support you in accomplishing your mission with the |
| using that machine for six months and then trying | | | | equipment. |
| another used machine, they finally purchased a new | | | | |
