How to Put Added Value Into Your Old Stuff

In our lifetimes, we’ve become used to the idea that hardware will become obsolete. Everything from circular saws to servers to our toaster is going to eventually be replaced with a newer and better model, and that’s just the way of things.

When it comes to information technology, this steady march forward is not only something you can expect, it’s a progress that you can build into your strategic plans as you prepare your organization for future success.

Since you’re here, it’s safe to assume that you’re already considering what to do with your old and outdated equipment when the time comes to upgrade. CDR Global is ready to help you realize every possible value that yesterday’s equipment has to provide, but is there anything you can do to maximize that value?

Here are a few strategies you can implement to help you get the most from your old equipment when it enters the ITAD stream.

Don’t wait too long to recover that value

Your IT manager understands that equipment failure is one of the worst things that could happen, so they’ve probably got a plan in place to replace hardware before it reaches the end of its useful life.

In fact, periodic upgrades should be part of every IT budget, but it’s not uncommon to find replacement schedules that upgrade hardware only when the old hardware is almost spent. This seems like common sense in an if-it’s-not-broke-don’t-fix-it kind of way, but now you’re stuck with old hardware that has minimal resale value.

If you accelerate that replacement schedule by as little as six months, you could put yourself in a position to recapture some value on that old hardware, offsetting the purchase and installation of the upgraded equipment.

Pack it up yourself

This one is so simple it often gets overlooked. In the ITAD industry, just like any other business, the vendor builds costs into the final price of the product. In the ITAD industry, the monetary value of disposed equipment can be effected by the labor and freight required to get the equipment from your facility to your ITAD vendor. Anything you can do to reduce that cost can likely benefit the bottom line.

Can you pack up the equipment so that it’s ready to load on a truck? Can you separate out the equipment into product types (computers in one box, tablets in another, etc.) so that it’s easier for your vendor to inventory? If possible, can you deliver the equipment right to their facility? Manpower is a key part of the ITAD process, and the less labor your vendor requires; the more you could receive at the end.

Take your time

Patience is a virtue, and during the ITAD process, it can even be a way to make a bit of extra money. If you need to get paid immediately for your obsolete hardware, you may find that your vendor has fewer options at their disposal.

If your vendor is plugged in to the industry, they might have other avenues available that offer a better payout, but it may take a bit of time for those opportunities to arise. If you give your vendor time, they can search out all the nooks and crannies and find you the best possible deal for your old hardware.

Find a good ITAD partner

We can’t say enough about having a strong personal relationship with your ITAD vendor. The industry is always changing, and you’ll want someone that understands what you do right now, but also understands where you’re headed in the future.

As they get to know your business, they can anticipate your ITAD needs and keep you in mind if lucrative opportunities arise. Likewise, as you get to know how they operate, you’ll be able to work their services into your IT budgets and strategic plan, making ITAD a reliable revenue source.

CDR Global is ready to be that partner that helps you maximize the value on every piece of IT hardware under your roof. Get in touch with one of our ITAD specialists (Link to: https://cdrglobal.com/contact) and we can set up a system that’s smooth, reliable, and ready to provide you with the return that makes sense for your operation.