Computer secondary market specialists seemed, at one time, to have been operating on the fringes of hardware retailing. All of that is changing now, in times of economic recession and global concern about the environment. In fact, in 2008, software giant Microsoft even got on the bandwagon, championing the used computer market in a white paper called Microsoft and the Secondary Computer Market.

The Potential of the Secondary Computer Market

The Microsoft white paper discusses the promise of the used computer market. According to this report, the used, refurbished and discontinued computers and accessories offered by computer secondary market specialists:

"have tremendous potential to empower people and to facilitate healthy, sustainable economic growth. They can be an important tool in advancing education, improving the delivery of social services, increasing business productivity, fostering local innovation and creating new jobs."

With 80% of the world's population lacking even basic computer technology, the "... reuse of computers-through donation, refurbishment or resale-offers tremendous promise for increasing access to technology, especially for people under served by technology." Many computers that end up in landfill are less than four years old - still perfectly usable when properly refurbished.

The Benefits of Used Computer Equipment

Microsoft describes some of the key benefits of buying from computer secondary market specialists. These benefits include:

- Making technology more affordable. People and businesses in poorer communities can afford to buy on the secondary computer market, where prices can be less than half the cost of buying new. Lower prices mean more access to technology, which can help businesses grow, and help people pursue educational opportunities that might otherwise be denied them.
- Environmental stewardship. Computers contain several toxic substances and should not end up in a landfill. Proper disposal is a must. But before disposing of their IT assets, companies with surplus equipment are now turning to the secondary computer market for resale, thereby avoiding the waste stream altogether.
- Economic opportunities. In developing countries, affordable technology can aid business development. Small businesses can, in turn, help communities become more self-sufficient. Schools that can afford computers can help train people for jobs in the knowledge economy. And, says Microsoft, the refurbishment industry can generate jobs itself.

Debunking the Myths About Computer Secondary Market Specialists

The Microsoft report does mention one of the prevailing myths about used computer retailers - that they cannot be trusted.

While there may be some unscrupulous vendors out there, many operate reputable businesses with excellent customer service and written guarantees. Before shopping on the secondary market, do your homework. Check the company's website for warranty information, product condition codes, and return policies.

If you can't find this information, speak to a salesperson. And if you are uncomfortable with their answers, shop around. Look at your hardware vendor to see if they have any recommendations for where to buy their used or discontinued products. In addition to Microsoft, hardware manufacturers like Toshiba and IBM/Lenovo offer resale programs through authorized vendors.