Howdy group, new to the board, but long time lurker...?ÿ Curious what your perception and experience is with used equipment (i.e. Total Stations, Robots).?ÿ I have my own thoughts (which I will share later), but am interested in other opinions or thoughts on buying used equipment.?ÿ I love this forum as an outlet for opportunities to bay and sell, have heard mixed reviews about eBay, have talked to people that have been screwed over on Craigslist, know dealers that can be trusted, and others that shouldn't...?ÿ But what do the users (or buyers) on this board feel about buying used equipment- the pros and cons.?ÿ Thanks, I'll hang up and listen...
Howdy SurveySource1, welcome to the site.
Your name echos sounds of a storefront...........
I have purchased more used equipment than new from other surveyors thru EBay, personal acquaintances, from this site and other advertised items than I have purchased new.
Sellers on EBay can be contacted, questions ask and have credentials checked if necessary.
I have had new equipment and repaired equipment to show up in very bad shape and with missing parts more times than from any other source.
Usually, things get shipped out on a schedule rather than when ready to be returned.
I recommend that PayPal be used for all online purchases as they usually make sure you get your money's worth.
"SurveySource1": no offense but "I have my own thoughts (which I will share later)" stops me from putting any effort into responding... sounds kinds like phishing to me.
I will wait for your thoughts
anyway, I have had 99.9% good experiences. The only Super Sour big ticket item that comes to mind was from a major well known player, not grey-market.
I do my homework, and ask questions up front.
?ÿ
Thanks for the reply Peter, and no offense taken...?ÿ In addition to surveying, I help with a Twitter feed and a few blogs related to surveying, and didn't want my personal bias or opinions to influence others.?ÿ Though that probably wouldn't be an issue with headstrong surveyors that have their own opinions, and wouldn't be swayed by a message board forum post.
Anyway, I will share my thoughts, and wasn't trying to be elusive or hide my agenda, but I was certainly phishing...?ÿ Phishing for information and opinions for an article dealing with the supply chain side of our profession.?ÿ Some firms are "used equipment only" to save money.?ÿ Others are "new equipment only" to maintain quality concerns.?ÿ Still others aim for a "rental only" strategy...?ÿ My belief is each situation is different, and smaller firms should use that to their advantage to find the best solution based on each individual need.?ÿ Most do.?ÿ But bigger firms run into problems when they try to make decisions based on a "spreadsheet" analysis done by a person without actual knowledge of the equipment or situation.?ÿ
My background is supply chain, procurement, logistics, and Operations.?ÿ My concerns are usually cost, quality, delivery, and support for any purchase.?ÿ The money/finance/accounting side of me always prefers used product just from a bottom line standpoint.?ÿ Lowest price gets the attention, and for smaller firms, it may be the only way to stay afloat or compete by taking advantage of the value and savings of used pricing.?ÿ But the engineer/QC/tech side of me knows quality can be the real measure of value.?ÿ I don't trust most low-cost dealers, and bad equipment does not lead to actual savings.?ÿ Delivery is sometimes critical, and other times not a factor.?ÿ If you need something immediately, price is not as important as just getting what you need when you need it.?ÿ Other times, time is on your side, and you can shop around to find the best deal.?ÿ And support is critical for someone in the field, but usually not properly evaluated by someone that lives in spreadsheets.
So, all that being said, I don't really like most of the big dealers either, but I am looking at it from the procurement side. They claim to cover all the concerns from above, then they fight to get your business, but eventually take advantage of you as soon as they have your loyalty.?ÿ And the small guys don't have the quality control or support network needed.?ÿ Online seems risky, and used seems like a crap-shoot if you don't so your homework, like Peter suggested.?ÿ These dilemmas are the same for mom & pop outfits, and Fortune 500 purchasing departments.?ÿ Balancing the line between cost and quality is a key concern, and I believe each company, or survey manager, or crew has to decide what works best for them, based on the situation.?ÿ There isn't a "one size fits all" strategy, and even internally, companies have to adjust their strategy based on the situation...?ÿ Otherwise, they are using a losing strategy.?ÿ
Peter hit it on the head with the "do your homework" remark, and that holds true for new, used, rental or whatever type acquisition strategy you use.?ÿ I would also add that the buying power a big firm has can be eroded if the wrong person is being involved in the buying decision.?ÿ And the perceived buying hurdles for smaller firms, may actually allow them to be be more nimble in their decision making.
I have no issues with used equipment, but wouldn't expect others to feel the same way.?ÿ And I am not against new equipment, and prefer it for some jobs.?ÿ I don't care where you get your equipment from, each person/company should make the best decision for themselves...?ÿ The authorized dealers, small retailers, storefronts, online listings, brokers, junk dealers, and everyone else are just trying to sell you something.?ÿ It may be new, it may be used, it may be a warranty, it may be supplies, it may be support...?ÿ But make no mistake, they want to win your business, just make sure they do it on your terms to fit your needs, whatever they might be...
