Frequently Asked Questions

How much is saved on refurbished IT equipment?

Vendors will tell you different discount percentages: 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%. The fact is that it truly depends. Servers are like commodities - one popular Dell server will be offered by many vendors which will lower the overall rate by sometimes as much as 80% off new server pricing. However, the equivalent HP server will not be carried by as many vendors and might be hard to find. The refurbished HP server would cost more than the refurbished Dell server in this example and yet they are equivalent on a technology level.

Next, factor in age, make and model and the simple answer becomes there is no standard discount rate. But 40% to 60% discount off new pricing is pretty standard and a good range. Our best suggestion the is to tell us exactly what you need and we can provide you with the best case solutions we can offer.

Is it really worth it to buy used servers?

Only you can answer that based on your needs and your budget. You can buy two used servers for the price of one new server and maintain the same reliability and performance. All servers are built to last and most refurbished IT equipment is only 3 to 5 years old despite being built to last a decade or two. Sure you might need a tune up or a part replaced over the lifetime but the system will be viable for years. Even new systems need tune ups and spare parts.

How do you refurbish? Is there a specific process?

Yes, we use a specific process called the Secure Sanitation Process. Cloud Ninjas has a detailed checklist that each technician follows, which includes data wiping, removing and upgrading nonfunctioning parts, cleaning inside and out, running multiple tests and appearance corrections. Used servers will come in and refurbished servers will go out. The performance and dependability of the used server will be recovered to the point of looking, feeling and executing like new.

How can I be certain the server has actually been refurbished or reconditioned?

Just like buying a new car, getting a tattoo or having your air conditioner serviced, it's important to work with the best professionals you can find.

The easiest way to check if the system has been refurbished is to see if there is still data on the refurbished server. If the data has been fully wiped, that is generally a good sign that a professional company that specializes in the refurbishment of used IT equipment has handled your system. Does it power on? When it powers on does it give you any error codes? Have proper FW updates been installed?

Finding a reputable seller is crucial. Any company or guy in a garage can set up shop and start selling online with claims that have no validity. Make sure your vendor specializes in refurbished IT equipment. Cloud Ninjas provides a certificate detailing the refurbishment process applied to every server we sell. This is both for your confidence in our product but also to ensure every product going out the door is in the best possible condition available.

Will the longevity of a server's life be restored in full after refurbishing?

Refurbishing used servers will extend the system's lifetime. However, the vendor of the used IT equipment has no way of knowing or proving how much extra time has been restored. In most cases, used IT equipment was replaced by newer technology and not due to malfunctions. Mechanically speaking, refurbished computer parts and systems can last for many years or even decades.

Does a refurbished server come with any type of warranty?

Many sellers provide a warranty of 30 to 90 days. However, Cloud Ninjas offers a 1-year warranty on all servers. If a component fails then we will send you a spare part at no cost. If the system fails, then Cloud Ninjas will replace it at no cost to you. We stand behind our product and quality control procedures. We offer the 1-year warranty for free with an option to purchase additional warranties.

Are there disadvantages to buying used IT equipment?

If the used server has been refurbished properly by an organization specializing in refurbished IT equipment then there aren’t any disadvantages of refurbished servers or networking equipment. Servers are manufactured to last a long time but will likely need updates and spare parts, just like most types of machinery. Spare parts will be needed over time for both new and used equipment and any respectable refurbished server distributor will offer at least a 1-year warranty.