With tight budgets, many companies are discovering the value in used or refurbished business equipment. This offers great savings for a startup business and even for well established companies. On average, savings of 25% to 33% off retail are common, so this can be a very smart option. Small refurbished or reconditioned equipment that is a year or two old, however, can save up to 75% or more and probably will serve more than adequately through a company's start-up period and much longer.

Consider the savings when buying a business telephone system, photo copier  or a mailing system with all the up-to-date features that may cost a great deal more than equipment that has been out for just two to three years with very little actual difference in speed, capacity, and other features. Used or refurbished business equipment can yield a substantial savings when compared to that which is selling for new. Frequently one can find and buy used equipment such as office furniture, restaurant equipment and furniture, retail store fixtures items that include chairs, desks, fax machines, scanners, file cabinets, cases, displays, pop systems, racks, cash registers, shelves and signs. Businesses will advertise and sell service equipment of all kinds such as: machinery used delivery trucks, business vehicles and warehouse equipment including carts, fork lifts, industrial racks, shelving and tow motors. For new and experienced business owners, tremendous savings can be obtained purchasing used equipment from business closings, bankruptcy and liquidation service companies.

In addition, understand the difference between "refurbished," "reconditioned," and "remanufactured." "Refurbished" usually means that the equipment has simply been cleaned and may have had minor repairs performed. "Reconditioned" means that all repairs have been made to bring the equipment back into near-perfect or perfect working order. "Remanufactured" means that the equipment has gone back to the plant and has been worked on by expert technicians. Remanufactured equipment is often available only through authorized dealers or resellers.