Loading...
circuit board question mark image

How to Reduce Your Risk When Buying Used Automation Parts

Published: 22/07/2022

How to Reduce Your Risk When Buying Used Automation Parts

The concept of buying used automation parts has long been tarnished by the perpetuated idea that they are inadequate in comparison with their shiny new counterparts. Buying new directly from a trusted manufacturer is a no brainer for many decision makers. Inclusive of a warranty and fresh from the factory floor, new components are certainly a force to be reckoned with.

It is widely accepted that a popular reason for purchasing refurbished items is to save money, however in the world of industrial automation, the rationale behind the decision is driven by something completely different. Over time, parts become obsolete, discontinued by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for an array of reasons. A new version of the same part may have entered the market or there simply might not be enough demand to continue supplying it. In the wake of change, the replacement part may not be compatible with your operations and so the used and refurbished market comes into play to supply that much needed legacy component. As used parts are already in circulation and with the current component shortage for new parts, the former option is becoming increasingly favourable.

Kurt Vonnegut once said “In this world, you get what you pay for”. When it comes to purchasing used automation parts, determining quality and value is no easy feat. While the idea of purchasing used continues to bear the burden of negative connotations, for many they are essential to the continuation of operations and prevention of downtime.

So, what questions should you be asking before taking the plunge into refurbished parts and how can your interrogation minimise risk?

AdobeStock_478438404_1

What is the difference between used and refurbished?

While the two may seem the same on the surface, beneath the shell is a different story. Used parts still have the pre-existing components within and in time, they will deteriorate and gradually reach the end of their life. For instance, capacitors typically have a lifespan of seven years. If the used part has been integrated in operations for a decade, intermittent faults may rear their heads once installed in your process. If you only receive a short warranty period, this means your part search begins once again. Granted, this is not guaranteed to happen if you purchase from a reputable supplier, however the stakes are high and gambling is a risky game where downtime is involved.

The term ‘refurbished’ has become synonymous with external sprucing up so to speak but when it comes to industrial electronics, it takes on a whole new meaning. These parts are not merely received as is and sent to a customer but instead stripped down and assessed. Using ourselves as an example, all the parts we sell from stock receive a full preventative maintenance service. This means we replace serviceable components such as fans, capacitors and relays to ensure the maximum lifespan of our parts. We then send them on their merry way with a two year warranty. No cutting corners here!

AdobeStock_305442776

If refurbished, was it done by a reputable, ISO certified company?

We would recommend always buying used or refurbished parts from a company that has its own repair department and an established history. Professional automation suppliers should refurbish used equipment to a high standard and only use genuine premium quality components. We also recommend checking their reviews on a site such as Review.io or Trustpilot to see if any negative feedback comes out of the woodwork. These reviews will also indicate the quality of parts they have on offer.
Also consider the payment options they accept. Do you receive a proforma prior to payment? Are the payment methods encrypted? If you are being asked to pay in some obscure way, it is always better to be safe than sorry in the face of potential fraud.

In a breakdown situation this might not be the first question you ask but an ISO 9001 badge indicates a Quality Management System has been put in place by the supplier. The supplier is therefore focused on ensuring the business delivers a consistent level of quality to its customers by having well defined and regularly reviewed processes and procedures.

AdobeStock_218009467

Have you sufficiently researched the seller?

When beginning your research, you may see a flashy website saying all the right things but does this mean they will live up to expectations and be able to walk the walk? Not necessarily. As mentioned above, having a well rounded awareness of the supplier's reputation is crucial. Even something quick and simple like a Google search could save you a lot of hassle further down the line.

❓ Where are they based? Do they have a physical location?
❓ Does it look like an industrial unit full of engineers?
❓ Are they an established company?
❓ Do they have their own technical department?
❓ Are they able to support you if things go wrong beyond the point of sale?
❓ Do they have their own stock?

AdobeStock_385793647

Does it come with a warranty?

It may be all smiles when you save some money on your part but if you are not protected by a warranty, it will soon fade. Many suppliers neglect to offer coverage and some can be as little as a few weeks. In the event of a part failure, a warranty shields you from additional hefty financial outlays. Ideally, you want to be on the lookout for the longest warranty period possible. The longer the warranty, the more confidence the supplier has in their goods. At Northern Industrial we provide a full two year warranty on every part we sell or repair.

AdobeStock_152348524

Does the supplier offer in-house support?

Imagine a scenario where you have recently purchased a replacement part but are experiencing teething problems. You try to contact the supplier and they refer you back to the OEM for advice and support. The impact of this could be far greater if you are experiencing downtime while waiting for a response. Having technical support on hand even after the purchase can save time and money throughout the product life cycle. Likewise, many in need of technical advice turn to self diagnosis, believing they have pinpointed the issue and cause significant damage as opposed to fixing the problem.

When you buy a part from Northern Industrial, a team of engineers are on hand who are able to offer expert pre and post advice exactly when you need it.

AdobeStock_216483655

Are you being blindsided by a low price?

Often when listings appear on supplier websites stating ‘Sold As Seen’ and at a fraction of the price of a refurbished part, they do have a level of attraction. In many instances, these parts are non-returnable and not guaranteed to work as expected. If we return to Vonnegut’s statement, a lower price certainly does not mean an equally good product and there is likely a reason behind it being so cheap.
Similarly, do not be burnt by the small print. Hidden deep within a contract, likely lurking on the back page if it exists, you may well encounter extortionate shipping or handling fees. If you spot these hidden costs, question the supplier and do not receive a coherent reply, ask yourself why they are not happy to answer. In a similar vein, if you require datasheets, manuals or even just something as simple as a picture of the used part, a trusted supplier will have no issue in sending them over.

When you consider the cost of downtime, is it really worth the risk? Choose a reputable supplier who prices fairly and be sure to read the terms of sale.

AdobeStock_295856352

Does the supplier have a return policy?

If the supplier refuses to accept returns or has no returns policy on the website or accompanying documentation to the part, you must ask yourself why. It may be that they are trying to clear faulty stock and unfortunately if you neglect to research their policy, returning the part is just an unnecessary hurdle placed in your path, once again forcing you back to square one.

REFUND

Are you asking the million dollar questions before purchasing preloved automation parts?

From drive repairs and HMIs to PLCs, obsolete spare parts and everything in between, we are committed to optimising your operations.

Industrial automation is part of our DNA. If you are on the hunt for a complete automation solution, we are ready and waiting to provide the support you deserve.

Want to find out more?

If you'd like to learn more, click the button below and one of our helpful friendly team will be in touch. Alternately you can reach us by phone on

Share this article

View our other articles

maintenance manager image

Maintenance

Repairs

12/11/2021

Pain Points for Maintenance Managers: Northern Industrial Prescribe The Solutions

Facing a myriad of painful obstacles as a Maintenance Manager, here is what Northern Industrial would prescribe as a remedy for those pesky headaches.

View Full Article
top tips text feature image with circuit board background

Maintenance

Repairs

General

01/04/2022

Top 10 Preventative Maintenance Tips for Reducing Downtime

Uncover our top tips on how you can establish a juggernaut of a maintenance schedule to minimise the risk of downtime, allowing your operations to remain in good health.

View Full Article