Test equipment is often complex and expensive to buy. The decision to buy refurbished test equipment is a good one as you can benefit from considerable cost savings compared to new. However, the decision to buy refurbished test equipment should not be made on price alone. Unfortunately, the used test equipment market has attracted a number of unscrupulous traders ('Sharks'). These Sharks are out to make a "fast buck" at your expense.

Sharks often hide behind an 'International' or 'Global' persona but don't be fooled, many trade from a lock-up garage or even their spare bedroom.

Websites cost very little to set up and operate. It is now easier than ever to make a 'one man band' look like an international corporation. However, when things go wrong (which they inevitably do from time to time), or you need support, sharks can show their true colours, leaving you high and dry trying to explain to your boss why the production line has stopped!

We urge you to find out a little more about your test equipment suppliers before parting with your money.

Test Equipment Solutions Ltd is based in a 4000+ sq.ft. office in Langley Berkshire.

We go to great lengths to ensure that our equipment is of the highest quality and employ experienced technically qualified staff to provide market leading service. Our DC to 26.5GHz in-house test and refurbishment facility is designed to ensure all equipment complies with the original manufacturers specifications, prevailing legislation and is shipped in "as new" condition.

Test Equipment Solutions Ltd is ethical, honest and committed to offering you the best quality and service levels in the test equipment marketplace. We want long term relationships with our customers, not a "quick buck".

Please remember the following golden rules when you are purchasing used test equipment purchase:

1. Don't buy on price alone.
   
   
2. Find out what you can about your suppliers. Can you visit their office? Look beyond their website for physical evidence of what they are really like.
   
   
3. Credit check them. Do they publish meaningful accounts? Do they have the financial strength to fund an expensive warranty repair?
   
   
4. How long have they been in business? Are they UK-based? Be suspicious of businesses that have changed their name (check the Companies House website http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk for basic company information free of charge).
   
   
5. Find out how they test and refurbish their equipment. What in-house test facilities do they have and how they can guarantee the quality of the unit? Are all manuals and accessories supplied?
   
   
6. Check their Terms and Conditions. Are they unusually onerous? Do they put all the risk and expense onto you? Who pays transport costs for delivery and warranty repairs? Where does your insurance liability start?
   
   
7. How many employees do they have? Will all support suddenly stop when they go on holiday?
   
   
8. Find out what products they actually have in stock at this time. Ask what equipment they are able to provide on loan in the unfortunate event of equipment failure.
   
   
9. Steer clear of internet auction sites. We have become increasingly aware of scams relating to test equipment on these sites. Often equipment is offered at staggeringly low prices. Don't be fooled. If the offer seems to good to be true it usually is. Equipment sold at auction is sold without warranty or liability.
   
   
10. For non UK suppliers:
    
    Beware of the costs of court action in the suppliers country if things go wrong (the majority of insurers will not provide Product Liability cover for products sourced outside the UK, even if purchased in the UK).
    
    When considering costs, include shipping, insurance, duty, VAT (payable when equipment enters the UK) and UK carriage from the port of entry. There may also be other charges involved. It is usually up to the customer to arrange transit and insurance.
    
    Is any certification supplied valid in the UK? Your customers may not approve your use of non-UK certified Test Equipment.
    

We are aware of some real horror stories about second user test equipment sharks in recent years. Don't be caught out. Ask common sense questions like those above. You wouldn't risk £10,000 of your own money with a supplier you know next to nothing about.