Inexpensive hard disk drives (HDDs), especially larger capacity HDDs, are abundant and readily available on the market. This is why many organizations buy them in bulk to back up their data or simply because large storage sizes were needed at the time of purchase.
But what happens when these large HDDs cannot meet your organization’s future business needs? Some companies will upgrade to the newest version of the HDD, but this process can be costly. Other companies sell their used hard drives instead to access money for a new HDD with larger storage space.
Why Do You Need To Sell Your Used Hard Drives?
There are many reasons you might want to sell your used hard drives. Maybe you no longer need them, and the space they take up is becoming a problem, or perhaps you’ve decided that it’s time to downsize and move into a smaller home.
Perhaps you’re looking for some extra money by liquidating your possessions, or maybe you’re just ready to part ways with these items and find someone who can put them to good use.
Selling your used hard drives will allow you to get money from them to purchase new disks. It would be great to leave these hard drives in your office to use them again when needed, but this is not advisable because it will waste that much-needed space in your storage room.
Whatever the reason may be, selling off old equipment can help free up space in your life so that you have more room for things that matter most. And remember: as long as the disks are in good condition, there’s no risk involved in getting cash for them!
Five Signs You Should Sell Your Used Hard Drives
Every organization has its reason why it should sell used hard drives. Well, it depends on how big your company is. You might want to sell off the hard disks to have a systematic upgrade plan. But, some signs will help you conclude whether you should sell your used hard drives or not:
1. When you realize that it is more expensive than buying a new HDD:
There are several factors why purchasing a new hard drive over using old ones can be more advantageous for you. For example, let us assume that two identical HDDs are available on the market. Which one would you buy? The cheaper one, without any doubt!
But what if I tell you that even though they seem like the same drive model, the expensive one offers better performance?
2. When you need more storage space:
Selling an old hard drive and buying a new one will give you access to more space for all of your essential projects without any hassle. There are several sizes offered for today’s HDDs, which means there is always a perfect fit to match everyone’s needs.
3. When you need money urgently:
Selling old hard drives and securing cash can help finance urgent business needs like opening another branch or expanding your company.
4. When future recycling programs no longer apply:
Recycling used equipment has become more accessible nowadays, with some organizations accepting them as donations. Those who accept donations offer tax breaks or even matching funds through grants.
5. When you need a replacement immediately:
Are you in a tight spot where your company faces a major catastrophe, and the only way to get yourself out of it is to buy a new HDD? Selling your used hard drives can give you cash immediately instead of waiting for several months until that tax refund check comes.
What Is ITAD?
IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) refers to recycling or repurposing old equipment such as servers, mobile phones, printers, and even HDDs. Since this equipment often contains sensitive information about the business and its employees, ITAD should be done carefully and securely with an ITAD vendor.
The goal of the ITAD process must always be protecting the interests and ensuring the security of the organization while getting rid of its old equipment.
Five Steps to Find the Best ITAD Vendor
1. Ask for referrals:
Are there companies in your area that offer ITAD services? Are they members of any trade groups like ISRI (Information Systems Recycling Institute)? Chances are, some of these companies may be able to help you with their ITAD service or give you information about an already existing program.
You can also ask about which company offers the best prices and the most secure method for disposing of your company’s old equipment.
2. Ask for a free evaluation:
This is where you will ask for quotes on how much it would cost your business if you choose them to handle the disposal process for you. There should be no obligation to commit with any service provider, and this is your chance to assess the quality of their services for free.
3. Check the company’s certifications:
To ensure that your sensitive data is protected, ensure that the ITAD vendor is certified by a certifying organization such as NAID (National Association for Information Destruction).
By asking about such certification, you can assure yourself that important information in your old equipment will not fall into the hands of identity thieves.
4. Assess the process’ security:
You have every right to ask what kind of equipment they use when disposing of old hard drives or other types of storage devices to guarantee maximum security. This step is essential to access the process and ensure no risk of handing your old equipment to a third party.
5. Check if the company has certifications:
When dealing with sensitive information, security is always one of the biggest concerns when choosing an ITAD vendor. Only choose a company that meets all the necessary standards, such as having certification from NAID (National Association for Information Destruction).
Conclusion
Selling used hard drives can be profitable, especially when they are still in good condition and ready for reuse by another business or individual.
While most consumers prefer new and unused products, it isn’t practical for everyone to buy something new just for them to eventually dispose of it after some time due to different reasons ranging from getting rid of old stuff, upgrading technology, etc.
However, with this growing trend of reselling or recycling old equipment such as used hard drives and other types of storage devices, it becomes necessary to find the right ITAD vendor that will guarantee you complete protection for your business’s sensitive information.
These processes must be done carefully with no risk at all. So the best way to do this is by asking around for a referral from a reliable source and checking if the company’s employees are certified enough to handle your old equipment safely and securely.
Read Also:
