When you are shopping for a shredder, you have the option to buy a new machine, or a refurbished one. Opting for refurbished models can save you money. In fact, it can provide small to medium-sized print shops with a cost-effective solution, while still giving you the capabilities you need.
This article will discuss the pros and cons of purchasing a refurbished shredder over a new model.
The Pros of Choosing a Refurbished Shredder Over a New Model
There are many pros of choosing a refurbished shredder over a new model. The main benefits include cost savings and less environmental impact.
Cost Savings
The biggest advantage of a refurbished shredder is cost savings. Investing in a brand-new shredder can be expensive, and for many little print shops, spending a lot of money on equipment isn’t a possibility.
In these cases, picking a refurbished model can save money upon purchase. Even though they are refurbished, the models undergo rigorous maintenance to make sure they are up-to-date and functional. This ensures that small businesses still get the service they need from their shredder.
Less Environmental Impact
Another benefit of selecting a refurbished shredder is the impact on the environment. Settling for a refurbished model means you are picking out the more eco-friendly product.
Being sustainable is a huge focus for many businesses, and choosing a refurbished shredder can also lower your energy costs. Opting for a refurbished shredder means that you are giving the shredder a longer lifespan than it may have otherwise.
The Cons of Choosing a Refurbished Shredder Over a New Model
As well as benefits, there are drawbacks to choosing a refurbished model. These cons include maintenance fees and warranty.
Maintenance Fees
When you attain a refurbished shredder, you may save on initial purchase cost. However, because it is an older machine, it can end up costing you more in the long run due to maintenance fees.
The refurbished shredders that we sell at Whitaker Brothers undergo testing and repairs, so they can last just as long as some newer models. We guarantee that our refurbished products meet the highest standard possible.
Warranty Issues
When you purchase a refurbished shredder, this may mean that the warranty from the manufacturer is void. Many companies will keep their shredders until the warranty period ends, and then replace them. However, this isn’t always possible for small to medium-sized print shops. Depending on the conditions of the manufacturer's warranty, you may lose out on repairs and breakages.
All of the refurbished products we sell here at Whitaker Brothers are covered by our warranty. Our refurbished machines are covered by our one-year warranty for parts, and 90 days for labor, which is a huge benefit to small businesses.
The Pros and Cons of New Shredders
The other option for small to medium-sized businesses is new shredders. New models offer numerous pros and cons, and they may be the better choice for some businesses.
The pros of new shredders include:
- Manufacturer’s warranty and customer support
- The latest technology, which can make them extremely efficient
- More reliable
The cons of new shredders include:
- They can be expensive
- Buying a new shredder every time your current one breaks down has more of an environmental impact
- The technology may depreciate and become less useful as new technology advances
- You may feel overwhelmed with choices when selecting a shredder
If you get a refurbished shredder, you may be able to counteract some of the cons of buying a new machine without compromising on some of the pros, especially if you commit to a refurbished version of a relatively new model.
What to Consider When Buying a Paper Shredder
When you are searching for a new or refurbished shredder, there are certain considerations that you need to make, regardless of the type you settle on. These considerations will benefit your business.
Evaluating your budget for the shredder you need is a key. This can narrow down your choices, or add new alternatives for you to assess. Making sure you always have your budget in mind (including money for repairs and any extras you may need such as shredder oil) will be important when you are looking at your options.
The performance and reliability of the shredder are significant factors in deciding whether you call for a new or refurbished model. A shredder needs to perform well after consistent use, so selecting the best fit for your business needs is a vital step in determining if you opt for a new or refurbished shredder.
It’s also essential to make sure you have the correct level of support for your shredder, whether that is a warranty, customer support, or maintenance. If you purchase a new or refurbished shredder, you should have assistance from either the manufacturer or the supplier.
New and Refurbished Shredders from Whitaker Brothers
Whether you are looking for a new or refurbished shredder, Whitaker Brothers can help. We carry a variety of new and refurbished shredders that are perfect for small to medium-sized print shops, organizations, and more.
Choose from our high-security shredders, industrial shredders, NSA-listed shredders, and our collection of refurbished shredders to find exactly what you need for your business.
Whitaker Brothers prides itself in being the leader in an age of competitive pricing, while still maintaining the business relationship philosophies that come with 80 years of experience in the industry. Call us at (800) 243-9226 to find out more about our services.
