Who Are the Best ITAD Companies?
As the IT industry has grown, so has the number of ITAD companies (see: what is ITAD).
With so many options it can be easy to feel overwhelmed when picking a vendor.
While there are plenty of ranked lists of ITAD companies, this method for picking a company is ineffective.
It’s like choosing a new employee based on the size of their facebook following. You could pick the first big-name, like SIMS or Iron Mountain recycling, but the size isn’t everything.
It’s more important to find a company tailored to you, just as a new employee has to fit into your company culture.
This article will help you understand the ITAD landscape as well as how to differentiate between the different ITAD companies to help you find an ITAD vendor that’s right for your needs.
How to Choose the Right ITAD Vendor for Your Company
When deciding on an ITAD vendor, think of it as an interview.
To sort through all the candidates, it’s best to ask the different ITAD companies the right questions.
By asking the right questions, you can find a company that will be reliable in the future.
After given time to coalesce, you will be left with a long-term partner who understands your enterprise’s needs and can accommodate you with much less investment or worry on your end.
Most ITAD companies will claim to offer the same level of services. While there may be some differences here and there between ITAD companies, to the consumer, most vendors appear much the same.
So what questions should you ask to sort through all the ITAD companies?
Ask ITAD Companies the Right Questions
If you want the right answers, you ask the right questions.
The following will help you sort out ITAD companies that aren’t a good fit for your organization.
- Ask for specific points of contact – do they give you individuals’ contact information, or just direct you to a service line? A partnership without an easy way to communicate is no partnership at all.
- Ask about their certifications and confirm them with the certification providers to ensure they’re still current. R2 and ISO 14001 are two standard certifications vital to have for any of the ITAD companies you interview. These ensure that they are qualified to help you with compliance needs and data security.
- Ask how you can improve all or part of your IT asset disposition process – Do they share insightful feedback? Does their feedback convey expertise and understanding of your unique needs as an enterprise?
- Request information on the regulations your company is subject to such as HIPPA what procedures they have in place to help you navigate any compliance hurdles you may come across. An insightful response demonstrates they have worked with companies similar to yours before and will be able to guide you more effectively.
Have a few interactions before you commit to a partnership with any ITAD companies. After a few deals, you should have a good idea of how they fit with your organization.
Look for Companies With the Right Services
Data Security
What are their data erasure capabilities?
Can they shred drives on-site?
Can they wipe your drives on-site, in the rack or otherwise?
How long will the erasure process take?
If a company can’t wipe your drives on-site, can they issue you comprehensive chain of custody documentation and a certificate of destruction afterward?
With countless reputable companies falling prey to data security scandals, be very particular when deciding between ITAD companies. Choose one with stringent data security capabilities and protocols.
Logistics and Transit
Ask each ITAD company if they would be willing to come to you and provide onsite pickup.
Can they decommission your infrastructure?
Can they palletize all the equipment themselves?
Do they provide free shipping insurance?
Under what net terms do they typically issue payment?
Speaking of payment:
ITAD Companies Should Pay You, Not the Other Way Around
ITAD companies that charge you for services are unacceptable.
If their remarketing is too ineffective to turn a profit without charging you for services that should be complimentary, then you should look at ITAD companies elsewhere.
In fact, bid ITAD companies against each other to find the one best at IT remarketing.
Find one that can find the most value from your assets and pays you accordingly. Don’t settle for ITAD companies that don’t put you first.
Do You Want a Company That Puts You First?
Are you combing through ITAD companies to try and find a partner that meets your needs? Are you trying to find a company who will help you adhere to security, compliance, and governance protocols?
Do you struggle to sort through all of the ITAD companies to find one that can meet your unique business needs and implement a process that works for you?
You should contact our asset recovery specialists today and see how we help our partners in business.
Have something to add? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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