How To Sell Servers To The Right Place
There are numerous options you can use to sell servers, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. To name a few, eBay, Reddit, Broker Bin, IT asset disposition companies, Reddit Home Lab, and craigslist are all options. Selling servers online can be simple with the right company. That’s why exIT Technologies provides a fast and easy way for anyone looking to sell a new or used server.
Selling Servers: Why Sell Sooner Than You Think
Selling servers is a delicate balance of a number of factors. Whether it is the right decision or not comes down to a good old fashioned cost-benefit analysis that incorporates the following:
Is there a server on the market that provides significantly better performance than what you have now?
- Consider if white box server options are a good fit
- Consider Dell vs HPE if you’d prefer to go that way
Is your server about to lose resale value or be outdated?
- Is your server about to be irrelevant (about five years old)?
- Will being able to get the most of selling your servers while they’re still relevant make it easier for you to afford to upgrade?
- What are the long term performance benchmarks you will need to hit and how important is proper security and support?
While IT asset disposition (ITAD) companies generally have the most advantages for anyone selling more than a couple of servers, it pays to know the options for your specific situation.
We’ll go through the advantages and disadvantages of all the different options so you can evaluate which is best for your situation.
Selling Servers: The Best Places To Sell
eBay
eBay charges hefty seller fees, and unless you already have a reputation built up with good ratings, it can be hard to find buyers on eBay. Additionally, eBay is a consumer platform. It may be more difficult to find buyers who can appreciate the value of your hardware on this platform. eBay is generally only going to be a good option for someone who already has a solidly established reputation on the platform and does not have enough servers to sell to warrant finding a lower cost option for sales.
Craigslist
Craigslist is somewhat risky, as the sale is between two anonymous parties without escrow or helpful scam compensation policies. If you send equipment to the wrong person, recompense is unlikely. Do not in any case sell equipment to someone who you are not able to physically meet (no mailing, regardless of the back story!) Also, only use cash and meet in public places per usual with Craigslist.
Trust is earned, not assumed when using this platform. Scams are prolific for anything of relatively high value. The upside is you will get to keep all of your revenue if you do manage to successfully sell your equipment, but expect to pay for the difference in time lost dealing with scams and bogus inquiries. This is only for people who have a lot more time than money and think they can get a good enough price to justify the effort. Keep in mind most people looking for equipment are bargain hunters, so getting top dollar is not likely.
Reddit is sort of like Craigslist in that it’s more or less anonymous, but differentiated in the sense that you have to use a username to trade and you must follow certain rules to ensure the integrity of the transaction. Two of the more common subreddits for this purpose are reddit.com/r/homelab and reddit.com/r/hardwareswap. You can find the rules for each in the sidebar, but either way, if you break a rule the mods will tell you how to move forward.
We go into some other options for selling used computer equipment here.
IT Asset Disposition Services
When you’re wondering how to sell servers, IT asset disposition (ITAD) services are generally not the first option people think of. This is unfortunate, as for many specific cases, ITAD provides the most convenient method to bring sizable returns for your used servers. For companies needing to liquidate a larger lot of servers, selling them off piece-by-piece on consumer platforms like eBay or even Broker Bin is not always viable. The logistics and time constraints make it a less effective option than taking slightly less money for someone else to do all the work.
How to Sell Servers Safely
Knowing how to sell servers, and knowing how to sell servers safely are two different things. Most of the dangers can be avoided with common sense, but some aspects of secure data destruction are delicate. For example, using software to wipe hard drives is rarely fool-proof, as software can’t always access all portions of the drive. Ensure that whatever method you use provides at least a single-pass overwrite, rewriting each bit to a 0. If you must use proprietary software, encrypting the drives and throwing away the encryption key as it were can add an extra step to dispel data theft.
In some instances, like with high-frequency trading servers, keeping configurations confidential can be difficult when dealing with large lots without investing significant labor to break down to the component level before liquidating. This brings us to our next point, ITAD.
How to Sell Servers in Bulk
Selling off a bulk lot of servers one by one would is too time-consuming for most enterprises, so most of the time wholesale is more appealing. While Broker Bin can be used to sell wholesale lots, it’s still fairly time-consuming. IT asset disposition services, or ITAD, can provide on-site pick up from your location, as well as pay you for your equipment. A reputable ITAD vendor can be on-site rapidly, is certified for secure data destruction, and will pay you a fair price.
Donate for Tax Benefits
Wait!
If your server is any one of the following models it is still valuable; a donation for tax writeoffs may not be preferable.
Models Not to Donate:
HPE
ProLiant ML10 Gen9 |
ProLiant ML30 Gen9 |
ProLiant ML110 Gen9 |
ProLiant ML110 Gen10 |
ProLiant ML150 Gen9 |
ProLiant DL20 Gen9 |
ProLiant DL60 Gen9 |
ProLiant DL80 Gen9 |
ProLiant DL120 Gen9 |
ProLiant DL160 Gen9 |
ProLiant DL180 Gen9 |
ProLiant ML350 Gen9 |
ProLiant ML350 Gen10 |
ProLiant DL360 Gen9 |
ProLiant DL360 Gen10 |
ProLiant DL380 Gen9 |
ProLiant DL380 Gen10 |
ProLiant DL385p Gen8 |
ProLiant DL560 Gen9 |
ProLiant DL560 Gen10 |
ProLiant DL580 Gen9 |
ProLiant DL580 Gen10 |
ProLiant BL460c Gen10 |
ProLiant WS460c Gen9 |
ProLiant BL660c Gen9 |
ProLiant BL460c Gen9-cg |
ProLiant DL380 Gen9-cg |
BladeSystem c3000 Platinum Enclosure |
BladeSystem c7000 Platinum Enclosure |
ProLiant XL260a Gen9 Server |
ProLiant XL230a Gen9 Server |
ProLiant XL250a Gen9 Server |
Integrity BL860c i6/i4 |
Integrity BL870c i6/i4 |
Integrity BL890c i6/i4 |
D2220sb Storage Blade |
StoreEasy 3850 Gateway Storage Blade |
Integrity MC990 X Server |
Integrity rx2800 i6/i4 |
Integrity Superdome 2–8s |
Integrity Superdome 2–16s |
Integrity Superdome 2–32s |
Integrity NS3 DC X2 |
Integrity NS7 CG X2 |
Integrity NB56000c-cg |
ProLiant Apollo XL170r: Gen9 1U node |
ProLiant Apollo XL190r: Gen9 2U node |
Apollo 4200 Gen9 LFF Server |
Apollo 4200 Gen9 SFF Server |
Apollo 4530 System |
Apollo 4520 System |
Apollo 4510 System |
StoreEasy 1450 Storage |
StoreEasy 1550 Storage |
StoreEasy 1650 Storage |
StoreEasy 1650 Expanded Storag |
StoreEasy 1850 Storage |
StoreEasy 3850 Gateway |
StoreEasy 3850 Gateway Blade |
Integrity NonStop X NS3 X2 system |
Integrity NonStop X NS7 X2 system |
Integrity NonStop i NS2300 system |
Integrity NonStop i NS2400 system |
Integrity NonStop i BladeSystem NB56000c system |
XA730i Gen10 Server |
XA780i Gen10 Server |
XA760i Server |
D3610 (Gen10) |
D3710 (Gen10) |
D6020 |
MSA 1050 |
MSA 2050/2052 |
HPE XP7 Storage |
HPE 3PAR 8200 |
HPE 3PAR 8400 |
HPE 3PAR 8440 |
HPE 3PAR 8450 |
HPE 3PAR 9450 |
HPE 3PAR 20450 |
HPE 3PAR 20800 |
HPE 3PAR 20840 |
HPE 3PAR 20850 |
StoreOnce 3100 |
StoreOnce 3520 |
StoreOnce 3540 |
StoreOnce 5100 |
StoreOnce 5500 |
StoreOnce 6600 |
HPE Integrity Superdome X |
ProLiant ML10 v2 |
ProLiant ML310e Gen8 v2 |
ProLiant ML350e Gen8 |
ProLiant ML350p Gen8 |
ProLiant DL320e Gen8 v2 |
ProLiant DL360e Gen8 |
ProLiant DL380e Gen8 |
ProLiant DL360p Gen8 |
ProLiant DL380p Gen8 |
ProLiant DL560 Gen8 |
ProLiant DL580 Gen8 |
Dell-EMC
PowerEdge R940 |
PowerEdge R740xd |
PowerEdge R740 |
PowerEdge R640 |
PowerEdge R540 |
PowerEdge R440 |
PowerEdge T640 |
PowerEdge T440 |
PowerEdge FX2 |
PowerEdge FC640 |
PowerEdge M640 |
PowerEdge C6420 |
PowerEdge R930 |
PowerEdge R830 |
PowerEdge R730xd |
PowerEdge R730 |
PowerEdge R630 |
PowerEdge R530 |
PowerEdge R430 |
PowerEdge R420xr Rugged Server |
PowerEdge R330 |
PowerEdge R230 |
PowerEdge T630 |
PowerEdge T430 |
PowerEdge T330 |
PowerEdge T130 |
PowerEdge FC830 |
PowerEdge FC630 |
PowerEdge FC430 |
PowerEdge FM120x4 |
PowerEdge FD332 |
PowerEdge VRTX |
PowerEdge M1000e |
PowerEdge M830 |
PowerEdge M630 |
PowerEdge C6320 |
PowerEdge C4130 |
PowerEdge R820 |
PowerEdge R720 |
PowerEdge R720xd |
PowerEdge R620 |
PowerEdge R520 |
PowerEdge R420 |
PowerEdge R320 |
PowerEdge T620 |
PowerEdge T420 |
PowerEdge T320 |
PowerEdge M820 |
PowerEdge M620 |
PowerEdge M520 |
PowerEdge M420 |
PowerEdge C6220 |
PowerEdge C8000 Chassis |
PowerEdge C8220 |
PowerEdge C8220X |
PowerEdge C8000XD |
PowerEdge R910 |
PowerEdge R815 |
PowerEdge R810 |
PowerEdge R715 |
PowerEdge R710 |
PowerEdge R610 |
PowerEdge R515 |
PowerEdge R510 |
PowerEdge R415 |
PowerEdge R410 |
PowerEdge R310 |
PowerEdge R210 II |
PowerEdge T710 |
PowerEdge T610 |
PowerEdge T410 |
PowerEdge T310 |
PowerEdge T110 II |
PowerEdge M915 |
PowerEdge M910 |
PowerEdge M710HD |
PowerEdge M610x |
PowerEdge M710 |
PowerEdge M610 |
PowerEdge C1100 |
PowerEdge C2100 |
PowerEdge C410x |
PowerEdge C6100 |
PowerEdge C6145 |
PowerEdge C5000 Chassis |
PowerEdge C5220 |
PowerEdge C6105 |
Dell Storage SC9000 |
Dell Storage SC4020 |
Dell Storage SC7020 |
Dell Storage SC5020 |
Dell Storage SCv2000 |
Dell Storage SCv3000 |
Dell Storage SC7020F |
Dell Storage SC5020F |
Dell Storage PS6610 |
Quanta
QuantaGrid D51BP-1U |
QuantaGrid D51PS-1U |
QuantaGrid D51PC-1U |
QuantaGrid Q72D-2U |
QuantaGrid D52BQ-2U |
STRATOS S215-X22KQ |
QuantaGrid Q71L-4U |
QSSC-S4R |
STRATOS S810-X52LR |
QuantaPlex S41T-2U |
QuantaPlex T42D-2U (4-Node) |
QuantaPlex T42SP-2U (4-Node) |
QuantaGrid D52B-1U |
STRATOS S200-X22TQ |
QuantaGrid D52BV-2U |
STRATOS S210-X2A2J |
QuantaGrid D51B-1U |
QuantaGrid S31A-1U |
QuantaGrid D51B-2U |
STRATOS S400-X44E |
QuantaPlex T21SR-2U |
STRATOS S210-X22RQ |
QuantaGrid D52G-4U |
QuantaGrid D51BV-2U |
QuantaPlex T42S-2U (4-Node) |
QuantaPlex T41S-2U (4-Node) |
QuantaPlex T41SP-2U (4-Node) |
STRATOS S810-X52L (4-Node) |
QuantaMicro X10E-9N |
STRATOS S910-X31E (9-Node) |
STRATOS S910-X31B (9-Node) |
STRATOS S900-X31A |
QuantaVault JB4242 |
QuantaVault JB4602 |
MESOS M4600H |
MESOS M4240H |
MESOS CB220 (Value) |
MESOS CB220 (Performance) |
QuantaGrid D52T-1ULH |
QuantaGrid D51PL-4U |
QuantaPlex T21P-4U |
QuantaGrid SD1Q-1ULH |
QuantaGrid D51PH-1ULH |
Rackgo X Big Sur |
Rackgo X Leopard Cave |
Rackgo X Yosemite Valley |
F06D |
F06A |
S1M |
F03A |
F03C |
JBR |
JBFA |
X700 |
X500 |
X300 |
MC510 Compute Blade |
MS100 Storage Blade |
Rackgo X-RSD Leopard Snow |
Rackgo X-RSD Knoxville |
Supermicro
SYS-1029TP-DTR |
SYS-1029TP-DC1R |
SYS-1029TP-DC0R |
SYS-1028TP-DTTR |
SYS-1028TP-DTR |
SYS-1028TP-DTFR |
SYS-1028TP-DC1TR |
SYS-1028TP-DC1R |
SYS-1028TP-DC1FR |
SYS-1028TP-DC0TR |
SYS-1028TP-DC0R |
SYS-1028TP-DC0FR |
SYS-6029TP-HTR |
SYS-6029TP-HC1R |
SYS-6029TP-HC0R |
SYS-6028TP-HTTR |
SYS-6028TP-HTR-SIOM |
SYS-6028TP-HTR |
SYS-6028TP-HTFR |
SYS-6028TP-HC1TR |
SYS-6028TP-HC1R-SIOM |
SYS-6028TP-HC1R |
SYS-6028TP-HC1FR |
SYS-6028TP-HC0TR |
SYS-6028TP-HC0R-SIOM |
SYS-6028TP-HC0R |
SYS-6028TP-HC0FR |
SYS-6028TP-DNCTR |
SYS-6028TP-DNCR |
SYS-6028TP-DNCFR |
SYS-6027PR-HTTR |
SYS-6027PR-HTR |
SYS-6027PR-HTFR |
SYS-6027PR-HC1TR |
SYS-6027PR-HC1R |
SYS-6027PR-HC1FR |
SYS-6027PR-HC0TR |
SYS-6027PR-HC0R |
SYS-6027PR-HC0FR |
SYS-2029TP-HTR |
SYS-2029TP-HC1R |
SYS-2029TP-HC0R |
SYS-2028TP-HTTR |
SYS-2028TP-HTR-SIOM |
SYS-2028TP-HTR |
SYS-2028TP-HTFR |
SYS-2028TP-HC1TR |
SYS-2028TP-HC1R-SIOM |
SYS-2028TP-HC1R |
SYS-2028TP-HC1FR |
SYS-2028TP-HC0TR |
SYS-2028TP-HC0R-SIOM |
SYS-2028TP-HC0R |
SYS-2028TP-HC0FR |
SYS-2028TP-DTTR |
SYS-2028TP-DTR |
SYS-2028TP-DTFR |
SYS-2028TP-DNCTR |
SYS-2028TP-DNCR |
SYS-2028TP-DNCFR |
SYS-2028TP-DECTR |
SYS-2028TP-DECR |
SYS-2028TP-DECFR |
SYS-2028TP-DC1TR |
SYS-2028TP-DC1R |
SYS-2028TP-DC1FR |
SYS-2028TP-DC0TR |
SYS-2028TP-DC0R |
SYS-2028TP-DC0FR |
SYS-2027PR-HTTR |
SYS-2027PR-HTR |
SYS-2027PR-HTFR |
SYS-2027PR-HC1TR |
SYS-2027PR-HC1R |
SYS-2027PR-HC1FR |
SYS-2027PR-HC0TR |
SYS-2027PR-HC0R |
SYS-2027PR-HC0FR |
SYS-2027PR-DTTR |
SYS-2027PR-DTR |
SYS-2027PR-DTFR |
SYS-2027PR-DC1TR |
SYS-2027PR-DC1R |
SYS-2027PR-DC1FR |
SYS-2027PR-DC0TR |
SYS-2027PR-DC0R |
SYS-2027PR-DC0FR |
Donating your servers to a school or other eligible institution can bring valuable tax writeoffs. If the servers have depreciated significantly, the company balance sheet may very well benefit more from a donation than a resale. An ITAD company will often be willing to facilitate the donation process and handle logistics for you, though if they’re not gaining anything you may have to compensate them for the service. A fairly common practice is selling the more valuable servers to the ITAD company and letting them donate the rest for you.
An ITAD Vendor You Can Trust For Server Selling
For larger lots that just aren’t viable for consumer resale, you need an ITAD vendor you can trust. ITAD companies will come to your location, take out the equipment, process everything, and write you a check for a majority of the wholesale value. A good ITAD company will be certified for data erasure and will have server recycling systems in place to handle your e-waste downstream responsibly.
How to sell servers worry-free? Choose a company like exIT Technologies, with 26 years of experience in the IT industry and a massive remarketing network that can vouch for our services when it comes to server selling.
Call 239-596-2254 or Fill out a quote at the bottom of the page today.
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