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Buyback (Rückkaufprogramm)
When switching to new notebooks or smartphones, the old hardware is left behind. A buyback program turns it into money: a dealer, manufacturer or service provider buys the devices back. For companies, what counts is not only the price but also how securely the data is erased.
In brief
Ein Buyback (Rückkaufprogramm) ist der organisierte Rückkauf gebrauchter Geräte durch einen Händler, Hersteller oder IT-Dienstleister. Das Unternehmen erhält für die Altgeräte einen Erlös, der sich nach Modell, Zustand, Menge und Marktnachfrage richtet. Im B2B-Umfeld gehören die zertifizierte Datenlöschung und ein Nachweis je Gerät fest zu einem seriösen Buyback.
How a buyback works
A buyback is often tied to a Hardware rollout to the purchase of new devices: new ones come in, old ones go out. The typical process:
- Inventory list: The company reports models, specifications, condition and quantity.
- Offer: The buyer assesses the devices and names a price, often subject to inspection.
- Pick-up: The devices are collected securely or sent in.
- Inspection and erasure: At goods receipt, every device is recorded, tested and erased.
- Settlement: The proceeds are paid out based on the actual condition. The company receives the proof.
What determines the buyback value
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Model and age | Current generations are in greater demand. The value drops with every month in storage. |
| Equipment | Processor, memory and SSD size influence the price. |
| Condition | Cosmetic and technical defects lower the grading during Grading. |
| Completeness | Power adapters and accessories add value. |
| Blocking | BIOS passwords, active device management or activation locks reduce the value considerably. |
| Quantity | Larger, uniform lots are easier to market. |
The buyback value is a market value. It has nothing to do with the book value. A device can have been fully depreciated long ago and still bring in proceeds. More on this in the entry Residual value of IT hardware.
Rule of thumb: with a buyback, two results count: the proceeds and the proof that the data is gone.
Buyback, trade-in and lease return
The terms are often mixed up. With Trade-in the old device is traded in when buying a new one, so the value reduces the new price. With a buyback, the old device is sold, regardless of where new devices are bought. For leased or rented devices, the hardware belongs to the lessor. It is returned or bought out beforehand. A related model is Device as a Service, in which devices are obtained as a service.
How decommissioned notebooks turn into liquidity is shown in our article Old laptops and liquidity. What matters when selling laptops and smartphones can be read in Selling used laptops and smartphones.
Buyback at Second IT
Second IT kauft gebrauchte IT-Hardware von Unternehmen an – von Smartphones und Notebooks bis zu Servern und Netzwerktechnik. Grundlage ist eine datenbankgestützte Preisermittlung mit aktuellen Marktdaten. Ein Angebot erhalten Sie in durchschnittlich 48 Stunden. Neben dem Ankauf zu marktgerechten Preisen sind CashBack-Optionen und Mitarbeiterverkäufe möglich. Abgeholt wird mit eigener Sicherheitslogistik, gelöscht mit Blancco und einem digital signierten Löschzertifikat je Gerät. Mehr zur inventory analysis and market valuation.
Frequently asked questions about buyback
What is the difference between buyback and trade-in?
With a trade-in, you hand in old devices as part of the purchase of new ones. With a buyback, you sell the old devices, independent of any new purchase, and receive proceeds.
Is a buyback also worthwhile for older devices?
Often yes. Even devices that have been retired for your company are sought by other users or supply spare parts. The value is lower, but often not zero. The earlier you sell, the more is generally left.
Do I have to erase the devices myself before the buyback?
Not necessarily, if the buyer carries out a certified erasure with proof for each device. However, remove management locks such as MDM assignments and activation locks, because only your company can lift these.
Is the buyback value the same as the book value?
No. The buyback value is a market value and has nothing to do with the book value. A device can have been fully depreciated long ago and still bring in proceeds. The value depends on model, condition, quantity and demand.
Can I sell leased devices through a buyback?
Only if they belong to you. Leased or rented hardware belongs to the lessor. It is returned or bought out beforehand. Check your contract before you report devices for a sale.
Turn old devices into cash, with certified erasure and proof for each device.
Send us your device list. You will receive your offer in 48 hours on average.