Skip to content 
IT-Broker
In brief
Ein IT-Broker ist ein Händler, der gebrauchte oder überschüssige IT-Hardware ankauft und weiterverkauft, oft in großen Partien und über Ländergrenzen hinweg. Er vermittelt zwischen Unternehmen, die Geräte abgeben, und Abnehmern im Gebrauchtmarkt. Anders als ein spezialisierter ITAD-Dienstleister übernimmt ein reiner Broker nicht zwingend Datenlöschung, Nachweise und Entsorgung.
IT brokers and ITAD service providers compared
Brokers are a fixed part of the used market. They know prices and buyers and can move even large quantities quickly. For companies that hand over decommissioned IT containing company data, however, more than the price matters.
| Question | Pure trading | ITAD service provider |
|---|---|---|
| Who erases the data? | often the seller's responsibility or not regulated | part of the service, with proof per device |
| How are devices transported? | varies, partly via intermediaries | documented, often sealed |
| What happens to devices that cannot be sold? | not always regulated | proper disposal with proof |
What is therefore decisive is the Chain of custody: for every device you should be able to prove where it was and what happened to the data. If a broker passes devices on to further dealers, this chain quickly becomes opaque. What to look out for when choosing is shown by our guide Choosing an ITAD provider.
Second IT as an alternative
Second IT verbindet Ankauf und Remarketing mit eigener Sicherheitslogistik, zertifizierter Datenlöschung mit Blancco, Vernichtung im eigenen Haus nach DIN 66399 (bis H-5 und E-5) und Entsorgung als Entsorgungsfachbetrieb. Aufbereitete Geräte werden über eigene Kanäle wiedervermarktet. Mehr zur inventory analysis and market valuation.
Frequently asked questions about the IT broker
What does an IT broker do?
It buys used or surplus hardware and sells it on to other dealers, refurbishers or end customers. It often deals in large batches and internationally.
Is selling to a broker problematic under data protection law?
Not in principle. It becomes problematic when devices containing data are handed over and there is no proof of erasure. Erase demonstrably beforehand or agree on certified erasure contractually.
How do I recognize a reputable buyer?
By clear contracts, proof per serial number, traceable transport, valid certificates and a provision for devices that cannot be sold.
What is the difference between an IT broker and an ITAD service provider?
A pure broker trades in used hardware. He does not necessarily take on data erasure, proof and disposal. An ITAD service provider erases the data as part of the service, documents this per device and ensures proper disposal of devices that cannot be sold.
Why is the chain of custody important when selling to a broker?
You should be able to prove for every device where it was and what happened to the data. If a broker passes devices on to further dealers, this chain quickly becomes opaque. Then proof that the data was erased is often missing.
Buyback with an erasure certificate instead of a sale without proof.
Send us your device list. You will receive your offer in 48 hours on average.