A Practical Guide for ITADs, Brokers and TPMs

Remarketing enterprise IT equipment isn’t just about shifting stock.

If you get it right, you protect margin and build long-term buyer confidence.
If you get it wrong, you risk returns, disputes and damaged relationships.

Here’s what actually matters when preparing decommissioned enterprise equipment for resale.

1. Data Sanitisation Comes First

Before anything is tested, graded or sold, the data risk must be eliminated.

That means:

  • Identifying all storage media (including embedded and secondary media)
  • Applying the correct sanitisation method
  • Retaining defensible documentation

Standards such as NIST SP 800-88 Rev. 2 provide clear guidance on media sanitisation. Buyers — particularly enterprise and public sector — increasingly expect alignment with recognised standards.

Networking equipment is often overlooked here. Switches, routers and firewalls frequently contain internal flash or SSD storage. If that isn’t identified and sanitised correctly, the risk remains.

And risk in this market travels fast.

2. Understand Clear vs Purge

Not every device needs the same approach.

  • Clear – Logical overwrite
  • Purge – More robust sanitisation, often using manufacturer secure commands or cryptographic erase

The appropriate method depends on:

  • Media type
  • Client requirement
  • Sector (financial, government, healthcare etc.)
  • Contractual obligations

Applying the wrong method can reduce resale value — or worse, invalidate client expectations.

3. Protect the Resale Value

Enterprise buyers expect certainty.

Before remarketing servers, storage or networking kit, you should confirm:

  • CPU configuration
  • Memory population
  • Storage bays and caddies
  • PSU condition
  • Port functionality (for networking)
  • Firmware health

Missing components or incorrect specs lead to disputes and margin erosion.

In a competitive secondary market, reputation travels quickly. Accuracy protects repeat business.

4. Licensing and Configuration Matters

Particularly in networking and storage platforms, licences can significantly affect resale value.

Before reset or sanitisation:

  • Confirm licence status
  • Capture entitlement details where possible
  • Understand transfer restrictions

Losing licence data can turn a high-value asset into a commodity box.

5. Traceability Builds Buyer Confidence

Professional remarketing operations maintain:

  • Serial-level tracking
  • Test confirmation
  • Sanitisation documentation
  • Engineer accountability

Buyers want confidence they can pass audit scrutiny if required.

Providing structured documentation alongside equipment isn’t overkill — it’s good business.

6. Balance Speed with Process

The pressure to move stock quickly is real.

But inconsistent processes create:

  • Returned goods
  • Pricing disputes
  • Compliance exposure
  • Lost trust

The most successful ITADs and brokers build repeatable processes that protect both compliance and commercial performance.

7. Secure Reuse Supports Sustainability

Secure reuse:

  • Extends equipment life
  • Reduces landfill
  • Supports ESG commitments
  • Delivers value back into the supply chain

But reuse must be secure to be credible.

When sanitisation, testing and documentation are handled correctly, remarketing becomes a strength — not a risk.

Looking to Move Enterprise IT Equipment?

SSI works with ITADs, brokers and TPMs across the UK and Europe to:

  • Purchase surplus enterprise servers, storage and networking
  • Supply second-user equipment with confidence
  • Move stock quickly and professionally

If you have equipment to sell — or need specific configurations — speak to our team.

Joel – Click to Email
Liam – Click to Email