Organizations looking to upgrade or refresh their IT infrastructure are often faced with a decision: what should be done with the retired equipment? Most go the convenient route—sending assets back to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or Value-Added Resellers (VARs) through their trade-in and buyback programs. It’s simple, quick, and seems like a safe bet.
But here’s the truth: OEM buybacks are rarely optimized for value. You’re essentially accepting pennies on the dollar for assets that could still generate meaningful revenue.
At Synetic Technologies, we specialize in helping companies maximize the value of their decommissioned hardware through expert remarketing strategies. Our mission is to Make Every Asset Count—not just for environmental sustainability or data security, but also for your bottom line.
In this comprehensive blog, we’ll break down why remarketing your assets through a certified IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) provider like Synetic can consistently earn you 20–30% more than OEM or VAR trade-in programs—and sometimes even more.
Let’s be clear: OEM buybacks are convenient. And in some cases, particularly for organizations without a robust ITAD process, they may seem like the easiest route. The manufacturer takes back the equipment, issues a credit or payment, and you move on.
But this convenience comes at a cost:
Preset pricing models that don’t reflect real-time market demand
Opaque grading systems that penalize even minor cosmetic issues
Limited resale channels that reduce competitiveness and buyer diversity
OEMs are not in the business of maximizing your asset value—they're focused on controlling inventory, preserving their margins, and reselling your hardware in a way that benefits their business model, not yours.
So what exactly is remarketing in the context of IT asset disposition? A process involves evaluating, repairing, refurbishing, and reselling your decommissioned IT hardware through diverse secondary channels.
Here’s why it yields better returns:
OEMs typically provide preset trade-in values based on fixed depreciation models. These values don’t account for:
Market fluctuations in asset value
Regional demand differences
Equipment that may be worth more when bundled or reconfigured
Remarketing, by contrast, exposes your assets to the open market. At Synetic, we list devices across a wide array of domestic and international resale channels—ensuring you receive competitive offers based on actual demand.
By letting the market determine pricing, not just an OEM’s balance sheet, you maximize each asset’s real worth.
One of the biggest complaints companies have about OEM buybacks is the lack of transparency in how devices are evaluated and graded.
A laptop may be classified as “Grade B” because of a light scratch, resulting in a 40% deduction. But how is that determined? Can you dispute it? Usually, no.
Synetic’s remarketing model includes:
Serialized tracking for every individual asset
Condition grading with photo documentation
Test results and audit trails
Our clients have full visibility into why an asset is valued at a certain price. We also provide quality assurance checks to ensure assets are evaluated fairly and consistently.
No vague grading. No surprises. Just transparent, verifiable asset valuation.
A fixed-rate OEM buyback gives you a one-time payout. But what if the device sells for double what you were paid? That’s value you don’t see.
At Synetic, we offer revenue share models where you receive a percentage of the actual resale price. This approach:
Aligns our incentives with yours
Encourages us to market your assets aggressively
Ensures you benefit from any upside in market value
We’re not just moving boxes—we’re invested in getting the best price for your assets. And our clients often earn 20–30% more revenue as a result.
Most OEMs will not refurbish devices you return. If they’re not in perfect condition, they’re devalued, repurposed, or recycled. That’s missed potential.
At Synetic, we operate a certified in-house repair and refurbishment facility staffed by trained technicians. Before we remarket an asset, we:
Replace missing or faulty components
Clean and restore the device cosmetically
Ensure full functionality and updated firmware
Refurbished devices command significantly higher prices in secondary markets. And because we handle repairs internally, turnaround is fast and cost-effective—further boosting your margin.
In many cases, devices that would’ve been written off in an OEM program are brought back to life and resold for top dollar.
Another major limitation of OEM buyback programs is restricted resale scope. Most OEMs have pre-established resale networks and limited interest in optimizing for international demand.
That’s a huge missed opportunity.
At Synetic, we sell across a diverse network of domestic and global marketplaces—including:
Small-to-medium businesses (SMBs)
Government agencies
E-commerce platforms
Export buyers in emerging markets
International buyers, in particular, often pay premium prices for well-maintained used IT equipment. The more buyers your equipment reaches, the higher the sale price and the faster the sale.
One reason companies stick with OEM buybacks is the promise of data security and compliance. But remarketing with the right ITAD provider offers these same guarantees—and often exceeds them.
NAID AAA-certified data destruction
R2v3 and ISO-certified recycling processes
Audit-ready reporting and certificates of destruction
Environmental impact tracking
You never have to compromise on compliance or risk exposure. We ensure every device is handled securely, sustainably, and in accordance with industry regulations.
If you’re still relying on OEM or VAR buyback programs, ask yourself:
Do you know exactly how your devices are graded?
Are you receiving a fair market price—or a fixed estimate?
Do you have visibility into the resale process?
Is your partner incentivized to maximize your return—or theirs?
If the answers are unclear or unsatisfactory, it’s time to explore a remarketing-first strategy with a partner like Synetic.
At Synetic Technologies, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our approach to IT asset remarketing is customized, transparent, and results-driven. From the moment we pick up your equipment to the final resale transaction, every step is optimized to maximize your return.
What sets us apart:
Certified facilities and end-to-end process control
Revenue share models that align incentives
In-house repairs that unlock hidden value
Global resale channels to ensure top-dollar recovery
Detailed reporting and audit-ready documentation
With our team by your side, you're not just disposing of old hardware—you’re extracting value, reducing e-waste, and funding your next technology investment.
OEMs prioritize their profit margin. At Synetic, we prioritize yours.
Ready to stop leaving money on the table? Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation consultation and discover how much more your IT assets are worth.