FAQ written on a typewriter

The following answers to frequently asked questions have been grouped into sections for your ease of reference (simply click to view):

A. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
B. REFURBISHED EQUIPMENT
C. SAVINGS AND PAYMENTS
D. STORAGE AND DELIVERY
E. MAINTENANCE AND LICENSING
F. WARRANTY AND TESTING

 

A. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Q: Can you source new equipment?
A: Yes, we are a supplier of new IBM, HP, Cisco and many others but our main focus is in the refurbished arena as we can offer you much larger savings ... in both time and money.
Q: Which vendors' products do you sell?
A: Our main product sets are IBM, Sun, HP, Dell and Cisco along with other data centre products. However our market place is a global one and we can usually source whatever it is you need, we often handle weird and wonderful requests.
Q: Which vendors' products do you recommend?
A: We are proud to be vendor independent and prefer to tailor a solution using the best products for your environment.
Q: Can I rent or lease the equipment?
A: Hal Data Services can offer rentals from a day to a decade. Our sister company, Technology Leasing, can offer flexible leasing options to suit your requirements and budget.
Q: Can you offer a disposal service in New Zealand/Asia Pacific?
A: Yes, and have been for some time.
Q: Is onsite service available?
A: Yes, we can organise for certified engineers to attend your site.
Q: What other logistics services does the Group offer?
A: We can provide a wide variety of logistics services including equipment and data centre relocation and environmental disposal.
Q: Do you offer technical support?
A: Yes. Depending on your needs, we’ll utilise our internal sources, engage our alliance partners or engage the vendors to assist with your requirements.
Q: Do you install equipment?
A: Yes. We work closely with the vendors and our alliance partners to provide installation services, allowing you a single point of contact from procurement to implementation.
Q: Do you buy consumer level equipment?
A: As a general rule, no. Occasionally if there are very large quantities we can source buyers for low end equipment but we prefer to focus on our specialty which is Mainframe, Unix, high end Intel and communications hardware.
Q: Where do you source your equipment?
A: With over 15 years experience, we have many trusted relationships with professional suppliers both local and overseas. We also regularly purchase equipment from our clients in the Asia Pacific region.
Q: Why buy from you and not just use eBay?
A: Our customers are users of the high end server and networking equipment in which we specialise, they therefore include some of the largest companies and public sector institutions in Australia.
Q: Who are your customers?
A: Our customers are users of the high end server and networking equipment in which we specialise, they therefore include some of the largest companies and public sector institutions in Australia.
Q: What equipment do you have in stock?
A: We hold over $1 million worth of stock in our Sydney warehouse including Sun, IBM, Dell, HP, Cisco and more.
Q: Do you have a price list online?
A: At present we do not. Our marketplace is dynamic in that pricing goes up and down quickly depending on a number of different factors, which means that the price in one week may be very different to the next week. When we receive pricing requests, we search the market on that day for the best available price and offer that in return. That’s why we invite you to request a quote.

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B. REFURBISHED EQUIPMENT

Q: Why should I buy refurbished hardware as opposed to new?
A: Our customers enjoy significant cost savings, reduced lead times and high availability of equipment without sacrificing quality or maintenance eligibility.
Q: I get a very strong discount from my vendor, do you really think you can beat that?
A: Yes, and we will show you how.
Q: What is the difference between used and refurbished?
A: ‘Used’ usually means that the equipment is sold as is (without cleaning, testing or the application of a warranty). ‘Refurbished’ means it has been inspected, thoroughly cleaned, had its technical operation confirmed to be 100% and a warranty applied. Hal do not sell ‘used’ equipment.
Q: I hear a lot about knockoffs, is it genuine equipment?
A: By solely working with trusted suppliers, we only provide genuine vendor manufactured equipment. All of our equipment is eligible for ongoing maintenance contracts.
Q: What guarantees do I have about the quality of the equipment?
A: We guarantee that the refurbished equipment we provide will be in excellent condition. Depending on its age it may have minor cosmetic faults, eg surface scratches where it has been inserted into a rack, but most importantly it will be in perfect working order and will be technically 100%.
Q: I understand HP, IBM and Cisco have their own refurbished equipment, why should I use you over them?
A: We provide flexibility. Those companies will offer you one solution while we can offer you a choice of options. Also their offering will only be what they have in stock at that time. We can offer you equipment from a global market place of trusted suppliers with literally hundreds of millions of dollars worth of stock.
We also beat their prices.
Q: Do you buy used equipment?
A: Yes we do, every day. If you have any equipment which is end of life, excess to requirements, been upgraded or is filling up your store room we would love to hear about it. We may be able to turn it into cash or exchange it for equipment that adds value to your environment.

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C. SAVINGS AND PAYMENTS

Q: How much can I save?
A: Depending on the equipment you require, up to 95% off vendor list price.
Q: If I purchase in bulk do I receive a discount?
A: Usually yes, depending on shipping costs the discounts can be quite significant.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: Our usual form of payment is EFT, but we also accept other forms such as cheque, credit card etc if that is easier for you.
Q: What are your payment terms?
A: Our usual terms are 14 days but if you need longer, please let us know in advance and we’ll work with you to agree mutually suitable terms. Some payments may be required in advance if we are unable to verify your business operation.
Q: When you purchase my equipment, how do I receive the funds?
A: Whatever is easiest for you, we can send a cheque or EFT money direct into your company account.

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D. STORAGE AND DELIVERY

Q: How are the goods stored in the warehouse?
A: When we receive the equipment, it is checked cosmetically, fully tested, packaged in anti-static material and stored in our warehouse in purpose built boxes.
Q: From time of order, what is your average turn around of equipment to me?
A: Depending on the size and availability of the equipment, lead time can vary from same day to 3 weeks. Our average lead time is 5-7 days if the equipment is not in stock.
Q: What delivery method/times do you offer for products purchased from your company?
A: With over 17,000 deals successfully delivered, our logistics team is skilled at delivering your equipment in the right timeframe by the best method. We use preferred specialist transport companies with whom we have long term, tried and tested experience. All of your equipment is fully insured during transport at our expense and you are assured that your order will arrive in excellent condition in the fastest, safest way possible. The cost of delivery to your door is included in our quote unless otherwise stated.
Q: Does the overseas sourcing mean it takes time to ship and go through customs?
A: We have arrangements with our specialist freight forwarders that means equipment can arrive from our international suppliers in as little as 3 days – an order placed on Friday will usually arrive with us on Monday. There are a number of specific requirements for international importing that Hal have experience in and have seen from every angle. This means that no matter where your equipment comes from, it will be as smooth a delivery as possible.
Q: How can you deliver New In Box (unused) equipment faster than the vendor themselves?
A: We have relationships with international suppliers who have larger stock levels than the vendors or their distributors in Australia, meaning with our short lead times we are able to deliver NIB hardware in rapid time to assist in your IT projects.
Q: What method of packaging is used by your company to ensure we receive our goods in working order?
A: All of our equipment is carefully delivered in anti static wrapping or bags, in purpose built boxes and with additional cushioning to ensure your equipment arrives in perfect working order. We believe in a ‘better safe than sorry’ approach to delivering our hardware.
Q: Can I have the serial numbers in advance of shipping?
A: Yes of course.
Q: How much will shipping be?
A: Usually we include shipping in the price of the equipment which is passed on at cost. If you would like us to break out the cost in the quote we can do that for you.
Q: What are your hours of operation?
A: Our office hours are 09:00am to 05:30pm but due to the international nature of our business, your Account Managers are often online outside of standard business hours.

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E. MAINTENANCE AND LICENSING

Q: Can I purchase refurbished hardware from you and place it under my existing maintenance contract?
A: Yes. Most of the vendors have their own process to follow to have the equipment signed up to your existing contract and we can help you with the required information to make this a smooth process.
Q: What options do I have for ongoing maintenance on the equipment I buy from Hal Data Services?
A: You have a couple of options:
  1. With the Vendor - Depending on the age of the equipment you can have the equipment maintained by the OEM. There may be a requirement for recertification on some equipment and we’ll give you information up front so that you can provide this quickly and easily to the vendor.
  2. With a Third Party Maintenance Provider - We prefer to recommend Interactive Pty Ltd as we have a long and trusted partnership with them and their service is second to none. We are able to offer a formal quote for coverage on equipment purchased from Hal Data Services
Q: Are software licences or operating system licenses transferable?
A: Most of the time the answer is no and new licenses need to be purchased for your equipment. We’re able to assist you with the addition of these licenses to the equipment.

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F. WARRANTY AND TESTING

Q: Are the goods tested before they are sent out?
A: Yes. We have in house engineers and we also use external engineering companies for specialist projects to ensure your equipment arrives with you in perfect working order with the latest firmware. We also only buy from trusted suppliers who guarantee and warranty the equipment that we supply, further ensuring you receive the highest quality equipment.
Q: What happens if it’s not working on arrival?
A: This rarely happens, but if it does we’ll either replace it with a working unit or send an engineer to address the problem at our expense - whichever is the fastest.
Q: What is your returns policy?
A: Depending on where the equipment was sourced, there may be a restocking fee applicable. If you are in any way unsatisfied with your equipment, we will work with you to deliver whatever it is you need to ensure you remain 100% satisfied with our service and product.
Q: What is your warranty?
A: 90 days is our standard, extended warranties can be offered on a case by case basis.

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