You realize the need for an ITAD vendor for your company, the first step is complete. But how do you actually begin the process of finding one? What are your criteria and what questions should you be asking?
Tour
Touring the facility in person helps you get a perspective on the process of IT asset management and ITAD. Make sure your equipment will be tracked at each stage of the cycle. Research data security methods. It’s easy for your sensitive information to get into the wrong hands if not sanitized or destroyed properly. If a tour is unavailable, that should be a red flag!
Price
Many ITAD vendors do not have all of the same services, so know exactly what you’re paying for! For example, HOBI International has a refurbishment and reconditioning program for electronics not yet at the end of their life. Our retail and eBay sites give consumers an option to buy second life electronics at a significant discount, keeping the out of the e-waste stream. We also pioneered the way for mobile asset disposition (MAD) in the industry. Our innovative process is catered specifically to mobile devices in a booming mobile world. Obviously safe, legal and certified management and recycling processes come at a cost. However, it is well worth the disposition fees to avoid hefty fines or data leaks in the future. If an organization claims free services, inquire as to how you get a return on your investment.
Partners
Once you partner with an ITAD vendor, you become partnered with all of their partners. Your company may be susceptible to hefty fines if all downstream partners do not follow state and government regulations Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The liability and integrity of your equipment eventually rests with you.
Environmental Compliance
Certified IT asset management and ITAD vendors follow rules and regulations when it comes to electronics recycling. HOBI is an R2/RIOS and ISO 14001 certified organization with more than two decades committed to environmental standards.
Once you are satisfied with the research you have conducted, that’s the green light to go ahead and enter into a partnership.