If you're looking for top-of-the-line networking equipment that will help you grow your business's IT infrastructure, Cisco is undoubtedly one of the first brand names that comes to mind. As a long-time leader in business and personal networking, Cisco equipment holds a prominent place in the market. Filling your server room with Cisco tech is rarely a poor investment.
However, what many people don't know is that Cisco does not sell directly to the public. If you want Cisco equipment, that means going through a reseller. However, not all resellers are created equal. To get the most from your Cisco investment, it's not simply about which products you buy, It's also about who to buy from. To get the most out of your investment and for your own peace of mind you should purchase equipment from a Cisco authorized reseller.
So, how do you decide? Here are some key factors to consider when you're looking for a great Cisco equipment reseller.
Finding the Right Cisco Authorized Reseller For You
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Before you do anything else, look for certification! All authorized Cisco retailers are vetted by Cisco themselves, through their certification and specialization program. These certifications guarantee that a reseller knows Cisco equipment and its usage. Any company selling Cisco products need to openly identify themselves as official resellers and should have their certifications displayed. Otherwise, you may not be getting the expertise you need.
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Look for a quality refurbished product program. If you're looking to save money on your IT investment, refurbished products can be a great way to stretch your computer budget. When refurbished through authorized Cisco sources, these pieces of equipment will be just as reliable as when they were new, but at a greatly reduced cost.
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Great customer service is a must. When you buy Cisco products through a reseller, that reseller is also going to be your main customer service contact point. You have to be able to trust that your provider will also be able to help you through any trouble that might occur down the road. Look for a reseller with a multitude of support options, from chat to telephone, so that you'll have insurance in place if something goes wrong.
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Browse online reviews. Practically every online shop worth doing business with is going to be in plenty of online review databases, such as Epinions and Shopper Approved. Pay attention to these, but remember that when it comes to online reviews, people are much more likely to praise than complain. Finding a source with a majority of great
reviews means you can likely trust them.
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Talk to their clients. Most Cisco resellers will have a list of clients, testimonials, and referrals from happy past interactions. Look at these closely and, if possible, try to get in touch with their past clients directly, especially those who look to have had similar needs to your own. This sort of direct report on a company's performance can be some of the most compelling information you can compile.
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Look to their warranty. If you really want to know how much faith a company has in their own products, check out their standard warranties. Fly-by-night companies will try to stick you with a year's warranty or less. The longer they'll guarantee their products for, the more chance that they'll truly stand by what they sell.
No matter your reason for buying, Cisco makes great products which will help your IT department deliver the results you need. You just need to do your homework beforehand to ensure you're finding the Cisco authorized reseller who will give you the best prices, warranties, and post-sale support possible.
What are some other sources you use to research equipment resellers online? Leave your helpful hints in our forum below!
