The Role of Online Marketplaces in the Secondary Medical Equipment Market

Online marketplaces have changed how buyers source used equipment—expanding selection, increasing price transparency, and accelerating procurement. But they also introduce new risks: traceability gaps, inconsistent testing claims, and counterfeit/substandard device exposure.

What marketplaces do well

1) Expand access to inventory
Instead of relying on local brokers, buyers can compare options nationally (or globally), which is especially valuable for hard-to-find models.

2) Improve price discovery
Market listings help buyers understand typical price ranges—useful for negotiations even when you ultimately buy through a vetted reseller.

3) Speed sourcing
When new equipment lead times are long, used inventory online can shorten time-to-deployment.

The risk side: “unknown seller” is the problem

ECRI warns that during shortages, organizations may resort to underregulated, non-vetted vendors—raising the risk of substandard and counterfeit products.
This doesn’t mean “avoid online.” It means “raise your verification standard.”

How smart buyers use marketplaces safely

Treat the marketplace as a lead generator—not a validation engine.
Before purchase, validate four things:

1. Seller credibility

• business identity, references, years in operation
• return policy clarity
• willingness to share documentation

2. Documentation

• service history, PM logs, calibration records
• decontamination confirmation (when applicable)

3. Testing proof

• functional testing checklist
• electrical safety testing approach (especially for patient-care equipment)

4. Payment protection

• escrow or payment terms that protect against DOA or misrepresentation

Marketplace trend: buyers want “verified condition”

The secondary market is moving toward standardized condition grading and clearer definitions of “refurbished,” “tested,” and “as-is.” That trend is largely buyer-driven: procurement teams want less ambiguity.

A practical best practice to include in your blog

Create a short buyer rule:

• If a seller can’t provide documentation + warranty terms + inspection/testing transparency, treat it as “as-is” and price it accordingly—or walk away.

Sources: https://home.ecri.org/blogs/ecri-blog/combating-substandard-and-counterfeit-medical-devices?utm_source=chatgpt.com