When a part is obsolete or hard to find, you'll often be offered the same item in several conditions at very different prices. Knowing exactly what each term means - and what to ask - lets you balance cost against risk instead of guessing.
What the conditions actually mean
- New (factory): manufactured and sold through the normal channel, in current production, with full manufacturer warranty. The default when the part is still made.
- Surplus / New Old Stock (NOS): genuinely new, unused, often still in original packaging - but from old inventory, frequently of a part that's no longer produced. Unused condition, but the manufacturer warranty may have lapsed.
- Refurbished / reconditioned: a used unit that has been inspected, repaired as needed, and tested to confirm it works. Usually carries a supplier warranty rather than a manufacturer one.
- Used / as-is: pulled from working equipment, may be tested or sold untested. Lowest price, highest risk - best as a stop-gap or for non-critical spares.
How to choose
- Part still in production and not urgent: buy new.
- Part obsolete but you found unused stock: surplus/NOS is often the best of both - new condition without a migration.
- Critical equipment, obsolete part, no new stock: refurbished from a supplier that tests and warranties is the dependable middle ground.
- Non-critical or short-term bridge: used/as-is can be justified if the price and downtime risk are acceptable.
Questions to ask before you buy
- What exactly is the condition, and has the unit been tested?
- What warranty is included, who backs it, and for how long?
- Is it the exact catalog number and revision you need?
- What's the return policy if it doesn't drop in?
We source every condition - and tell you which it is
When you request a part from us, we confirm its condition (new, surplus, refurbished or used), the warranty, and the lead time in writing, typically responding within two business days, so you can make the call with full information. We are an independent reseller referencing 2,000,000+ part numbers across 4,000+ brands.