Are we seeing the resurrection of a secondhand market?

Manufacturer
Avatar Singh, sales manager (west), Manroland India

"Used machines are selling  well in India. There is a huge market for used machines. Even big printers buy used machines. An eight to ten year old machine is preferred. The market for secondhand machine is not organised, the buyer should check the gears, cylinders and hardware of the machine.

"If any of this is not functioning properly it is like having a bypass surgery and living with it. A proper inspection is required; a buyer should get in touch with the manufacturer and enquire about the exact years of the machine through the serial number which is written on the machine. A bonafide clearing agent should be hired."

Dealer
Bhavin B Joshi, proprietor, Siddhi Enterprise

"The secondhand machine business is better than new machines as import-ed machines are not used that much. This  makes them as good as a new machine. India is the biggest market for secondhand machines. It is beneficial for a printer to invest in a secondhand machine as long as it is in a good condition.

"Even big presses in India are using secondhand machines. While buying secondhand, the printer should be aware of the dealer's authenticity, check the spares which - at times - are extracted by the dealer and sold. As long as he gets the proper documen-tation and clearances, a secondhand machine is a good choice."

Manufacturer
Ajith Kumar,  senior sales manager, Heidelberg India

"It is a good alternative for printers who want to upgrade their technology to be on par with the technology the world is working on today. They can go for quality used equipment which would also provide good features. I have seen printers happily buying and later satisfied with the performance of a used machine.

"One should be cautious about a few things like gear, gas cylinder, the condition of the machine while buying a used machine. Proper paper work and correct installation and transportation are other very important aspects."

Dealer
Asit Jain, owner, Amit International

"Secondhand machines have a good future in India. A beginner in the print industry looks forward to installing a good quality low budget machine. Though secondhand machine is misunderstood as a secondary option, it is in demand amongst starters and medium class printers.

"A printer should not go for a machine older that ten years, check if it is genuine, ask for a demonstration of the machine and ask for all the documents. Sometimes, dealers try to sell a local machine claiming it to be an imported one. Therefore it is important for the printer to see the machine in running condition and examine the machine technically."