The evolving opportunity in the secondary IT hardware market
In 2026 the secondary IT market is stronger than ever – and spare parts are no longer just leftovers from larger systems. For brokers and resellers, they represent a growing revenue stream driven by global supply challenges, sustainability goals, and the demand for lifecycle-extended infrastructure.
From Stock Rooms to Strategic Assets
Many brokers still treat spare parts as static inventory – items kept “just in case.” But with the right approach, these components can become active profit centers. Enterprises, data centers, and service providers increasingly look for high-quality spares to maintain or upgrade existing systems without the cost of full replacements.
By offering tested, warrantied and traceable spare parts, brokers can meet this demand while differentiating themselves from simple hardware traders.
1. Leverage TPM and Maintenance Demand
As more organizations move away from OEM support contracts, Third-Party Maintenance (TPM) providers are becoming key buyers of spare parts. TPMs rely on fast access to parts for mission-critical repairs – and they’re willing to pay for reliability, speed, and verified condition.
Brokers who align with TPM partners, or offer Spare Parts as a Service solutions, can secure recurring business rather than one-off sales.
2. Build a Circular Supply Chain
The circular economy is not a buzzword – it’s a business model.
Companies are under increasing pressure to document reuse, reduce waste, and minimize their carbon footprint. Spare parts play a crucial role here: every reused part offsets the production of a new one.
By ensuring data-erasure compliance, traceability, and responsible remarketing, brokers can appeal to both corporate sustainability targets and EU regulatory expectations.
3. Certify Quality and Provenance
In 2026, trust will decide who wins in the secondary market.
Brokers who can prove that their spare parts are tested, data-wiped, and compliant (for example, under ISO 27001 or R2 standards) will have a significant edge. Inside Systems has seen firsthand that certified processes and transparent reporting increase both buyer confidence and resale value.
4. Use Data to Drive Pricing
Real-time market intelligence tools now make it possible to track global part demand and pricing fluctuations.
Smart brokers use this data to:
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Identify which SKUs are rising in value
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Predict when OEM EOL (End of Life) announcements will trigger demand spikes
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Optimize warehouse turnover and reduce dead stock
Those who combine market analytics with inventory visibility will lead the next wave of profitability.
5. Offer Value-Added Services
The highest margins often come not from the part itself, but from the services around it. Examples include:
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Functional testing and firmware validation
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Custom packaging or labeling for TPM partners
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Warranty extensions and return management
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Fast regional dispatch or bonded warehousing
Turning spare parts into a service offering instead of a transactional product builds customer loyalty and long-term relationships.
Spare parts are becoming strategic assets
For IT brokers, 2026 will reward those who think beyond the traditional buy-sell model. Spare parts are becoming strategic assets – vital to sustainability, supply chain resilience, and cost optimization.
At Inside Systems, we see this transformation every day: The brokers who invest in quality, documentation and circular value are the ones who win.
