#6 The Costly Mistake Companies Make When Disposing IT Equipment

Written By Jack Cheuk

Outdated Request For Proposal and Quotations (RFPs/RFQs) for ITAD or disposal services are silently draining companies millions—focusing on lowest bids ignores true value like asset recovery and compliance.

Common pitfalls we see:

1. Treating ITAD as a simple commodity and awarding based solely on price

2. Insufficient vendor due diligence — skipping checks on qualifications, data destruction methodology, operational procedures, and health & safety standards

3. Failing to align the vendor’s capabilities with your company’s specific needs

Real-world example:

A bank once hired a general moving and storage company with no ITAD or data destruction expertise. Without proper oversight, assets went missing and data security risks emerged — ultimately costing far more than the original “cheap” quote.

Recommendation for Procurement and IT Teams - Update your RFPs/RFQs to prioritize:

  • Relevant security and environmental certifications

  • Proven performance data and case studies

  • Service flexibility (e.g., on-site destruction, facility tours)

  • Detailed certificates and audit-ready reports for waste and data destruction

  • Avoid costly mistakes—follow for more pitfalls.

Follow for more ITAD pitfalls and best practices.

#ITAD #Procurement #RFPPitfalls #DataSecurity #EWasteManagement

Jack Cheuk
Next

#5 Transparency After Pickup—What Happens to Your Retired IT Assets?