Trade-in programmes allow facilities to offset the cost of new or refurbished equipment purchases by crediting the value of their existing system. For capital budget managers, this can be the difference between a feasible and infeasible procurement. Understanding how trade-in valuations are constructed helps you enter the process with realistic expectations.
Key valuation factors
The primary drivers of trade-in value are system age, operational hours, current market demand for that model, and the condition of major sub-assemblies. A 2018 64-slice CT with low tube counts and a complete service history commands significantly more than an identical model with high counts and no documentation. Demonstrated functionality at the time of collection is essential — non-functional systems are assessed for component value only.
What you should prepare
Having the following information ready accelerates the valuation process: installed date, current software version, total scan counts (CT), tube age and counts, most recent PM service report, and details of any significant repairs or component replacements. The more complete your documentation, the more confidence a dealer can place in the system — and the better the valuation.
Logistics and deinstallation
A professional dealer handles the deinstallation, rigging, transport, and customs documentation for system collection. This is a significant value-add in the trade-in — coordinating deinstallation of a 3-tonne MRI magnet independently is not a trivial exercise. Confirm who bears the cost of deinstallation and shipping to the dealer facility before agreeing terms.