Frequently Asked Questions

Equipment FAQs

1. How fast can you deliver the electronic test equipment I want?
2. Is your test equipment tested prior to shipment?
3. How long is your warranty?
4. What accessories will I receive when I purchase refurbished test equipment from Value Tronics?
5. Can you provide international packing and shipping?
6. What if you do not have what I want in stock?
7. Why don't you have a price list on your entire inventory of test equipment?
8. How much inventory do you have?
9. Do you have a rental program?
10. Do you have a trade-in program?

Financial FAQs

1. What are your payment terms?
2. Do you offer financing programs?
3. Who pays for the shipping charges?
4. Who pays for the shipping charges under warranty?
5. How much can I save by purchasing used electronic test equipment?

About ValueTronics FAQs

1. Why should I select ValueTronics as my dealer of choice?
2. How long has ValueTronics been in business?
3. Will I be put into a voicemail queue or will someone actually speak to me?
4. What are your hours of operation?

International Customer FAQs

1. What are the International Terms and Conditions?
2. How do I place an International order?

MyAccount FAQs

1. What is MyAccount?
2. What is the MyAccount security policy?
3. What tips can you offer to protect confidential information?
4. How can I sign up for MyAccount?
5. How can I change MyAccount personal information?
6. How can I change MyAccount password?
7. What if I forgot MyAccount password?
8. Can I remove MyAccount?

Equipment FAQs

1. How fast can you deliver the electronic test equipment I want?

   Our normal shipping date is 2 weeks ARO (After Receipt of Order) on used electronic test equipment. All test equipment must go through our in-house lab to be operationally verified prior to shipment. Although we have over 10,000 instruments in stock, we do not perform the final test and QA inspection until the instrument is purchased. Depending on the workload in the lab, we can improve the shipping date on certain items. Ask your Application Engineer for a shipping date when you order the electronic test equipment. Delivery on test equipment from out distributor product inventory is generally 1 to 2 days ARO based on factory availability.

2. Is your test equipment tested prior to shipment?

   Yes. Most of our used electronic test equipment is tested in our on-site lab. This lab is a member of the NCSL (National Conference of Standards Laboratories) and our standards are traceable to NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology). We perform an operational check of all test equipment sold to insure that it meets or exceeds manufacturer's specifications.

3. How long is your warranty?

   Our standard parts and labor warranty is ninety days. We also offer a five day Right of Refusal on our refurbished test equipment. If you are not satisfied for any reason within the first five days, you can return the refurbished electronic test equipment for a full credit less shipping charge by calling your Application Engineer and request a RMA (Return Material Authorization). Your Application Engineer will give you the shipping instructions. We can also provide one year warranties on many HP/Agilent and Tektronix products at an additional charge. Return of New Equipment is not available.

4. What accessories will I receive when I purchase refurbished test equipment from ValueTronics?

   We supply all available standard accessories. Standard accessories are the accessories that were originally supplied with the test equipment new from the manufacturer. We also provide the operating manual.

5. Can you provide international packing and shipping?

   Yes. Our shipping department will pack the used electronic test equipment in foam-in-place packing and double-wall boxes suitable for export.

6. What if you do not have what I want in stock?

   ValueTronics is an international company and has many global and domestic sources for equipment. We are in contact with hundreds of companies and brokers on a daily basis in our search for quality used electronic test equipment. We also have the surplus inventory lists from major defense and aerospace companies showing the instruments available from their inventories.

7. Why don't you have a price list on your entire inventory of test equipment?

   We sell our used electronic test equipment at a competitive fair market price. The selling price is driven by a combination of the price we must pay for the equipment and the added cost to refurbish and accessorize the unit. We list items on our web site that are either in stock at our facility in Elgin, Illinois or can be sourced from our world wide network of supplies. In the latter cases, we must confirm the availability and condition of the product before we can price it and can bring it to our facility for an operational check and refurbishing. The selling price changes on a daily basis depending on the availability of the unit. A sample of the items that are in stock and ready for shipment have been priced and listed on our specials page, www.valuetronics.com/specials.aspx. These items have been received at our facility, and have gone through our preliminary incoming inspection process.

8. How much inventory do you have?

   We have over 10,000 pieces of used electronic test equipment in stock and are adding new equipment every day. In addition we have an extensive inventory database of test equipment located in other locations around the world. Most of that used test equipment can be in our shop within 2 to 5 days.

9. Do you have a rental program?

   At the present time we do not rent electronic test equipment.

10. Do you have a trade-in program?

    Yes. ValueTronics may take your used test equipment as a trade-in against other new or used electronic test equipment that you purchase from us. We also offer a consignment program whereby we pick up, store, advertise, and sell your instruments for you to the worldwide end user retail market. You get a check from us once the unit has sold, and we assume all credit and warranty risks.

Financial FAQs

1. What are your payment terms?

   Our payment terms are Net-30 upon credit approval. We also accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express for the used test equipment. We do not accept American Express for the purchase of distributor products. For customers outside North America , terms are wire transfer in advance unless otherwise negotiated.

2. Do you offer financing programs?

   We have agreements with third-party leasing companies to provide lease financing to credit worthy customers. Your Application Engineer can give you the names of our leasing partners, or you can use your own leasing company if you prefer to do so. Select products are available for our 0% Leasing program. Contact your Sales Engineer for details.

3. Who pays for the shipping charges?

   The test equipment is normally shipped FOB Elgin , Illinois . The customer specifies the shipping method and pays for shipping costs, including insurance. We can either pre-pay the freight charges and add them to your invoice or we can ship freight-collect and bill freight cost directly to your account with the shipping company.

4. Who pays for the shipping charges under warranty?

   In the unlikely event that the instrument is defective upon receipt, ValueTronics will pay for the return shipping costs. If the customer does not want the unit for any other reason and elects to return the unit within the five day ROR period, the customer pays for the return shipping charges. The customer is responsible to insure the instrument for its full value when shipping back to ValueTronics. If the test equipment is returned to ValueTronics under the ninety day warranty period, the customer pays the cost of freight and insurance to ValueTronics and ValueTronics will pay the return freight and insurance to the customer.

5. How much can I save by purchasing used electronic test equipment?

   Generally you will save from 30% to 70% of the original list price of the instrument.

About ValueTronics FAQs

1. Why should I select ValueTronics as my dealer of choice?

   ValueTronics provides you with technical support before, during and after the sale. Our six Application Engineers have an extensive background in the use of electronic test equipment; therefore, they understand what types of test equipment you require, and can suggest alternatives, if the specific product you are inquiring about is not available.

   Our unconditional five day Right of Refusal is the best in the business. If you are not satisfied with your electronic test equipment for any reason within the first five days, you need only to contact us for a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number, ship it back, and we will refund your purchase price less shipping costs. This is not a "Store Credit" like many others! We refund the purchase price if the invoice has been paid or a full credit if the invoice is outstanding.

   Our pricing is competitive. We do not always have the lowest price on all items, but when we ship the equipment you receive a product that has been operationally checked to manufacturer's specifications and is supplied with standard accessories and warranty.

   Our Application Engineers will always stay with your order. From quote to order, from shipment to delivery and from warranty beginning to warranty end, the Application Engineer is always your point of contact. They will also notify you when the unit has been shipped with the tracking number.

   We have an in-house lab that is a member of the National Council of Standards Laboratories (NCSL) and our lab standards are kept in calibration traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Metrology (NIST). Our metrologists have 60 years of combined experience in the repair and calibration of test equipment. They are PMEL trained and have worked for major electronic test equipment manufacturers such as Tektronix and John Fluke.

   We have trade-in and consignment programs for your surplus test equipment. Additionally, we are now an authorized distributor for BK Precision, Anaheim, Fluke, Cal Test, Rigol, Instek, and Com-Power, so you can combine your refurbished test equipment purchasing and your new product purchasing to earn higher-than-market discounts.

2. How long has ValueTronics been in business?

   ValueTronics was founded in 1992 as a buyer and seller of used and refurbished electronic  test equipment. We became a distributor of new test equipment for various manufactures in 2004. In the future, we look to add more distributor products.

3. Will I be put into a voicemail queue or will someone actually speak to me?

   At ValueTronics, either one of our six Application Engineers, one of the sales managers, or one of the owners will speak to you during regular business hours. We understand that your time is important, which is why we want you to have the information you need on the first call. No voicemail here! We are real technical people that can help you.

4. What are your hours of operation?

   ValueTronics is located in Elgin, Illinois. Our standard hours of operation are Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Central Time. However, you are likely to reach a knowledgeable employee between the hours of 7 AM and 7 PM Monday - Thursday.

International Terms and Conditions:

1. What are the International Terms and Conditions?

   All used test and measurement equipment is supplied with standard accessories and operating manuals, unless otherwise stated. Our standard warranty is 90 days parts and labor. Most instruments are supplied with a 5 day ROR (Right of Refusal). All equipment is guaranteed to meet all Manufacturer specifications unless otherwise stated.
   
   We require Wire Transfer of funds in advance (in some cases Credit Cards and Net30 Terms can be accepted Ask your Sales Engineer if you are eligible).
   
   We can offer a 1 year Warranty on many of the more popular brands of used test instruments from Agilent for an extra cost . Distributor Products are supplied with a full factory warranty.

2. How Do I place an International order?
   
   

   Once you have decided to place an order with us, please send us a Purchase Order or Email containing:

   1. The Manufacturer and Model Number of the equipment that you wish to purchase.
      
      
   2. The Billing Address where you want us to send the Sales Invoice.
      
      
   3. The Shipping Address where you want us to send the equipment.
      
      
   4. Your UPS/FedEx/DHL account number and what priority you want us to use. If you are using a Freight Forwarder, please include the company name, contact, and phone number.
      
      
   5. Contact Person's Name, Phone Number, and Email.

   Once we have received the Purchase Order or Email, we will email you a ProForma Invoice with the expected shipment date and our bank details. We require Wire Transfer of the funds 7-10 Days after your receipt of the ProForma Invoice.
   
   The equipment will ship on the expected ship date once we have received the Wire Transfer and the shipping instructions. If we do not have either one of these items, the shipment will be delayed until we receive them.
   
   In some cases we will accept Credit Card payments or Net30 Terms.
   Please contact your Sales Engineer to see if you are eligible.

    

Back to top

MyAccount System Security Policy FAQs

1. What is MyAccount?

   MyAccount is your free, online account with Valuetronics International, with which come many benefits. Some of the benefits are:

   • Requesting quotes without having to fill out your information each time you do so.
   • Access to hundreds of test equipment manuals and datasheets.
   • Monthly specials list emailed to you.

   
   And future benefits will include:
   
   

   • Viewing open order status.
   • Viewing quote request history.

2. What is the security policy?

   Valuetronics International, Inc. will keep your confidential information on a secure server, and in addition, encrypt part of that information.
   We allow only authorized personnel access to this information. Lastly, regular auditing is performed to help ensure security procedures are effective.

3. What tips can you offer to protect confidential information?
   
   

   To help protect your information, please remember to log out of the My Account system when you are no longer using it, and close your web browser before you leave your computer. This will prevent another person who uses the computer, to log on as you, and committ any transactions on your behalf.
   
   In addition, refrain from writing down passwords on paper, which is left in an unsecure location. When you are registering for an account, make the password easy to remember, yet difficult to guess, using a combination of letters and numbers. We recommend combining information from life events, and incorprating this into a password with at least 6 characters.
   
   Also, consider changing your password(s) occasionaly, to improve security of your data.

4. How can I sign up for MyAccount?

   You may easily sign up for MyAccount by going to:
   https://www.valuetronics.com/login.aspx?fct=r

5. How can I change MyAccount personal information?

   You may change your MyAccount personal information after you first register for a MyAccount, logging into MyAccount, clicking the MyAccount link at the top of any Valuetronics webpage, and lastly, clicking Change your Account Information.

6. How can I change MyAccount password?

   You may change your MyAccount password after you first register for a MyAccount, logging into MyAccount, clicking the MyAccount link at the top of any Valuetronics webpage, and lastly, clicking Change your Account Information.

7. What if I forgot MyAccount password?

   If you forgot your MyAccount password, visit the login page at http://www.valuetronics.com/login.aspx , and using the username and/or password reminder section to type in your email address and clicking submit to receive a link to a webpage. At this page, you will be asked to verify the zip code with which your MyAccount is associated. Once entered, you will be reminded of your username and password.

8. Can I remove MyAccount?

   Yes, you may request your MyAccount to be inactivated and removed. To do so, please log into MyAccount at the login page, http://www.valuetronics.com/login.aspx, clicking the MyAccount link at the top of any Valuetronics webpage, and lastly, clicking Request an account removal.