You are correct, there is always a risk when buying used equipment. In my case, the vendor has a store and offers a 30 warranty. In my opinion, if the equipment doesn't fail within 30 days you should be good to go. How long, who knows? So far I have gotten 3 years out of them. I think we all try to get the best price possible keeping location, shipping etc. in mind. In my case the server was $140, the expander was $130. If any item fails and cannot be repaired then off for recycling they go. My video card in my main PC cost more than both those items together. :-)