Computer Exchanges

Pricing information on four computer exchanges.

Earlier this year, Inc. solicited offers for the hypothetical bulk sale of 10 typical systems -- all three-year-old IBM 286 ATs with 30-megabyte hard drives and monochrome monitors. Here are the cash offers of four exchanges, and their suggested asking prices if we brokered the systems through their listings:

* Boston Computer Exchange
Boston: (800) 262-6399

Listing fee: $25

Broker commission: 15%

90-day warranty cost: additional 10%

Service contract: 15% of current value

Cash to Inc. for 10-PC lot: $4,500 to $5,000

Suggested asking price if brokered: $9,250

* Southern Computer Exchange
Atlanta: (800) 786-0717

Listing fee: $25

Broker commission: 10%

No 90-day warranty

Service contract: $225 average

Cash to Inc. for 10-PC lot: $3,250

Suggested asking price if brokered: $5,000 to $7,000

* Computer Exchange Northwest
Kirkland, Wash.: (206) 820-1181

Listing fee: free

Broker commission: 15%

No 90-day warranty

Service contract: $50 to $150

Cash to Inc. for 10-PC lot: $4,000 to $4,500

Suggested asking price if brokered: $6,800 to $7,200

* Western Computer Exchange
Albuquerque: (505) 265-1330

Listing fee: $25

Broker commission: 15%

No 90-day warranty

Service contract: $150 to $400

Cash to Inc. for 10-PC lot: $3,000

Suggested asking price if brokered: $5,000

-- Researched by Susan Greco

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