SEC/N Thoughts
Gary Alexander, President, SEC/N -- Semiconductor International, 11/1/2000
The next time you walk past a mirror, take a good look. The image you see is probably not the same one the mirror sees. The reflection in the mirror is reality, while our own image of ourselves is often distorted by our desires to block out undesirable traits.Our reputations are much the same. Our personal perception is usually a somewhat distorted and enhanced view, while our reputations are, in reality, how others see us. For example, there are those people who consistently don't provide the common courtesy of returning phone calls and e-mails, actually believing they are conveying an image of greater importance and superiority. But a real professional understands the potential ramifications on future business relationships.
Risk is one of the biggest liabilities inherent to any used equipment transaction. One way to minimize that risk is to not buy used equipment from companies with questionable reputations. Some of you will automatically think I am referring to brokers, the historical fall guys of the used equipment business. Not necessarily. Large chipmakers and OEMs without commitment to a professional and ethical used equipment program are just as likely to disappoint a potential buyer or seller in favor of a more personally benefiting opportunity.
While most dealers strive to be reputable, there are a few that continue to be less than ethical. Why? Because their unethical business practices continue to be rewarded by customers who are willing to accept lower standards or to compromise their integrity for what appears up front to be a "better deal."
To limit your risk, be more successful, and promote a better marketplace:
- Always do your homework and check out a company's reputation before agreeing to do business.
- Support companies that have committed to professionalism and ethical business practices. (See SEC/N's Code of Ethics at www.secninc.com/ethics.htm)
- Don't contribute to the problem by being both greedy and guilty of rewarding the "sharks."
