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Find Obsolete and Rare Allen-Bradley Automation Parts

Navigate the Automation Surplus/Gray Market

In need a 5/05 CPU or an old PanelView? Welcome to the Automation Gray Market

In the world of industrial automation, finding replacement parts can be a challenge, especially when dealing with older or discontinued electronics. For many manufacturers relying on legacy systems, obsolete Allen-Bradley control components are critical to keeping their machines alive.

At NJT Automation, we offer nearly every Allen-Bradley component ever made, all available through our exclusive Level 1 inventory.

Level 1 Inventory

Our Level 1 inventory is sourced-to-order from a trusted network of U.S. suppliers. With over five years of experience, we've forged strong relationships, ensuring you receive genuine, high-quality Allen-Bradley components. These are not pre-stocked items, we locate and verify them per your request.

Why do many companies seem to have every single part "in-stock"?

Here's a secret in the automation supply industry: We all buy on eBay.

eBay is the largest database of surplus and obsolete automation components. Many platforms and websites don't require live or accurate inventory status, leading to a scenario where every supplier claims to have everything in stock. In reality, they buy it on eBay and then ship it to you. In fact, most of these suppliers also list their actual inventory on eBay.

eBay automation parts marketplace for Allen-Bradley components
eBay is the largest database of surplus and obsolete automation components.

Is This Approach Ethical?

While some buyers question this sourcing approach, working with an experienced, transparent supplier like NJT ensures you get quality parts without the eBay hassle.

We respect customers who require OEM-only supply chains. If your organization requires authorized channels only, contact us—we'll advise accordingly.

Why Not Just Buy from eBay Yourself?

There are reputable sellers on eBay, and the platform can be a useful tool when used carefully, but there are many things to watch out for:

Beware of Chinese Sellers Posing as U.S. Based

  • They create an eBay account with a U.S. address but ship from China after you order, often without your realization.
  • Shipping can take weeks to months.
  • Items are often fake or repackaged used products sold as new.
  • There's a significant issue with counterfeit Allen-Bradley items on eBay.
NJT Automation Tip: Use the "Local Pickup" filter even if you plan to have the item shipped. This helps eliminate listings from international sellers, especially those based in China, since they can't offer local pickup. Most legitimate U.S.-based sellers will include this option.

Related Guide: Learn more about identifying counterfeit parts in our comprehensive guide: How to Spot Fake Allen-Bradley Parts on eBay

Low-Quality Sellers and Items:

  • Many sellers lack knowledge of automation products, leading to untested or broken items being sold as used or even new.
  • This is common with sellers like recycling centers, asset-recovery & liquidators, or demolition companies.

Poor Shipping and Packaging:

eBay can offer inconsistent results that might save money initially but could cost factories thousands in downtime when an item arrived broken, damaged, late or not at all.

Drop Shipping from eBay:

  • Drop Shipping from eBay: At the end of the day, you are probably still getting a drop-shipped item from eBay.
Surplus automation parts and Allen-Bradley components
The automation surplus market is filled with both quality parts and questionable sellers.

Why Use an Automation Supplier (Even If They're Buying on eBay)?

  • Expertise: Reputable suppliers know their products and can identify quality items that can be shipped quickly.
  • Support: They provide technical support, warranty, and repair services (or at least they should).
  • Reliability: With NJT Automation and other good suppliers, you get a quality product, quickly, and at a reasonable price, eliminating the risk and guesswork.

Reasons NOT to Use an Automation Supplier:

  • Too Many Companies Offer the Same Products from eBay: While there are good suppliers out there. Many companies don't understand the products and focus solely on volume.
  • Lack of Transparency: They advertise every product from every brand on their website, regardless of availability, often pushing these products onto Google and Google Shopping, with images scraped from eBay listings or the Manufacturer's website.
  • High Markups: Some companies impose very high markups and care more about volume than customer experience and service.
  • Drop Shipping from eBay: At the end of the day, you are probably still getting a drop-shipped item from eBay.

🔍 NJT Automation Tip: If a website lists every part from every brand but isn't an authorized distributor, there's a good chance the parts are being sourced from eBay or similar marketplaces. Phrases like "original packaging," "surplus," or "Original Manufacturer's warranty does not apply" don't always mean it's from eBay but they are strong indicators the item is second-hand and considered gray market by Allen-Bradley.

The NJT Automation Difference:

  • Expertise: We have in-depth knowledge of Allen-Bradley products and only work with trusted sellers who provide quality items that can be shipped quickly.
  • Support: Our team offers technical support and repair services, ensuring you get more than just a product - you get a working solution.
  • Reliability: With NJT Automation, you eliminate the guesswork and get exactly what you need, when you need it, at a reasonable price.
  • Quality Assurance: We follow a rigorous quality control process to ensure that every part we deliver meets the highest standards before it reaches you.
  • Sustainability Practices: By sourcing and reusing obsolete parts, we support a circular economy and reduce waste, reflecting our commitment to responsible sourcing.
Allen-Bradley PLCs and automation components
Allen-Bradley PLCs and automation components - quality sourcing makes all the difference.

Comparison with Competitors:

  • Unlike many suppliers who list every product from every brand regardless of availability, NJT Automation focuses on Allen-Bradley items and quality over quantity. We provide accurate inventory information and deliver what we promise.
  • We offer competitive pricing without the high markups often seen from other suppliers.
  • You can pick up in-stock inventory conveniently at our Milwaukee location.

Our mission is YOUR OPERATION.

Warranty and Return Policy:

We stand behind the quality of our products. NJT Automation offers a 1-year warranty on all parts and a hassle-free return policy with every purchase.

Conclusion:

Now you understand how this industry operates. Ideally, your factory would get exactly the parts it needs directly from the original manufacturer, but that's rarely an option if your machines are over a decade old. When it breaks, you'll have to navigate through this market in a high-pressure situation.

At NJT Automation, we focus on providing quality, reliable products and exceptional service that is laser-focused on your operation. Whether you're searching for obsolete Allen-Bradley parts or need a repair, NJT Automation is your trusted partner.

Our open practices, honest and accurate inventory, and commitment to reliable products equal you getting back up and running faster.

This article is intended to educate customers about the automation surplus market. We respect all businesses operating in this space and encourage informed decision-making.

Ready to Find Your Allen-Bradley Parts?

Contact NJT Automation today for expert sourcing and reliable service.

Have surplus Allen-Bradley parts to sell? Understanding market dynamics can help you get better value for your excess inventory. Learn about your selling options →

About NJT Automation

NJT Automation specializes in sourcing obsolete and hard-to-find Allen-Bradley automation components. Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we serve industrial customers nationwide with quality parts, expert technical support, and fast shipping.

Disclaimer: Designated trademarks, brand names and brands appearing herein are the property of their respective owners. This website is not sanctioned or approved by any manufacturer or trade-name listed. NJT is not an authorized surplus dealer or affiliate for the manufacturer of this product. The product may have older date codes or be an older series than that available direct from the factory or authorized dealers. Because NJT is not an authorized distributor of this product, the Original Manufacturer's warranty does not apply. While many PLC products will have firmware already installed, NJT makes no representation as to whether a PLC product will or will not have firmware and, if it does have firmware, whether the firmware is the revision level that you need for your application. NJT also makes no representations as to your ability or right to download or otherwise obtain firmware for the product from the original OEM, its distributors, or any other source. NJT also makes no representations as to your right to install any such firmware on the product. NJT will not obtain or supply firmware on your behalf. It is your obligation to comply with the terms of any End-User License Agreement or similar document related to obtaining or installing firmware.
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