Recently, a client brought an almost-new computer, it was claimed, but it turned out to be an old one. Interestingly, the client himself is very computer-knowledgeable, and he was fooled.

Here, you can discover how to protect your investment and avoid getting scammed when buying a computer with these expert verification techniques. I always recommend purchasing only from reputable vendors. Note that this means more than just big ones, as many small vendors are reputable.

The Importance of Accurate Age Verification

Outdated systems disguised as new can create multiple problems:

• Performance issues affecting daily operations

• Compatibility problems with modern software

• Potential security vulnerabilities are threatening your business.

Consider these statistics:

• The average lifespan of a new system is 3 to 5 years; a two-year-old computer gives you 1 to 3 years, and a three-year-old probably has about a year left.
• Outdated systems will have higher repair costs.
• Performance degradation in older systems will lead to slower transaction times.

The Bigger Picture

While determining the exact age of a computer system is crucial, it's not the only factor to consider when upgrading your POS setup. The reliability, compatibility with your chosen Best POS software, and the vendor's support are just as crucial.. A slightly older, well-maintained system that's fit for purpose might serve your business better than a brand-new system that needs optimisation for retail operations.

Consider these key factors:

• System reliability and uptime
• Compatibility with modern POS software
• Vendor support and warranty options
• Overall performance for your specific retail needs

Serial Number: Your First Line of Defence

The serial number is your most reliable age indicator.

To locate it:

• Check the back of desktop computers

• Look under Computer

• Inspect the battery compartment.

The Difficulty of Changing Stickers

Now it's not impossible to change a sticker if it's there, but its not easy for anyone trying to do so deceptively:

• Designed for Tamper-Evidence: Manufacturers often use special adhesives and materials that cause the sticker to tear, shred, or leave behind a "VOID" pattern if peeled off.

• Hard to Replicate: The stickers are printed with specific fonts and layouts, and often include barcodes that are difficult to reproduce.

• Physical Imperfections: Check if the sticker is peeling at the corners, isn't aligned correctly, or has bubbles underneath it.

For Windows-based systems, use the Command Prompt.

"wmic bios get serialnumber"

It might display the serial number if it is in the BIOS.

Once you have the serial number, visit the manufacturer's website or contact customer support. Many companies can provide manufacturing date information based on the serial number.

However, many computers today do not have the serial number here, so you get a "Default String."

While serial numbers can be reliable indicators, sometimes they're not accessible. In such cases, the BIOS date provides another verification method."

BIOS Date: A Window into the Past

Look for the "BIOS Version/Date"

This date shows when the computer's BIOS was last updated. Now, some manufacturers or tech-savvy sellers might update the BIOS before selling, which could mask the system's actual age. So, like always, buyer beware.

Another way I prefer to determine the approximate time your computer was assembled is to check the BIOS date here. You can check the system information in Windows. To access this, type "system information" in the Start menu's search bar, then run it; a window will pop up showing details about the computer, including the BIOS Date.

What you will get is

This will only work if the computer's BIOS has not been updated since the initial installation. 

Here's how to check it:

1. Open the Command Prompt (search for it in the Start menu).
2. Type one of these commands and press Enter:

While you are there, look at the processor. Doing a net search, you can quickly find when the manufacturer first released that computer. It will not tell you how old the computer is, but it will tell you the oldest possible age.

Windows Installation: A Clue, Not a Guarantee

In Windows settings > About, it will tell you the Windows version and when Windows was installed. Again, it is no longer a guide, as a new version of Windows may have been installed on that computer.

Checking the Windows installation date can tell you its setup date, but it does not always indicate the hardware's age. Here's how to find this information:

1. Go to Windows Settings (use the Windows key + I shortcut).
2. Navigate to System > About.
3. Scroll down to find the Windows version and installation date.

However, someone may have reinstalled Windows by upgrading it. Again, this date might reflect that not the computer's age. However, it can be a helpful piece of the puzzle when combined with other verification methods, as it can reasonably be assumed that the computer is older than this date. I can only emphasise that a computer cannot be older than its processor.

Check the Hard Drive

While the methods above help determine the age of the computer's core components, a savvy buyer should also inspect the components themselves. The hard drive is, I think, the most important as an old, heavily used drive is just real trouble.

How to Check Power-On Hours

You will need a free third-party tool to get this. CrystalDiskInfo is pretty good. It's the one I mainly use, but there are others. Download, install, and run this program. It will automatically scan your drives and display their health status and detailed information, including the "Power-On Hours" value.​

Interpreting the Results

By comparing Power-On Hours with other clues, such as the CPU release date, you can uncover the computer's true history. Let us say the laptop is 2 years old; one would expect the hard drive to be used about (2 years) x (250 days) x (8 hours) = 4,000 hours.

• Scenario 1: New Drive
  The hard drive has only 50 Power-On Hours. This suggests the hard drive was recently replaced. I would not complain about that.

• Scenario 2:Problems
  The seller claims the PC was "lightly used," but the Power-On Hours are really high (e.g., over 15,000).  Something does not sound right.

• Scenario 3: A Consistent Story
  The drive shows around 4,000 Power-On Hours. This story adds up.

By checking the Power-On Hours, you move beyond simply finding the computer's age and start to understand its history, condition, and actual value.

Component Inspection: Devil in the Details

For those with more technical know-how, inspecting individual components can reveal much about a system's age, but this raises another problem. I have seen people replacing components with older ones. If you open the computer, you may find stickers that can help you.

Summing up

It is not easy to find out. These methods, at best, can only help.

It's important to note that a computer's age is not always an accurate indicator of its performance or lifespan. An older computer that has been well-cared for often functions perfectly for many years. New computers that are lemons are not uncommon, either.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if a computer is new?
A: Check multiple age indicators: serial number verification, BIOS date, CPU model release date, and Windows installation date. No method is foolproof, so various verification techniques provide the best assurance.

Q: What's the most reliable method to check a computer's age?
A: The serial number is the most reliable indicator when available. You need this number when contacting the manufacturer to obtain the manufacturing date.

Q: How do you find out how old a computer is?
A: Use multiple verification methods above.

Q: How do you find the date on the computer?
A: Access dates through System Information (systeminfo.exe) to find the Original installation date and BIOS Version/Date, or check Windows Settings > System > About for the installation date.

Q: What is the age of the computer System?
A: Generally, computer systems are typically categorised
- New (1-2 years)
- Middle-aged (3-5 years)
- Aging (5+ years) 

Most businesses value a computer for five years, and after that, it has no book value. 

Q: How old is my computer in human years?
A: This is an awful measure, but it is commonly stated that a computer ages at five human years for each actual year. 

Q: Can the BIOS date be manipulated?
A: The BIOS can be updated, which changes its date. That's why using multiple verification methods is essential rather than relying solely on BIOS information.

Q: How do I check the Windows installation date?
A: Access Windows Settings > System > About. While this shows when Windows was installed, remember that Windows could have been reinstalled on older hardware.

Q: What should I do if I discover my "new" computer is used?
A: Document all evidence, contact the seller immediately for resolution, and if necessary, file complaints with consumer protection agencies. 

Q: How often should I replace my computer?
A: Replacement for business and POS systems is typically recommended every 3-5 years. Systems older than this are often prone to performance issues and security vulnerabilities.

Q: Can I trust component inspection?
A: Component inspection can be helpful but requires technical knowledge. Be aware that components can be swapped, so this method should be used alongside other verification techniques.

Q: What if the serial number shows "Default String"?
A: This is common in modern computers, where the serial number isn't stored in the BIOS. In these cases, check the device's physical serial number or use alternative verification methods.

Q: How can I verify the age of individual components?
A: Use system information tools to identify component models, then cross-reference their release dates with manufacturer specifications. However, keep in mind that components may have been replaced over time.

Updated: I was asked some questions by a client a few days ago, so rather than answer them, I decided to rewrite this article and give my readers here an answer too.

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director at POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience. He consults to various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

Dear Valued Customer,

We have received several inquiries about renewing EFTPOS plans, and we are writing to provide strategic advice in light of the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) proposed surcharging reforms. We recommend proceeding with caution before committing to any new or existing supplier.

The RBA is moving to ban surcharges on EFTPOS, Visa, and Mastercard payments, with the changes likely to be effective from July 2026.

Looking at these blended-rate surcharging plans currently being promoted by EFTPOS providers, we have big doubts about some of their claims. While these plans are often presented with attractive incentives, they may expose your business to higher-than-necessary fees once you can no longer pass on those costs to customers.

Our priority is your business's long-term profitability.

You can give us a call to discuss your options if you want.

Best regards,

Bernard Zimmermann

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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 Don't Get Left Behind: Upgrade Your Shop with Our Biggest Black Friday POS Sale Ever!

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Secure Next-Gen POS Systems at Low Prices

Now is a good time for us to offer you low prices, as many of our partners have excess stock that they know they cannot clear out for months. They are keen to move, so we offer to pass some good savings on to you to help you and them. We tell them what we want: "Our Black Friday Sale is here, with limited-time offers and doorbuster deals!" That's why we worked with our suppliers to bring you incredible Black Friday deals.

I can tell you this: when this stock goes, it doesn't return at these prices.

Huge Savings on Computer Equipment

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Why Upgrade Now? 

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Today, your data must back your strategic decisions. Analysing sales data moves you from gut feel to certainty, revealing what boosts profits. Your POS system captures this info to refine growth strategies.

Analysing Halloween Sales Performance

Begin by extracting detailed insights from your POS system to evaluate Halloween results.

Your POS system has the information you need. It's there, waiting for you to dig in. Here is how to gather insights you can use.

Getting Started: Your First Data Deep Dive

Here's how you can tap into this resource to gain a clear picture of your performance:

Accessing Your Sales Comparison Report

Knowing where your business is going is essential.

Now is an appropriate time to take a quick look at how well you did in 2024, where you are now in retail strategy and compare your performance to previous years.

Go to the register reports.

Now select the item marked "Sales Comparison for a Given period".

Key Performance Metrics to Track

Let's use a month of information as the holiday starts nowadays, long before the actual day, and continues a bit after. Here's how to do it:

Conducting a Month Analysis

First Comparison:

Input the date range: 06/10/2024 to 06/11/2024 AND 06/10/2025 to 06/11/2025.

Run the report and note key figures

Second Comparison:

Return to the report and input: 06/10/2023 to 06/11/2023 AND 06/10/2025 to 06/11/2025.

Record key statistics

These data points give you a solid foundation for understanding your business's performance over the past two years.

Visualising

A simple graph of your annual turnover can provide a clear visual representation of your business's growth trajectory.

Go to the Cash register.

Then go to Sales - Register Select Dissection Monthly Sales Trend (Graph)

Please select the date range. I suggest 4 weeks, 06/10/2025 to 06/11/2025

As you examine your sales data, ask yourself:

Is there a consistent upward trend in turnover?

Are there any noticeable dips or spikes? What might have caused these?

How does your 2025 performance compare to previous years?

What factors influenced your sales performance over this period?

Now, go back and look at the past two years. Two years is good, as you can see from the seasonal variations.

Remember, this analysis isn't about numbers. It's about understanding the story. We are using these numbers to gain insights that will help us make a strategy for the future.

Leveraging Advanced POS Features

While this simple analysis provides valuable insights, your POS system offers even more advanced reporting capabilities. Use these features to uncover powerful insights that will drive your business decisions:

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

The Australian Labor Party made an election promise to eliminate debit card surcharges; this policy was supported to some degree by all major Australian Parties, so as day follows night, we can expect changes here. In response, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), after looking into it, decided to float the idea of banning all surcharges on Australian Debit and Credit cards —but, strangely, not on overseas cards. Now, many of my clients have heard about the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) proposed changes to merchant card payments, but most aren't clear about what's actually being discussed. There's a lot of noise out there, and too few people understand what the proposals mean for their day-to-day business operations. I was pretty stunned to find that many of the industrial bodies that represent them had not asked for their thoughts and then told them what they submitted on their behalf. 

To cut through the confusion, I reviewed every official submission to the RBA's consultation—covering banks, card networks, business associations, consumer groups, and technology providers. I pulled out each central position, concern, and argument to show what's really being debated. It took some time, but the goal is to help business owners like you clearly see who supports what, who's opposed, and what that might mean in real-world terms. So below is a summary table outlining each key issue, why it matters, and where the main stakeholders stand. It’s designed to make a complex discussion easier for you to follow.

In summary, Many of the proposed changes from the RBA have mixed effects. They could help consumers and some businesses, but may also push new costs onto retailers with limited ability to absorb them. For small, local shops—especially those operating on agency models or with very tight margins- it's essential to understand these effects and engage in the debate.

I hope this helps you follow the current debate.

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

In retail, sales often slip away because retailers are targeting the wrong crowd. They do research, stand behind your products, but nothing shifts. It’s frustrating and confusing. Sometimes, though, it's not about the shop, the prices, or even the promos. The issue might be that they're trying to fill a need for folks who aren't coming or not prepared to buy those products from them.

A Real-World Example

I remember helping out a guy who loved board games. He stocked his shop with a solid selection, popular ones selling well. He did the research, which checked out; prices were good, and the display looked sharp. Still, those games did not sell.

He was stumped, of course. "How can I move more of this?" he said. He figured a tweak to the signs and a slight price cut would do it. But it became clear: the shoppers in his store weren't into buying these games, and the ones who did buy them didn't wander in. Worse, some of those game fans were already his regulars for other things, but they did not buy it from him. The real snag wasn't how to sell them. It was whether he should bother stocking them there at all.

Sticking to the Wrong Ideas

When things slow down, retailers naturally start poking at fixes. You end up asking stuff like:

• How can I push my products harder?
• Would dropping prices help me compete?
• Is my lineup off somehow?

These are thoughtful questions because they're action-oriented and suggest you're just one adjustment away from turning it around. That's the pitfall. You keep fiddling with bits and pieces, chasing a win that doesn't show. But these questions miss the point by assuming these products are for you.

The Question That Matters

Better to flip it: Do the folks who want what I'm offering actually step into my place?

That's where the gap shows up for so many shops. It happens in a few ways.

Your items might fly off shelves elsewhere, but that does not mean they move here like they do at that store, where the demand existed but not the right crowd.

Or you've got traffic pouring by, but it's the mismatch kind; a packed sidewalk means nothing if they're not people for your stock.

Market research can trick you here. It shows something's overall hot, but doesn't indicate whether those buyers will hit your spot. That's where your point-of-sale setup shines. It uncovers the real story: how often people buy, what your top spenders grab, their typical haul, and what pairs up in carts.

The wake-up hits when that data shows that your main buyers don't align with the crowd you're after. That's the sign you've been off track.

Spotting the Disconnect

Before jumping in, ask yourself, What is the market for these items.

How do they get it now online, from rivals, across town?

Are they quick grabs or planners who seek it out?

Do these people want to buy these products from you? My daughter, for example, prefers to buy her cosmetics from a shop that specialises in these products.

Then, who's actually passing by or popping in?

Glance at the flow outside. Do they match your ideal buyers?

Are they there on purpose or just cruising through?

What draws them, daily errands, or something touristy?

The Big Lesson

• Start off small
• Prepare in advance a plan to pull out of that product if it does not work
• If possible ask for sale or return
• Closely monitor your sales in your POS System.

The sad reality is that, in business today, we say only one in three products works. The odds are that what you pick will fail. You need new products, but you need to be ruthless: admit you made a mistake, you chased the wrong thing, you made a bad start, and rethink it all.

Before dumping more cash on promo, time on shelves, or worry, face this: Do the buyers for my stuff show up here? If so, better ads, cheaper tags. More sweat won't cut it; it's the wrong fight. Step away?

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

When you buy, the higher up the pyramid, the better the deals you can get, as every layer adds cost. Unfortunately, as a rule, the higher you go, the harder it is to trade. Now I have spoken here at length about sourcing goods directly overseas. Doing this lets you bypass local importers. Say, for example, the importer buys it for $10 and puts a 100% markup, so it's $20 now. Once you buy it for them, set a 50% markup: the retail price is $30, and your profit is $10. If you went direct, you probably will not get it for $10 as you do not know the market as well and you buy less but you should be about to get it for $13, you decide to put a 100% margin and you are now at $26, 4 dollars cheaper then the retail price and your margin is $13, 30% more. It sounds good, huh.

Today, one of the best places to buy goods is in China. China is a significant manufacturing power today. Due to current American policy, the Chinese are looking for new markets. This is what is exciting Australian importers. The primary site for importing into Australia is AliExpress. I have spoken about it often here. It's a site most importers use. Now, here is a tip: there are more platforms that China uses, such as Alibaba. The one I will suggest to you now is 1688.

Why 1688 Beats AliExpress on Price

When you stack 1688 against AliExpress, the 16688 usually comes out way cheaper, sometimes by 30% to 70%. Why the gap? It boils down to their target market. 1688 is all about connecting Chinese factories with buyers in China for big wholesale deals. AliExpress, on the other hand, sells straight to shoppers around the world, like a regular online store. By buying from 1688, you are going up the pyramid. These savvy buyers can turn this to their advantage, as they are not paying for advertising or the Chinese wholesaler's commission.

I compared prices: a cross-body bag costs about 27 AUD on 1688 but 82 USD on AliExpress. Makeup brushes are $2.10 on 1688 and $7 on Aliexpress. An iPhone case costs 80 cents on 1688 versus $2.50 on AliExpress. These differences highlight good potential savings.

Problems You Can't Ignore

Sure, those unit prices on 1688 look great, but they don't tell the whole story. Like I said, the higher up the pyramid, the harder it is to trade.

Language

The main issue is that 1688 operates in Chinese. I used Google Translate to communicate, but it was difficult. I selected items on Aliexpress, translated their titles into Chinese, and searched on 1688. Most were found, but it was challenging. If I were doing it for a big order, I would hire someone who knows Chinese to make the order. Such people are not expensive, as Australia is full of Chinese speakers, and you only need them for a short time. You go on Aliexpress, pick what you want, then call them in to go on 1688 and ask for quotes. Do not undersell or oversell yourself. Today, you may be shocked at how much information about your shop people can find on the internet. Tell them the truth: you are a successful retailer, you deal with these items, and you are enquiring about a buy price for delivery to Australia to try out their product, which, if it works, you will buy in much larger quantities.

Shipping

It is another big one. 1688 sellers mostly stick to China, so you need to find a company on 1688 that can handle Australia. It's a hassle; in the worst case, they will be able to put you in touch with one of their agents who can help you. It's doable, adds a layer. AliExpress handles that worldwide delivery for you, but yeah, at a premium.

Payments

1688 was not bad. I did notice that they accepted PayPal, which means you do have at least a PayPal guarantee. I would be reluctant to use direct deposit from my bank to a foreign country. 

Quality

1688 is looking for big orders. You may get some nos, but you cannot take nos. I question what you are doing in business at all.

How to start

In the end, you're pushing for bigger profits and an edge that lasts. 1688 opens the door to lower stock costs. In my study, I feel its prices are lower than those on Alibaba or AliExpress. 

Start with AliExpress to poke around. Have a chew on what looks good.  While Halloween is fresh on your mind, take a look for some of the products you handled to see what price you could get. Now look at 1688 to see what you can see. If you decide it's too hard to buy on 1688, go back to Aliexpress and tell them why their prices are so high when 1688 is quoting much better.

Let me know how it goes.

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) delayed its final decision on card payment reforms until March 2026. It is to allow more time to review submissions from businesses and the public. This extension means SMBs, including retailers, will keep using the current system longer, with surcharges helping to offset processing fees, which still frustrate many customers.

I've seen firsthand how card fees affect low-margin operations like corner stores and newsagents. Our company submitted detailed feedback to the RBA, emphasising that surcharges are strictly for cost recovery under the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) guidelines, and that removing them could shift the burden onto merchants rather than payment providers as claimed.

Reform Timeline and Key Impacts

The Labor Party's 2022 election pledge aims to eliminate debit card surcharges, reducing costs for consumers and small businesses.

October 2024: RBA review begins with a paper proposing bans on surcharges on domestic debit cards and some low-cost credit transactions, caps on interchange fees, and greater transparency.

15 July 2025: A consultation paper shows these fees, totalling $4.3 billion annually, are borne mainly by SMB retailers handling many low-value card payments as cash declines.

26 August 2025: The consultation closed, receiving many submissions, which delayed further analysis.

These reforms could reshape payment processing. It may require adjustments to the POS Systems setups.

Why This Matters for Your Business

• Cash is going, and cards now dominate
• The $4.3 billion in annual fees underscores the need for transparent, cost-effective payments.
• This delay extends uncertainty. Stay informed.

Let's see how it plays out.

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.