Resellers are being warned to take caution when approached with cheap Symantec and Logitech products by second-hand dealers, as the products may not be covered by warranty or service support.

Arthur Andersen, the administrator appointed to sell off the assets of fallen distributor Dataflow, sold off a substantial amount of stock to Australian Computer Recyclers, who are now offering this stock to resellers at discount prices.

According to Symantec managing director John Donovan and Logitech general manager Marco Manera, these products were only covered by warranty when sold by Dataflow, and have since become obsolete.

"My main concern is that they are trying to flog off these products without a warranty," said Logitech general manager, Marco Manera.

"We're talking 90 to 100 per cent of these products being obsolete. They are no longer a part of our price list," he said.

"We won't be providing any money-back guarantees and there will be no support provided for these products," said Symantec's Donovan. "If resellers purchase it, they are responsible for it."

"I'd recommend against buying this stock, as the bulk of it is obsolete," he said. "We have offered new versions of these products since Dataflow went down. All other Symantec products sold through Express Data and Tech Pacific is guaranteed for full service and a full warranty. But none of these offers are available for the ex-Dataflow stock."

But according to Australian Computer Recyclers Steve Lagos, the warranties should stand.

"The manufacturers warranty is a contentious point that we're fighting at the moment," Lagos said. "Logitech are trying to squirm out of it. In this country, if you buy a product, regardless of how you bought it, consumer affairs would insist on a warranty. Every buyer has a right to a warranty, as long as it is sold legally in this country."

Donovan advises resellers to watch out for stock that is sold at extreme discounts, hoping that products have been stickered to suggest that the manufacturer's warranty does not apply, as was promised by Arthur Anderson. Arthur Andersen were unavailable for comment.

"I'm very disappointed that this has happened," he said. "We were guaranteed by the administrators that it wouldn't. In short, my message to resellers is 'Run a Mile'."