Buying lab equipment is similar to purchasing a car in that there are many different manufacturers and models to select from, as well as several dealers. You may also opt to buy new equipment or save money by buying used. Buying used has some drawbacks, but learning what to look for and what questions to ask can help you manage them. Here are 10 things to think about before purchasing laboratory equipment.

Identify what equipment you need.

When you’re shopping for a new car, one of the first things to consider is if you require a vehicle, truck, or SUV. Similarly, when looking for laboratory equipment, it’s crucial to understand exactly what your requirements are. Consider whether you require a certain brand or model, as well as what characteristics are necessary for your lab’s study. Before you start shopping, know exactly what you want and your fundamental needs.

Find out what vendor options you have.

The manufacturers and third-party suppliers, as well as online auction sites, provide laboratory equipment. Purchasing new goods directly from the manufacturer is frequently desirable because it comes with a warranty and service contract. The manufacturer may also offer discontinued, used, or sample models at a reduced price. Buying straight from the maker has several advantages:

There are always sellers on eBay who sell used and new equipment from several different manufacturers. This allows you to compare the characteristics and pricing of various instruments that are used for similar tasks in your lab. Third-party vendors may also provide a warranty and service contract when purchasing their products.

Lab managers may also purchase equipment through online auctions. While this might be dangerous since there is usually no warranty with the equipment, it can get you a wonderful price. LabX is one such website that sells laboratory equipment.

Ask for demonstrations.

Ask the vendor to show you how the equipment works when you’re thinking about buying from them. This allows you to inspect the equipment in action and see how it operates. If one option is more difficult to use than another, this will become obvious during the demonstration. You wouldn’t buy a car without taking it for a spin first, so don’t forget to drive your lab equipment as well.

When purchasing new equipment, demonstrations are standard. If you’re thinking of buying used equipment, though, you should ask for one. Because you’ll be able to watch the equipment in action and know that it works, this will enhance your trust in the vendor. You can also find out if any quirks or special methods are required to get the instrument up and running. Before buying anything, you want to make sure it’s operating properly.

Negotiate between vendors.

You may utilize quotes from several providers to bargain once you have gotten several quotations. You should never pay the list price for a laboratory equipment item; however, you should negotiate in the same manner as if you were purchasing a car. If one firm provides you with a lower quote, inform the other suppliers that you can save money by buying it elsewhere.

With both tasks completed on new equipment, you may negotiate pricing as well as increased warranties or improved service contracts. It is quite usual to obtain at least three bids from different suppliers.

Ask about service contracts.

Service contracts are often added on as an optional extra. Even after warranties have run out, there’s a chance that your equipment—new or secondhand—will suffer harm. If you have a service contract and something goes wrong, rather than paying for a technician to come to repair your equipment if it breaks down, you pay a monthly fee regardless of whether anything goes wrong. Essentially, obtaining a service contract may save you money if there are a lot of issues that arise; but having one can cost you money if nothing breaks down. As a result, when purchasing used instruments, getting a service contract is more advantageous.

When considering service contracts, the first thing to consider is whether or not there is a manufacturer’s warranty and how long it lasts. Then you must estimate what the cost of a service contract will be and how long it will take. Read any contracts carefully before signing them to verify that they exactly contain everything discussed with the sales representative.

Read reviews and ask for referrals.

When it comes to making a purchasing decision, research both the equipment and the vendor before you make your selection. Read reviews to see if other people have had similar issues with the same product. This can even help you decide whether or not you should get a service contract for the equipment. You should also learn what previous customers have to say about the firm you’re thinking of buying from—did they recommend them? Find out if they responded quickly to complaints and if they were consistent in their customer service for others.

You may also inquire about equipment purchasing options among your coworkers. Some institutions have contracts with vendors that allow them to acquire equipment and supplies at a reduced price. Before you make your ultimate decision, ask around.

Research the associated costs.

Would you buy a vehicle without knowing how far it will go on a tank of gas? Most likely not. When you’re buying equipment, make sure you know what the consumable costs will be to run the instrument every month. While purchasing used equipment might save money in the beginning, if supplies are difficult to come by,

You may also locate out what replacement parts cost for various manufacturers and models by conducting some research. If you’re having trouble deciding between two similar instruments, knowing how to repair your instrument at a lower price even if it costs a little extra upfront might help you save money.

Find out what training is provided.

With any new equipment purchase, your lab team will need to learn how to use it. Some businesses may provide online training resources, while others might just give instruction manuals. If you’re making a big investment, some manufacturers may offer onsite training so that you can learn how to operate the equipment from the specialists.

The experience level of your personnel with the sort of equipment will assist you in determining whether or not you need training courses. If purchasing new and untested, it’s less likely to acquire a thorough training program. Take this into account while selecting a vendor as well.

Ask about the history of the instrument.

There is no Carfax for laboratory equipment, but the easiest approach to find out the history of a certain instrument is to talk with the seller. When purchasing secondhand, you want to be confident that the equipment you’re buying hasn’t had any issues. If you’re buying it from a lab that used the equipment, request documentation of any maintenance performed on it; otherwise,

Compare total costs of ownership.

When purchasing new, you will spend more money upfront on a piece of equipment. During the first few years of use, you are unlikely to encounter any issues that aren’t covered by a warranty. However, if you purchase secondhand, you will save money upfront but may end up spending more in the long run on replacement parts and labour, especially if you don’t have a service contract. Consider how long each item will endure before deciding whether or not it’s worth buying used. Buying used and having something for many years may end up costing as much as buying new.

Don’t forget to include consumable expenses into the overall ownership cost. Based on whether you acquire new or used equipment, determine how much money you will spend over the next five or ten years. When it comes to lab equipment, the greatest thing you can do is consider the decision in the same way as if you were purchasing a new automobile. 

Create a list of advantages and disadvantages, as well as your budget. What can you afford now, and how much may you spend later if necessary? Both new and used equipment are excellent options. It all depends on what is accessible, what your requirements are, and how long you plan to use the instrument.
If you’re looking for new scientific equipment, SciMed is a leading supplier of scientific instrumentation in the UK and Ireland