Top Considerations When Buying Used Laboratory Equipment

When setting up or upgrading a laboratory, purchasing used equipment can be a cost-effective solution. However, it’s essential to make informed decisions to ensure you get high-quality, reliable equipment. Here are the top considerations to keep in mind when buying used laboratory equipment.

Assessing Your Needs

Before diving into the market, clearly define what your laboratory requires. Consider the types of experiments or tests you plan to conduct and ensure that the used equipment you’re eyeing is compatible with your existing setup. Compatibility and specific functionalities are crucial to maintain workflow efficiency.  

Also, realize that if you need a highly specialized piece of equipment for a 1-off test, renting equipment or utilizing another lab that specializes in that test may be worthwhile.  You can contact the supplier and ask if they would be willing to do a short-term rental of the equipment - it never hurts to ask!

Researching Suppliers

Choose reputable suppliers to ensure the quality and reliability of the equipment. Look for suppliers with positive reviews and testimonials. Some used equipment suppliers have a physical location nearby where you can pop into their warehouse and observe their operations. Some suppliers do a thorough test of each piece of equipment before selling it, making it more likely you will avoid unexpected problems with your equipment.

Inspecting Equipment Condition

If you find a used equipment supplier locally, stop in and inspect their equipment.  You might also find good deals on other pieces of equipment you didn’t know they had.  You can check for signs of wear and tear as well as ask for the best condition piece of equipment they have in the category you are looking for.  

If online, check for high quality pictures at multiple angles so you can see what you are going to get!

Considering Warranties and Return Policies

You will want to make sure that your lab equipment has a warranty or return policy, unless you are buying it as is.  Good used equipment suppliers will have a 30-90 day warranty to give you peace of mind and ensure you get a working piece of equipment.  This also protects you in case something happens in shipping or in case that seller missed something in their assessment of the equipment pre-sale.  

Evaluating Cost vs. Value

Used equipment can be significantly cheaper than purchasing a new piece of equipment.  It is important to evaluate , it’s important to evaluate the cost against the potential long-term value. Consider factors such as the remaining lifespan of the equipment, maintenance costs, and the potential need for future upgrades.

Brand

Not all brands/manufacturers are created equal.  If the equipment you are needing is a high value piece of equipment, reach out to the used equipment supplier and ask them what brands offer the best value.  If you have chosen a good used equipment supplier, they will give you a rundown of the top brands and help you make a choice between the different brands they have in stock.

Conclusion

Buying used lab equipment can really help you setup or optimize your lab while keeping the budget in mind.  However, choosing a good used equipment supplier and a solid brand can help you not regret saving on your initial investment.  Since you have taken the time to research out a strategy for obtaining the equipment you need for your lab, don’t skimp on the final steps before making that purchase. 

If you want help planning your next lab purchases, want to chat about brands, or simply purchase a piece of used lab equipment you have already researched, visit R&D Laboratory Equipment.  We look forward to helping you make your next lab purchase!