Used Laboratory Equipment: How to Buy, Sell, and Maintain

Used laboratory equipment is cheaper and provides high-quality value for their money. With proper maintenance, this equipment will last a very long time and allow you to address other things on your budget. This article is a guide to helping you buy, sell, and maintain refurbished lab scientific equipment.

Introduction

The biotech, life sciences, and pharmaceutical industries are experiencing unprecedented growth in Southern California, and across the US for that matter, driving the demand for affordable scientific and laboratory equipment solutions. As startups and established organizations strive to advance their research and development efforts, the need for high-quality lab equipment has never been more pressing.

However, the high cost of new equipment can significantly hinder innovation and progress. Used laboratory equipment is a viable solution that offers substantial cost savings, quicker procurement cycles, and environmental benefits without compromising quality.

This guide will explore the benefits, challenges, and best practices for buying, selling, and maintaining used lab equipment. We will discuss how this approach can help organizations overcome budget constraints, accelerate their research, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher, a startup founder, or a procurement specialist, understanding the ins and outs of used lab equipment can be a game-changer for your organization.

Let’s begin.

Why Buy Used Laboratory Equipment?

The following are some reasons you should consider buying used laboratory equipment online:

1. Cost Savings

Financial reward is the primary incentive for most labs to purchase used equipment. Brand-new equipment is expensive and can account for most of the lab’s budget. Additionally, used equipment has a steady and consistent value and depreciates slower than brand-new alternatives. These scientific tools can maintain a value close to the original with regular maintenance.

2. Immediate Availability

Time is of the essence in the world of research. Most original equipment manufacturers rarely keep their products in stock; instead, they produce the equipment on a need basis. This can leave labs waiting weeks or months for their equipment to be assembled and delivered.

However, the R&D laboratory equipment online store has a variety of supplies available and ready to ship as soon as we receive your order. You can save weeks or months of productivity by ordering the scientific and laboratory equipment you use now.

3. Environmentally Friendly

Going for refurbished lab equipment contributes to sustainable practices by reducing the demand for new manufacturing. If you’re a lab that promotes eco-conscious values and sustainability, using used equipment will help you reduce waste, reduce costs, and make a greener future more achievable.

How to Find Reliable Used Lab Equipment

Not all used laboratory equipment stores sell genuine stuff. You can find reliable equipment for your lab using the following tips:

1. Check Service History and Condition

Selecting reputable suppliers is paramount when buying refurbished lab equipment. Seek out suppliers with a history of providing reliable and high-quality equipment. Additionally, established suppliers keep detailed maintenance and service records, giving insight into equipment’s history, performance, reliability, and overall condition. Before finalizing the purchase, you should also physically check for signs of wear and tear or any damage that could affect its performance.

2. Certification and Compliance

Choosing the right laboratory supplier is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of results and safety during experiments. Certifications play a vital role in helping to verify that a supplier meets the standard of quality, safety, and performance required. Check for the following certifications:

• ISO 9001 (Quality Management System)
• ISO 13485 (Medical Devices - Quality Management System)
• CE Marking (Conformité Européene) for products intended for the European Market
• UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certification for products intended for the North American Market
• NSF International certification for biosafety cabinets and other lab equipment
• CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) certification for labs in the US
• GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) compliance for lab equipment suppliers used in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Most lab equipment resellers will offer a warranty on their products. As lab work is not fast, you should check that the warranty and return policies last more than 90 days, allowing you to take it for a test run. Some retailers also offer ongoing support when you buy from them; this gives you a safe and reliable stop for future repairs.

Selling Your Used Laboratory Equipment: A Step-by-Step Guide

Selling used scientific and laboratory equipment is arduous, and getting below-value for your goods is easy if you’re not careful. These tips will help you finish a good sale for your lab equipment:

1. Clean and Decontaminate Equipment

Before putting your lab equipment on the market, it is essential that you clean and decontaminate it. Lab equipment is sensitive by nature, and poor cleaning and decontamination can ruin future experiments and damage the equipment, reducing its value.

2. Assess Resale Value

Determining the resale value of lab equipment is tricky because you need to factor in various conditions, such as age, cosmetic condition, and demand for the product. You can also look up other used equipment sellers and check what price the product is going for and the general market value for the newer version.

3. Finding the Right Buyer

To find the right buyer for your lab equipment resale, you should consider online marketplaces like R&D laboratory equipment and use social media platforms like LinkedIn, X.com, and Facebook to advertise and connect with potential buyers.

Maintaining Used Laboratory Equipment for Longevity

Regular maintenance and inspections allow your lab equipment to give close value to the original and prolong its lifespan. Here are some tips for used lab and scientific equipment maintenance:

1. Periodic Cleaning and Maintenance

Like all other equipment, refurbished lab equipment must be cleaned regularly to maintain peak working conditions and ensure long-term durability. Cleaning usually depends on equipment; some might even require professional cleaning services. Make sure to clean the equipment before and after use. Also, refer to the manufacturer’s policy on cleaning and maintenance for good practice.

2. Routine Inspections

Obvious faults and problems with your lab equipment are not always self-apparent, and when they finally become obvious, it is usually too late. You prevent untimely laboratory and scientific equipment breakdowns by conducting routine physical checks for wear and tear.

3. Recertification and Calibration

Many of your lab equipment, like your vacuum gauges and controllers, require proper calibration to keep them working at optimal levels and deliver high-quality readings like they were just bought. Most lab equipment is suitable with annual calibration, but the accuracy of the sensors and probes might get out of spec over time with increased usage and contamination.

R&D Laboratory Equipment offers recertification, calibration, and testing services to ensure your equipment and lab meet industrial and safety compliance policies.

Why Choose Us for Buying, Selling, and Maintaining Used Lab Equipment?

1. Trusted Experts in Southern California

If you need used lab equipment at great pricing and post-purchase services, we are the best option in the United States of America. R&D Laboratory Equipment has over 23 years of experience providing high-quality refurbished lab and scientific equipment to Southern California's life sciences and biotech communities.

2. Comprehensive Services

We are committed to providing you with the best laboratory and scientific services you can get. Our drive to make sure your lab equipment is up to date and provides accurate measurements does not stop with giving high-quality hardware at competitive prices but also helping you maintain them by providing extensive lab management services that include decontamination and cleaning, certifications and testing, and e-waste recycling.

3. Our Commitment to Lab Safety

Lab equipment is sensitive, and the refurbished versions are even more so. We ensure lab safety and protect the integrity of your experiments by providing equipment inspections, safety checks, certifications, and compliance testing.

Conclusion

Buying and selling used scientific and laboratory equipment requires deep knowledge of buying, selling, and maintenance procedures, specific equipment specs, and more. This guide helps ensure you have enough information on buying and selling used lab micro lab equipment. If you need more information about specific lab equipment or want to purchase high-quality products, contact R&D Laboratory Equipment for a quote.

FAQ

1. What are the benefits of buying used laboratory equipment?

Buying used lab equipment reduces the strain on your lab’s budget, freeing up funds for other projects. It also enables faster procurement and is a sustainable option for an eco-friendly organization.

2. How can I ensure the quality and safety of used lab equipment?

Verify that the used lab equipment has up-to-date certifications to ensure quality and safety. Also, check the service history for detailed maintenance and performance records.

3. What types of lab equipment are commonly available for resale?

Standard resold lab equipment includes biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, incubators, centrifuges, etc.

4. How do I prepare my lab equipment for resale?

Before selling lab equipment, ensure it has been cleaned and decontaminated, reassess its condition, and provide detailed certification and maintenance history.

5. How often should I maintain or service used laboratory equipment?

While annual maintenance is suitable for most laboratory equipment, with increased usage, regular maintenance and cleaning schedules may be needed to keep it working at optimal levels.