By James John
Buying lab equipment is perhaps the most involved process of all product purchases. There is a need to ensure the tool is suitable for its purposes and also produces accurate results. The difference between how accurate and fast results are will depend on the type of equipment the lab technician uses. That’s why it’s necessary to consider the equipment to invest in as a lab owner.
This article highlights some essential tips to apply in the hunt for a quality and functional one.
Assess Brands
Quality ranks pretty high on the list of considerations for buying any item.
There has to be an assurance that it will perform to the best standard. The first step is to search for different brands available in the market and compare them. Well-known brands are more likely to give quality because they have been in the market for many years. The manufacturers have a solid niche and market share for supplying big labs. That’s not to say new entrants into the market can’t offer quality equipment. It is prudent to carry out due diligence before placing that order.
Scout Vendor Options
The lab equipment sellers vary from manufacturers to third-parties and auctioneers. It’s good practice to consider the pros and cons of buying through any of these vendors.
Buying from manufacturers is a safer option as the buyer will have the assurance of a clean model complete with a warranty and service contract. For cheaper equipment, sometimes put up for sale their discontinued, demo, and used models. When going for equipment with support services, the manufacturer is a perfect choice.
Third-party vendors or brokers buy from manufacturers to sell at retail to labs and other institutions that utilize lab equipment. The brokers are an easier way to purchase because they are in many locations. They too sell new and second-hand equipment. Their competitive advantage, however, is they stock models from different manufacturers. The customer has variety and can easily compare brands before making a purchase.
Auctions are far riskier because there are no guarantees but can be great sites to land quality at a bargain. There are brokers of lab equipment San Diego that specialize in auctions from leading manufacturers such as Agilent and IMA.
Check Features and Specifications
An essential tip for buying all machines is to look at the features and technical specifications. The features will tell if the equipment will be useful for the work in the lab. Technical specifications in the form of how much and how fast the equipment’s performance is. It may come as a surprise that some lab equipment serves the same function but do not have similar features.
Budget: New versus Used Equipment
Each lab has a specific amount they can afford to invest in the equipment. While big labs can afford to go for the expensive brands, small ones may not have a similar budget. One of two solutions may work for the smaller labs. They can decide to buy a second-hand model of a big brand name or invest in the newer manufacturers after proper research on their quality.
Demonstration
Another helpful tip is to factor in suppliers offering demos with every purchase. Ask the vendor to make a demonstration to assess how well the equipment works, how easy or hard operating it is. After all, there is a hefty amount that will go into it. Remember to ask for a demo even more so if it’s second-hand equipment to see it in action before taking it home. The act will build trust for that vendor.
After-Sale Services and Warranty
Utilizing after-sale services saves a lot of money. When purchasing new lab equipment, inquire if there is support from the manufacturer after-sale. Most popular manufacturers offer certain services like transport and set up, training the lab employees to use. These services are usually for a fixed period, so it’s best to take advantage.
Look for trusted suppliers either online or in the local area. There are many local stores selling lab equipment in San Diego.
Customer Feedback is a Powerful Tool
Almost all companies have a system for collecting customer feedback for the products and services they buy. It’s because they understand the power of customer satisfaction on the reputation of the business. It could mean more business or a slow decline to its death. Before buying into a particular brand, find out what other buyers are saying about it.
Final Thoughts
Getting the best lab equipment depends on the supplier. He should have a good reputation, be able to offer support service and demos.
