Buying Lab Equipment

Buying the correct lab equipment, particularly if you’re starting from the bottom can seem like an endless list with ballooning costs. Before making such a large investment in filling out an entire laboratory, there are a few key things you should take into consideration that could save you a lot of trouble and money in the long run.

The first step to buying lab equipment is determining what you will absolutely need to get started and prioritizing them. What equipment is necessary to run the test that are integral to your lab? Is there equipment that would be nice to have, but you can wait on for a little while before making the investment? Knowing what you need right off the bat will help you focus your goals and make sure you’re covered. After that, you can fill in the support lab instruments and consumables, kits and nice to haves.

Price of the equipment is typically the next biggest concern. Whether you decide to purchase used/refurbished lab equipment, or brand-new lab equipment, you should not only examine the purchase price of the equipment, but also the ongoing maintenance cost of each machine. Another thing to consider is whether or not a warranty is offered, and what is covered under that warranty, as that can also ultimately impact the overall, life-time cost of the machine. If it’s a piece of equipment that is integral to your lab’s operation, investing in an extended warranty or more thorough service contract might make more sense. Beyond the warranty, does the seller offer some sort of service contract, or are you completely on your own when it comes to maintenance and repair? 

You should also consider skill levels when buying lab equipment, and what will be required of the end-user. Will the lab staff using the equipment require additional training on how to operate the equipment? Is training available and if so, at what cost. How frequently is the equipment going to be used and does it make sense to purchase if it will only be used for one specific test, can it be utilized for multiple purposes. If not perhaps considering another instrument will handle that test plus other functions would be a better use of your resources. 

In the end, doing your due diligence is the best tool available to you when buying lab equipment. By using a reputable dealer like the Lab World Group, you can not only source pieces of lab equipment, but also our knowledgeable team can help determine your overall needs, suggest lab instruments and help you to compare not only prices but what will be the most effective solution. Buying gently used lab equipment, you can not only stretch your budget further but find supportive guidance on outfitting your lab so you‘re set up for success.