It’s critical to get the testing environment’s equipment selection just correct because it affects both the corporation and the patients. Your laboratory’s purchase of equipment is one of the most significant purchases you’ll ever make. For the best return on your investment, you must take into account several different aspects of the purchase.
Purchasing lab equipment is a lot like purchasing a car; there is a wide range of models and providers from which to choose. In addition to acquiring new equipment, you have the opportunity of purchasing secondhand.
The hazards of purchasing a used car are real, but these can be mitigated by doing your research and asking the right questions.
We’ve developed a list of the most important considerations to keep in mind while purchasing laboratory equipment. Have a look below:
1. Set Up A Priority Equipment List
Setting up a laboratory is a significant expensive undertaking, given the high cost of medical equipment and devices. Even whether you have access to grants, government funds,
contributions, or loans, you must be realistic about the entire expenditures involved to make the most of these opportunities.
Creating a list of necessities is a great approach to remaining within a fixed budget. It’s important to think about the size of your lab as well as the type of services you offer while putting together a list.
2. Find Out About Your Choices For A Provider
Online auctions and third-party sellers are only some of the lab equipment vendors that are available. In many cases, purchasing straight from the manufacturer entitles you to a warranty and a service contract.
Discontinued, second-hand, or demo models may also be offered at a discount by the manufacturer. If you buy directly from the manufacturer, the company is the most educated about their instruments and can offer the greatest support and information.
For example, if you are into buying bulk chemical resistant valves with certified ptfe seat integration, finding a reputable manufacturer and not the distributor will play a huge difference.
Some third-party suppliers sell both new and old equipment from a wide range of manufacturers. Compare features and costs of different lab instruments that are used for the same job. In addition to the purchase price, third-party vendors may include a warranty and service agreement in their pricing.
3. Product Descriptions & Details
Compare the features of several different brands or models of lab equipment before making a purchase. It’s critical to thoroughly examine the product’s technical features and specs before making a decision.
If your lab has a limited amount of room, for example, choose bench-top models of laboratory equipment to make the most of it. It is possible to find benchtop models of centrifuges and other devices from a variety of manufacturers. They deliver the same results as larger devices but take up a fraction of the area.
4. Availability
Equipment for laboratories is frequently brought in from other countries. The difficulty is that things that aren’t in stock could take a long time to get to you. Ten weeks is possible for some. Of course, if you’re going to buy lab equipment, you’ll want it to arrive on time.
Keep an eye out for products that are consistently available for purchase and whose producers can promise prompt delivery. If inventories aren’t available due to strong demand, ask your potential supplier for an estimated lead time.
Compare the lead time and the price to see if you can save money by sacrificing the product’s lead time or vice versa.
5. Budget
Before making a purchase, take into consideration your available funds. Have a look at the list and see what items are not fitting in your budget. You might want to switch to led light strip bulk rather than other expensive lighting options.
Research thoroughly to identify a lab equipment supplier with reasonable prices. Purchasing high-quality lab equipment for half the original cost is possible if you keep an eye out for providers who offer discounts and special deals.
6. Protection Of The Environment
In terms of green lab equipment, there are only a few options available. However, scientific testing facilities must continue to seek out environmentally friendly products to the greatest extent possible.
7. Solutions For Warranty And Technical Support
When shopping for lab supplies, don’t forget to factor in the product’s longevity. Your lab’s productivity will suffer if you have a lot of breakdowns or malfunctions. Do some research on the manufacturer’s warranty before you buy anything. Determine the manufacturer’s technical support options.
To ensure that your lab functions properly, it is essential to have competent after-sales assistance. Is there anything I should know if something goes wrong? It’s possible that the entire system might fail. These questions must be answered in full by the warranty.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for new lab equipment, the process can be overwhelming. These 7 tips should streamline your decision-making and shorten the buying cycle. Your provider should guide you and help you decide.
Good suppliers will put your needs first and not try to upsell you on anything you don’t require. For example, if you are into buying a quality pond filter foam, the supplier must stick to the foam and not try to sell you fish as well as other unnecessary tools. Trustworthy vendors will make your life easier today and in the future.
