Purchasing Guide: Pre-Owned Instruments
If buying your laboratory equipment brand new puts you over budget, pre-owned equipment could be an option
If buying your laboratory equipment brand new puts you over budget, pre-owned equipment could be an option as it allows you to get quality instrumentation at a more affordable price. Buying used can also be an option for those hard-to-find items on your shopping list. Individual sellers, resale vendors, and auctions will have different policies and guarantees, so it is important to ask some quality assurance questions before buying. For a list of pre-owned equipment vendors, see our online directory: LabManager.com/pre-owned-lab-vendors
6 Questions to Ask When Buying Pre-Owned Instruments:
- What is the extent of its testing? Has it only been powered on, or is it confirmed to be fully functional?
- Does the seller offer any guarantees or warranties?
- Does the instrument require software and/or proprietary dongles to use? If so, are they included with the pre-owned unit?
- Is the service history and documentation available?
- Is the pre-owned equipment compatible with other instrumentation in your lab?
- Be prepared to pay at least a few hundred dollars in shipping fees for freight items. Can your budget cover these fees?
Donating Used Equipment
Donation can be a positive way to retire equipment that no longer meets your lab’s needs but is otherwise functional. There are charity organizations that will take used equipment and deliver it to labs in developing countries. Learn more about donating used equipment at LabManager.com/donating-equipment
Green Flags in a Vendor
It can be difficult to discern which pre-owned instrument vendors are trustworthy. Typically, trustworthy vendors will have detailed testing descriptions, high-quality photos, and good reviews. Learn how to identify reputable used lab equipment vendors at LabManager.com/vendor-green-flags