What to Look for in a Used Lab Equipment Dealer

Used laboratory equipment offers your organization extraordinary value. Buying used can help maximize your budget, getting you features that otherwise would be out of reach. Plus, maximizing your spending allows you to invest in additional equipment that purchasing new would not allow.

When you are choosing used, you need cost-effective prices for high-quality equipment. You also want confidence you are buying assets that will perform to minimize purchasing risk. Achieving those goals starts with finding the best used laboratory equipment dealers to meet your needs.

How to Evaluate Used Lab Equipment Dealers

As a used lab equipment buyer, there are several ways to help identify the ideal supplier to meet your needs, including:

1. Ask for a Referral and Read Supplier Reviews

Online reviews and peer recommendations are logical places to begin researching — buying from used laboratory equipment dealers is no exception. The experiences of others provide valuable insights into a business's service and product quality and have a measurable impact on purchasing actions and buyer expectations.

Remember when researching that negative feedback is also a powerful tool for decision-making. Expecting a company to have only positive reviews is unrealistic, but how a business responds to an unsatisfied customer speaks volumes about how the company will treat you. When considering online reviews, you should also watch out for fake ones, whether positive or negative.

2. Compare Pricing

You want to get the highest-quality item possible for your investment, yet it is important to understand that price and quality are not always linked. For example, higher prices can reflect higher operational expenses or increased acquisition costs, which may not directly relate to the product's quality.

It is natural to find some pricing differences between suppliers for similar equipment during price comparison. In those cases, you will have to factor in other elements from this list to make a sound purchasing decision, like a business's reputation. However, you should question prices that seem entirely out of line with the market — they could signal that something is off.

3. Check for Warranties and After-Sale Support

Peace of mind is equally important as product quality. See if the used lab equipment dealer offers a warranty. This coverage lets you have more confidence the supplier believes in the quality and performance of the equipment it sells.

Per the Federal Trade Commission, warranties vary in type and coverage. Do your research to ensure you understand the contract's terms — how long it lasts, what it covers and how to use it if necessary. The supplier should clearly state its policies and clarify any questions about how the warranty works.

You can use this interaction to gauge a supplier's after-sale support levels. Pay attention to how long it takes to get answers during the sales process. If a company does not meet your communication expectations before purchase, they are less likely to respond quickly when you need warranty support.

4. Ask About Equipment Mileage

A key factor for buying used lab equipment is ensuring you are investing in equipment that is not obsolete. Compare the changes and features among product generations. Often, later-generation models contain additional bells and whistles while the equipment design remains unchanged.

It is wise to ask about the equipment's history while keeping in mind this information can be challenging for a supplier to get. As a result, many suppliers may have limited knowledge of certain characteristics, like the date of manufacture. This absence of knowledge should not indicate a red flag when parts and services remain readily available.

5. Ensure Equipment Is Tested for Functionality

You likely would not buy a used car without knowing a skilled mechanic gave it a thorough inspection — take the same approach before buying used lab equipment.

When choosing a supplier, ask about their equipment testing procedures. A reputable dealer should have a policy to ensure the equipment they sell is functional. It is wise to question any dealer who has not invested in comprehensively testing their inventory with a knowledgeable technician, especially if they are offering a warranty.

6. Make Sure the Equipment Is in Stock

View available pictures to verify the advertised machine matches the condition and manufacturer description. Remember another buyer could be looking at the same piece of equipment and make a purchase before you. As a result, it is always best to confirm availability with the supplier.

Also, if the specific lab instrument you are looking for today is not in stock, it could become available the next day or week. Build consistent communication with the supplier you choose to remain in the know. Subscribing to their emails or letting a salesperson know what you need can help you stay informed about inventory.

7. Know Who You Are Dealing With

A reputable partner will be transparent and honest in communications with customers and potential customers. Your dealer should provide truthful and accurate equipment information. For example, a well-respected used lab equipment dealer will provide instrument serial numbers, photos and information about testing procedures to help you make better buying decisions.

Experience is a closely related reputation indicator. How long has the company specialized in used lab equipment sales? Did team members have the product-specific knowledge to answer your questions and inspire confidence? Were interactions timely and friendly? A reputable dealer will quickly respond to sales and service inquiries and go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.

Buy Equipment From a Supplier You Can Trust

New Life Scientific is an experienced used lab equipment dealer with a mission to bring quality, affordability and excellent customer experience. We aim to make lab equipment procurement more accessible and pleasant for your teams. Each instrument in our constantly changing inventory undergoes in-house testing with our skilled technicians, so we can proudly offer a 90-day warranty for performance confidence. Unlike some dealers, New Life Scientific embraces our commitment to customer service. We prove it with fast response times — less than 24 hours — and after-sale support.

Discover the difference an enthusiastic, helpful and experienced team makes — connect with us online for more information.