Choosing and purchasing the right equipment for your Modern Laboratory is really a hard nut to crack. It involves a number of people and instrumental matters. You always have to keep in mind for the right working environment, and the fullest utilization with a high return investment. Some equipment is comparatively easy to handle than others and can be delivered easily; other items might need high costing testing tools requiring specialized shipping, installation.
An entire Laboratory setup refers to the various tools and equipment used by researchers working in a laboratory. There are various fields of research works which is to be conducted and supported by the respective tools only such as, Bunsen burners, laboratory glassware, beaker, reagent bottle, electronic microscope, Electronic microscope, Microscope, Centrifuges, Shakers & mixers, Pipette, Refrigerators, Universal testing machine, ULT Freezers, Incubators, Bioreactor, Biological safety cabinets, Sequencing instruments, Fume hoods, Environmental chamber, Humidifier, Weighing scale, and many more. The classical equipment incorporated conditioning chambers, spectrophotometers and colorimeters.
Researchers suggest that there are 5 major things that must be considered at the time of purchase of new lab equipment. Let’s check them out one by one.
Things to be considered while purchasing scientific lab equipment
- Price – When purchasing new (or refurbished) lab equipment, the price is always a major factor to think about. Not only should the purchase price be taken worthy, but also how much will it cost to properly maintain the equipment over its lasting time is also a concern. How much the replaceable parts are available or will be available in the market if required in the future. How much they cost? How much authentic the part is? How does the parts price compare to other similar models in the market? A side-by-side comparison of different models of equipment makes the decision-making process easy.
- Usage – Another major deciding factor while considering the purchase of new lab equipment is used. How many times and in which suitable environment will the equipment be used in? The questions asked in the opening paragraph are great examples of details to consider; the circumstances in which the equipment will be utilized and whether a product carries necessary features to get the work done well and in time.
- Environmentally Friendly – Environmentally friendly is also a major factor to consider. The Option of environmental friendly lab equipment is limited in the market and the product features may or may not fulfill your need list. The initial purchase might be easier, however, the maintenance cost, over time, may cost you in a big way.
- Technical Support & System Updates – Technical support and system updates are often assembled in the terms and conditions with the purchase of an expensive service product. Still, many organizations have their own alternatives for the product. Indeed it would be advantageous to negotiate the technical support and system updates at the initial purchase of costly equipment. Technical support should be easily accessed by a toll-free number and system updates should be availed at no cost since their goal is to eliminate a manufacturer malfunction or enhance the overall performance of the lab equipment.
- Service Contract – last but not the least, a user have to find out the duration of the manufacturer warranty period because it differentiates from a scientific instruments supplier to another. After the warranty period is over, what services, terms, and conditions are to be considered at what cost. Is the service contract long term or short-term? Is there any auto-renewal system? Will they refund fees if the product is not meeting your needs? Is there any minimum response time? Are parts and travel cost included in the contract? Before signing into any contract with original equipment manufacturer/supplier or a third-party vendor, it is very important to understand what you are signing. Don’t make the mistake of assuming the contract is going to favor in your terms and conditions. The customer should always consult an expert before signing a contract because of sales tactics deployed at the initial time of purchase of the lab equipment. There are other ways too, to negotiate favorable contract terms and conditions. Moreover, the organization’s negotiating leverage is completely lost after the service contract has been signed on.
