Choosing laboratory equipment is an important part of the work you do in your lab. Each piece of equipment you buy impacts the quality, accuracy, and efficiency of your work. Because this is true, taking time to thoroughly research laboratory equipment before you buy it is a must. Your goal should be to buy well so you can buy once.
Choose a Reputable Laboratory Equipment Vendor
Taking time to research your lab equipment supplier can be a great first step in the process. Many equipment suppliers make it a point to stay up to date on lab equipment technology that is current, and they can even answer questions about technology that will be coming out soon. A quality supplier can answer your questions about service after the sale and warranty work. Building a relationship with a lab equipment seller can be of great benefit.
Use the Internet as a Research Tool
Take time to read reviews to learn how real-word users feel about a particular piece of laboratory equipment you are considering. When reading reviews, be sure you’re reading about the make and model of the equipment you’re thinking about buying. Sometimes reviews are lumped together by brand and type of equipment but may not be relevant if the models vary widely. In reading reviews, you can learn about the trustworthiness of equipment, how people use the equipment, and whether people are satisfied with the general usability of a particular piece of laboratory equipment.
Consider Things Like Training and Service After Sale
An expensive piece of laboratory equipment will generally come with lots of features. Some of these features may be underutilized if users are not adequately trained. Find out if the brand or the dealer provides any kind of training for their equipment and, if so, how you can access the training and whether it’s included in the price of the equipment or if it’s extra. Additionally, ask about service after the sale and how to set up service calls, how to obtain warranty work, and if service requires shipment or if service can be done on-site.
By taking time to do some research, you can ensure you buy the best lab equipment you can afford to protect the quality, accuracy, and efficiency of your work.
