Purchasing lab equipment is as difficult as buying a car or other costly gadgets. So before zeroing in on a particular lab item, you must consider its features, functions, pros, and cons.
Besides, you need to take care of other aspects, including a budget, storage process, installation guidelines, and other minute details about it.
If you own a lab and require such equipment, you must be patient and calm throughout the process of buying lab products. The first step you should take is to identify the type of equipment you need. Then, in the next step, you’ve to decide about the purchase process—offline or online.
In terms of convenience, an online store would be perfect. The store would also provide you with full details about the item you want to buy.
It can also help you get high-quality lab items at a reduced cost sourced directly from the product’s manufacturer. You should also contact the vendor’s support team for further information.
Besides, we present some key points you can’t miss out on while buying a lab item.
Live Demonstration
You are buying the instrument for further work or R&D. It’s important to understand how it works and functions.
Only a qualified professional can help you know its nitty-gritty. Therefore, you should ask a professional to visit you and provide a live demo to get the product inspected. Once this process is carried out, you can be assured that the product is properly workable.
Know More About the Product
In the last few years, there has been tremendous growth in the sale of lab equipment and products. According to a statistical report, the global laboratory market stood at over USD 34 billion in 2021. Moreover, the figure is likely to grow more as this segment is witnessing a CAGR of over 7.5% growth.
Now there are plenty of lab items available in the market. However, any buyer may get confused or overwhelmed about whether to buy this item or not. In order to make sure that you buy the right product, taking expert advice from the vendor or the laboratory head can come in handy. Don’t hesitate to take help from professionals, as buying the wrong equipment can lead to unnecessary investment.
Compare Rates Online
Just like any other medical or scientific product, the rate of lab equipment also varies from shop to shop. Therefore, before you order the equipment, it’s better to do some online research and take the estimated price of the product from different vendors. Then, when you’ve got the estimated price of the lab item from various vendors, you can compare the prices and other terms and conditions.
A vendor who offers you the most compelling price along with other facilities, including after-sale service, live demo, and relevant training to operate the lab item—choose him.
The Delivery Time
As soon as you press the order button and pay for the laboratory equipment, you must be waiting impatiently for the item’s arrival. Don’t worry. It usually takes a few days to reach the buyer from the manufacturer’s store. However, there may be some delay in some cases because not every scientific and laboratory equipment you use is manufactured in Australia.
Some laboratory products are imported from overseas nations. And in such a case, it may take a little longer than you expected. Therefore, before you confirm your order, it’s better to talk to the supplier and know about the product’s availability in their stock.
After Sales Support & Warranty
A laboratory item is not an FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) product. It has a specific purpose, and only qualified R&D professionals should use it. However, the equipment is costly and important.
When the laboratory equipment is installed, you should enquire about its warranty and after-sale service from the vendor. Also, you need to understand under which cases its warranty cover can get void and how you can claim warranty coverage in case of any exigency. Again, your vendor will likely assist you in clearing your doubts.
Don’t forget to get the warranty card signed by the vendor assuring you of free replacement or repair of the instrument, if needed. On your part, you should go through all necessary terms and conditions before signing papers.
Summing Up
Buying laboratory equipment can go haywire if you don’t follow the necessary precautions. Besides following the above tips, it’s always better to check online reviews and recommendations of the product and vendor before you confirm your purchase order. You should select a vendor who enjoys the customers’ confidence and has an incredible reputation in the market.
