It is well-known that one of the biggest investments in a laboratory is on its equipment. For this reason, it is necessary to consider some aspects before any purchase in order to maximize the investment return. The following tips will help you in your next laboratory equipment purchase.

 

-          Availability: For any buyer, there is no greater pleasure than knowing that the purchases made will be delivered as soon as possible. When buying laboratory equipment this pattern does not change at all, especially for its significance within the laboratory.

In this regard, it is relevant to mention that laboratory equipment is often imported from overseas, making them available for delivery within 10 weeks approximately. 

Thus, it is necessary to ensure that the equipment we are looking for is in stock and available for immediate delivery. Otherwise, it is recommended to ask a quote in order to compare price vs lead time, in order to determine if you can compromise on lead time for a better price or vice-versa.

-          Price: The price of a product will often influence the decision making. However, you have to remember that the cost price does not represent the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which includes costs over the product lifetime, as installation, operation, maintenance, etc. Moreover, it is highly recommended to compare the TBO with the Total Benefits of Ownership (TBO), in order to analyse and determine the company’s return from the purchase of the equipment.  

-          Usage: This relevant factor involves quality and reliability. Hence, if an equipment is considered for a higher use, higher quality will be regarded and vice versa.  In the case of someone who needs an equipment for a daily basis use, it is essential to look over more performance and efficiency.

-          Maintenance: The durability of an equipment is related to its maintenance. For this reason, before purchasing laboratory equipment it is important to know if a routine service is required.  If so, does this service could be provided by an internal maintenance personnel or it must be from a specialised technician?  When a specialised technician is required, remember that some manufacturers have approved servicing technicians located throughout Australia, and they may be able to provide their contact.

Additionally, at this point it is worth mentioning the relation between maintenance and warranty. In some cases, warranty is applicable only if the equipment has been serviced by an approved servicing technicians before.

-          Warranty: Who does not want to purchase equipment with warranty? As costumers, we always look for convenience and even more for security. Thus, it is very important before purchasing any equipment to get all the information about the warranty support. Always have in mind some aspects such as:

o   Warranty period: When does it begins, and expires? Is it necessary any register for obtaining warranty? Is there any possibility of warranty extension? What is the extra charge for it? Does it worth it regarding your investment?

o    Warranty coverage: What are the prerequisites before making a warranty claim? What does the warranty include? What voids the warranty?

o   Warranty process: Who do you contact for a warranty claim: the manufacturer or the supplier? Where do you have to send the equipment for a warranty claim? Do you have to pay freight charge? During the process are there any additional costs? Do you receive a replacement of the equipment until yours is repaired?

-          Support: Sometimes difficulties happen: how an equipment works? If something goes wrong what is best to do? These are some of the questions that most of costumers have once purchased an equipment, and for that reason it is important to know if there is an after-sale support or assistance. Event though, most of the suppliers provide this additional service by phone during office hours without any extra charge, it is important to be aware of the existence of this aid.