At Surplus Solutions, we’ve helped thousands of labs maximize their budgets through high-quality used equipment. Learning how to buy used lab equipment is crucial for equipping your laboratory with high-quality instruments at a lower price.

Small laboratories with limited budgets might not be able to afford gold-standard instruments at full cost, which makes access to premium used equipment even more crucial.

We’ve prepared this detailed guide on buying used lab equipment, along with tips for negotiating with vendors, common mistakes to avoid, and advice on proper maintenance.

Read on to learn how to buy used lab equipment and what factors to consider.

Top 4 Reasons Why You Should Buy Used Lab Equipment

The reasons why you should buy used lab equipment include cost savings, sustainability, access to high-quality brands, and faster delivery. Though some have concerns about potential defects in pre-owned lab equipment, the benefits far outweigh the risks.

That being said, let’s examine the four reasons in more detail.

#1. Cost Savings

Lab equipment is expensive—even basic instruments, like scales or light microscopes, may make a significant dent in your laboratory’s budget. Specialized equipment, on the other hand, might be completely inaccessible to smaller labs due to costs exceeding $100,000.

However, buying used equipment through trusted vendors like Surplus Solutions can drastically decrease your expenses, allowing you to fully equip your laboratory for a reasonable price. The funds saved can be redirected into research or used to hire more experienced staff to boost your laboratory’s performance.

#2. Sustainability

Purchasing refurbished lab equipment minimizes your lab’s environmental impact by reducing the demand for new production, which consumes significant energy and materials like steel, glass, and plastic.

#3. Access to High-Quality Brands

High-quality lab equipment brands are typically inaccessible to small laboratories with limited budgets due to their hefty price tag. As a result, such labs must limit themselves to lesser-known brands that might not fully suit their needs when purchasing new equipment.

However, buying used equipment gives even smaller laboratories access to high-end brands and state-of-the-art tools at a fraction of their original prices. As long as you purchase them from a trusted marketplace, such as Surplus Solutions, you are guaranteed to enjoy all the benefits they offer.

Don’t let the lower price fool you—pre-owned high-end equipment undergoes strict quality checks before being launched on the market, making it as good as new. With proper documentation and quality assurance certificates, it is perfectly safe to buy and can likely be used for many years to come.

#4. Faster Delivery

Since demand for lab equipment is limited, manufacturers tend to only keep essential items, such as glassware, in stock. Other instruments are more likely to be custom-made upon request, so it can take them weeks or even months to arrive.

Manufacturers often custom-make lab equipment upon request, leading to weeks or months of delays. Used equipment, however, is typically ready to be shipped immediately, significantly reducing the wait. Thanks to that, your laboratory’s productivity won’t be as impacted by the long delays.

How to Buy Used Lab Equipment in 7 Simple Steps: Full Guide

To purchase used lab equipment, you need to determine your needs, research vendors, inspect the instruments, and ensure compatibility with your lab setup.

Follow these steps for a smooth buying experience.

#1. Determine Your Needs

At Surplus Solutions, our experts recommend conducting a thorough inventory audit to identify gaps and opportunities in your lab. By understanding your specific research needs and budget, you can make more informed purchasing decisions that maximize ROI.

Next, research average prices for refurbished lab equipment and set a budget, particularly for specialized instruments.

Once you’ve settled on your budget and specific needs, it’s time to look into second-hand lab equipment vendors.

#2. Research Reliable Vendors

Choosing a reliable vendor for used lab equipment is crucial. Look for vendors with excellent customer reviews, detailed product descriptions, and transparent shipping policies.

If you choose an unreliable vendor, you could face shipping delays, issues with documentation, or problems with the equipment itself, which may not be as high-quality as promised.

To avoid such concerns, take your time researching different vendors and marketplaces.

#3. Check the Quality of the Equipment

Once you’ve settled on the vendor, you should check the quality of the equipment to ensure it is well-maintained, functional, and reliable. Ideally, this assessment should be performed in person, but if that’s not possible, you should request detailed photos, documentation, and certification.

Equipment inspection should start with its physical condition—examine it from every angle for signs of damage, corrosion, aging, or wear and tear caused by frequent use. Pay special attention to critical elements, such as the centrifuge rotor or the microscope’s objectives. If these are damaged, the instrument likely can’t function as it should.

Next, ask the supplier for maintenance and usage records to learn more about the tool’s age and history. If the tool has undergone regular inspections, calibrations, and maintenance procedures, it is likely in good condition, and you can be confident about its longevity.

Finally, check the equipment’s functionality by performing a test run—if you can’t do it in person, ask the supplier to provide you with a video. This will help you ascertain that the tool performs as well as claimed and that it’s calibrated according to the industry’s standards.

If you’re not confident in your ability to assess lab instruments, consult with a qualified technician to help you.

Otherwise, use the following equipment inspection checklist as a guide:

• Examine equipment for damage, corrosion, and general wear and tear
• Verify the instrument’s age
• Request documentation about the instrument’s history (previous damage, frequency of use, maintenance, and repairs)
• Review the safety features
• Confirm calibration and any ISO certifications for quality assurance

#4. Compare the Prices and Warranties

Evaluate multiple models from the same supplier and compare prices, taking into account brand reputation, condition, and warranties.

Ultimately, consider your budget and priorities—are you willing to pay more for a reputable brand, or would you rather invest extra funds in other aspects of your research? This will determine which model of the same tool you should opt for.

#5. Check Compatibility With Existing Lab Setup

Ensure the equipment’s software, as well as power and space requirements, align with your existing lab setup to avoid significant operational problems that might be difficult or even impossible to overcome.

#6. Inquire About Shipping and Other Costs

If shipping information isn’t available, ask the vendor for a detailed breakdown to avoid any hidden fees. Note that some vendors may be open to negotiating, so while inquiring about the costs, you may be able to get an even better deal than initially offered.

Maintain open communication with the supplier—that way, you’re more likely to be satisfied with both the quality and the price of your purchase.

#7. Ask About Return Policies

Check the company’s return policy to protect yourself from potential losses in case the equipment doesn’t meet your standards upon arrival.

4 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Used Lab Equipment

Typical mistakes when buying used lab equipment generally stem from insufficient research, and the more closely you follow this guide, the less likely you are to make such mistakes.

Avoid these common pitfalls when buying used lab equipment:

• Rushing to buy without sufficient information. Research is a crucial part of purchasing used lab equipment—without it, you won’t know which brands are reputable or how expensive specific instruments are. This gives you an automatic disadvantage, as you are more likely to overlook good deals and settle for tools that most well-informed buyers would avoid.
• Skipping quality inspection. Though quality inspection may be a long and tedious process, you mustn’t skip it—not if you want high-quality, long-lasting equipment. Don’t settle for skimming over quality assurances and certificates, either. Instead, inspect the equipment’s physical condition with your own eyes.
• Overlooking compatibility with existing systems. Regardless of its quality and price, a piece of equipment won’t benefit you if it’s incompatible with your existing systems and lab setup. Updating your entire lab for one instrument may be impossible or too expensive, but checking that instrument’s compatibility before purchasing is doable and simple.
• Ignoring after-sales support. After-sales support includes warranties, repair and upgrade offers, return policies, and all other services that can be used once the equipment is bought. Though it may not appear crucial initially, it can make a world of difference upon purchase and help you iron out any kinks as you integrate an instrument into your lab.

How to Protect Yourself From Bad Deals When Buying Used Lab Equipment

When buying used lab equipment, it’s crucial to take steps to protect yourself and ensure you get the best value for your money while avoiding costly mistakes.

Here’s how:

#1. Research the Equipment

Before contacting a vendor, research standard prices for used lab equipment and make sure to inform yourself of the costs of different brands. That way, you will have a general idea of how much a specific item should be and what an acceptable discount is.

Furthermore, consider how age, repeated use, and previous repairs affect an instrument’s value—all this information will be essential when you examine its records and documentation. Once you’ve completed your research, you can estimate how much you’d be willing to pay for specific used equipment.

#2. Understand the Condition

During the quality inspection, you’ll determine whether a specific instrument meets your requirements, but you’ll also be able to estimate its value. The more information you have on the equipment’s condition, the more accurate your assessment will be.

#3. State Ideal Price Range

In the follow-up email, make sure to clearly state your ideal price range and ask the supplier to consider it. To improve your chances, you should include your reasoning—for instance, the condition of the equipment or its age, which might further reduce its price.

However, don’t be surprised if the vendor isn’t willing to negotiate. In that case, consider whether you’re ready to pay the original price or if you’d rather try your luck with another marketplace.

#4. Make the Most Out of Auctions

Used lab equipment auctions, often organized by suppliers, institutions, and universities, offer a great opportunity to obtain quality laboratory tools at significantly reduced prices.

That said, navigating the auctions and finding reliable opportunities can be challenging. Choosing a trusted and reputable vendor like Surplus Solutions ensures you secure the best deals with the assurance that all equipment has been carefully inspected for quality and functionality.

How to Maintain Used Lab Equipment in 3 Key Steps

To maximize the lifespan of used lab equipment, follow these steps.

#1. Perform Regular Calibration and Maintenance

To ensure your equipment remains functional, accurate, and safe for a long time, make sure to perform regular calibration and maintenance checks.

Instruments that are used on a daily basis, like scales and pipettes, must be inspected every month and calibrated every 3-6 months, if not more frequently. Others can wait a bit longer before checks and calibrations, but these should still occur at regular intervals.

#2. Adhere to Proper Cleaning and Storage Practices

Generally speaking, it’s advisable to wipe down all equipment daily and carry out more detailed cleaning every week. If necessary, hire a professional to take care of deep cleaning—they will save you some time and ensure that your equipment is in peak condition.

Proper storing practices are just as important as cleaning and maintenance checks to ensure the equipment isn’t accidentally damaged while not in use. Different instruments need to be stored in different ways, usually outlined in the manufacturers’ instructions.

So, take time to read the details and follow the rules carefully, especially regarding protection from dirt, dust, or moisture.

#3. Ensure Correct Usage

Finally, correct usage is a crucial aspect of maintenance, as it reduces the risk of damage and prolongs the equipment’s lifespan.

For instance, when using a centrifuge, it’s important to balance the rotor by placing an even number of samples in holding tubes. Not doing so can throw the entire device off balance, affecting the results and leading to faster deterioration.

Why Choose Surplus Solutions as Your Used Lab Equipment Vendor

You should choose Surplus Solutions as your used lab equipment vendor for its reliability, high-quality offerings, and affordable prices. All laboratory instruments for sale on the Surplus Solutions website have undergone strict quality checks, guaranteeing their safety and compliance with relevant ISO standards.

Furthermore, our marketplace receives laboratory supplies frequently, so even if your desired instrument isn’t currently available, it likely will be soon. Keep an eye on our new arrivals to see when they come in.

Aside from being a reliable vendor for buying lab equipment, Surplus Solutions can also connect you to buyers and help you sell instruments you no longer use. Our expert appraisers can inspect your equipment on-site, assess its value, and help you choose an appropriate sales channel that suits your needs.

So, contact Surplus Solutions for all your pre-owned lab equipment buying and selling needs!

Key Takeaways

Understanding how to buy used lab equipment can significantly improve your purchasing power and help you secure high-quality instruments at a lower price.

Surplus Solutions stands out as a dependable marketplace for all your lab equipment needs. Check out our products to find what you need, and contact us for suggestions and assistance.

How to Buy Used Lab Equipment FAQ