Tips for buying used lab equipment

Click here to see the used and refurbished lab equipment from American Instrument Exchange.

We recently got a call from a new customer looking for a few very specific pieces of equipment. As always we were happy to provide quotes and specifics. But when it came to pricing he started referencing “comparisons” which weren’t comparable: parts units from Ebay, untested equipment from Craigslist, off-brand knock-offs available on Amazon.

When purchasing used equipment, or comparing one quote for used equipment to another, it’s important to keep a few points in mind so that you can be assured of a good experience and that you’re getting quality equipment.

First, make sure the dealer is reputable. If a company has been in business a long time, is well-reviewed, has a well-maintained website, and has an extensive brick-and-mortar facility that welcomes customer visits, they’re probably a safe bet. A phone number that is answered promptly during regular business hours is also a good sign.

Second, make sure the dealer has the equipment he or she is advertising in stock, on hand and available. In recent years some equipment “resellers” have popped up that act more as brokers, selling equipment they do not own from actual dealers and then charging a hefty mark up. Ask about current location of the equipment along with pictures of the equipment.

Third and perhaps most importantly, make sure that they equipment is tested and that the dealer has experience testing lab equipment. If the person has never worked with a centrifuge before, how can they be sure how to test it? If the dealer is testing an incubator is he or she using calibrated temperature probes to verify the accuracy of the display and set point?

Fourth, if the equipment is tested make sure it comes with a warranty. Without some sort of guarantee testing can be a moot point.

So if you’re looking for lab equipment that is tested to manufacturer specification and guaranteed to be in good working order, call or email American Instrument Exchange today. We have been a reliable source for used laboratory and scientific equipment since 1969. All lab equipment listed on our website is in stock and ships from our 30,000 square foot warehouse in Haverhill, MA. Our facilities include a fully equipped shop with highly trained technicians who thoroughly test each instrument before it reaches your laboratory. Thanks!

American Instrument Exchange has been a reliable source for used laboratory and scientific equipment for over 50 years, buying and selling equipment since 1969. Our surplus lab equipment is reconditioned for many types of laboratories, including biotech, biomedical, medical research, chemical, pharmaceutical, and university and hospital research laboratories. All lab equipment listed on our website is in stock and ships from our 30,000 square foot warehouse in Massachusetts. Our facilities include a fully equipped shop with highly trained technicians who thoroughly test each instrument before it reaches your laboratory. Please visit our website at https://www.americaninstrument.com/.