There’s no getting around the fact that laboratory equipment can cost you a pretty penny if you constantly must buy brand-new versions of it. Given how important your equipment is, though, it’s understandable that you might be wary of used equipment. However, we’re going to show you that buying used lab equipment might just be the better option for most laboratories. The benefits of buying used lab equipment often outweigh any downsides.
Better Prices
The most obvious benefit of buying used lab equipment is the amount of money you can save. Scientific and medical laboratories already work on extremely tight budgets; you can’t spend it all on shiny new equipment whenever you feel like it. Buying used lab equipment doesn’t mean the quality is any worse, yet this equipment is often much more affordable than new versions from a factory.
Thorough Inspections
You may not get the newest item on the market, but buying used usually ensures that the equipment has had a thorough inspection. Lab equipment can’t hit the secondhand market without the seller knowing it’s reliable. If you’re trying to choose a new medical freezer or buy a sensitive measuring device, buying a used one will ensure that someone tested it well enough to sell again. As long as you stick to reputable dealers, your used lab equipment won’t have any more issues than a brand-new piece of equipment.
Quicker Turnaround Time
When a new piece of equipment hits the market, everyone wants to jump on it as soon as they can. This can often lead to a backup of orders, leaving you to wait for months on end just to get a single piece of equipment. When you buy used, you already know which unit you’ll get. This means that if you’re in a hurry, buying used is the way to go. You’ll get that equipment much faster than a brand-new version because you won’t have to wait in line for it.
Less Depreciation of Value
Much like automobiles, lab equipment loses a ton of its value the moment it’s first sold. When you think long term, an investment in used lab equipment will usually leave you ahead when it comes to costs. New equipment loses a large chunk of its value once its sold, but then the depreciation slows down. When you buy used equipment, that initial chunk is already gone. This makes the equipment more affordable, and you can still get a good chunk of it back if you resell it later.
