How to Save on Costs with Used Lab Equipment

Shoestring budget? It often is! But that doesn't mean you can't have the equipment you need, you just might have to be a bit creative to get it.  The "preowned" [used] equipment market might have what you need, with a little digging.

I started with a Google Search: Used/Surplus equipment. Some organizations will ship to you, some require pick up and do not have any shipping resources, and some have in-person auctions, online auctions and even price matching.  Searching with "Used/ Surplus near me" may give you local resources that would not otherwise be listed on the first page of Google Results, especially if you are in a biotech hub region.  ChatGPT give similar answers.

Possible Websites to Find Pre-Owned Equipment

1.  Suplus Solutions - https://ssllc.com/

2.  USALab - https://www.usalab.com/used-equipment

3. American Laboratory Trading - https://americanlaboratorytrading.com/

4. GMI https://www.gmi-inc.com/.  This site has a certified pre-owned 1-year warranty

5. Boston Industries https://www.bostonind.com/

Local universities often have surplus equipment programs that can be open to the public but they may not have the ability to deliver it with you.  Depending on where you live, you might look at:

1. University of Washington Surplus: https://facilities.uw.edu/uw-surplus/

2, Harvard University Chemistry and Chemical Biology Surplus: https://www.chemistry.harvard.edu/pages/recycling-lab-equipment

Buying used can really help your budget but only if the equipment functions! Do your due diligence.

Tips for Buying Used

• Check calibration and service records (if available)

• Ask for photos, serial numbers, and instruction manuals

• Confirm delivery/pickup/return/refund policies

• Know your power requirements and certifications (especially for FDA-regulated labs)

So, even if you like that 'new car' smell, sometimes pre-owned is the way to go.

My thanks to Linnea Fletcher for her website suggestions