What happens when the budget doesnt match laboratory equipment needs? Asking for a bigger budget is one option. Another is considering reconditioned or like new equipment that delivers full performance without the full price. Some items are available at radically reduced prices, yet still carry either a full manufacturers warranty or a three-month warranty.
Reconditioned or refurbished merchandise has gained traction in the electronics industry. Consumers can still purchase big-ticket wants such as computers, high-end televisions, and car stereo systems without draining their savings by ordering factory-reconditioned products. Because these products have been tested through a quality control process, they generally leave customers satisfied with their performanceand elated with the deal they got.
For process gear such as pumps and flowmeters or laboratory equipment such as incubators, ovens, and baths, product effectiveness is paramount. These workhorse devices must produce continuously and remain as effective as their new counterparts. To enhance buyers confidence when purchasing these items, a generous warranty and hassle-free return policy can ease remaining uncertainties.
Ways to Save
Managers can control spending by assessing what equipment is available in each of these options:
- Reconditioned. Reconditioning involves replacing parts and fully testing the instrument to ensure its dependable performance. The item may have been returned or slightly used and then refurbished to the original manufacturers specifications. This category carries the most substantial savings and includes a three-month warranty.
- Like New. These items are nearly the same as brand new except they have a surface blemish. This slight cosmetic defect keeps them from being sold as new, yet their functionality is just as effective. Because they are nearly new, these products carry a full manufacturers warranty. Like new products offer a discount over the full purchase price but not as much savings as reconditioned items.
Shop reconditioned or like new equipment like any otherby researching which are the most reliable brands and what functionality is necessary for a given application. The most compelling difference from new products will likely be the price. In some cases, newer technology may edge out a previous model. Yet, the latter may remain a fully acceptable, fully functional instrument that is exactly the right solution.
Bottom Line
Financial writers trumpet the value found in reconditioned and like new products and urge consumers to research these possibilities. While at times it makes sense to buy new, other options may be overlooked simply because they dont come to mind. The equipment needs to be ordered and the easiest route is to buy new.
Now, it is just as easy to scan our web site for reconditioned equipment. Like the consumer that lands the big-screen television, managers can get the instruments they needwith budget room to spare.
See Steals and Deals for our full selection of reconditioned and like new merchandise.
