Whether you run a health lab, a chemical facility or a research location in general, chances are good that you need at least one mass spectrometer to work with. Unfortunately, this equipment can be quite expensive, especially if you are paying new retail prices. Since the equipment is so useful, and it’s used all over the world, it makes sense to look for used items that aren’t being used at their location any longer to purchase. You can often get used mass spectrometry equipment at a fraction of the new price, which can mean savings in the hundreds or thousands of dollars with every single purchase.
Assess the Condition
The very first thing that you should do when buying used mass spectrometry equipment is to assess the condition of the machinery. It’s okay if it looks used and a bit dated, but it should never look worn out. Take a good look at all the pieces of the machine to assess their integrity and whether or not they are going to function properly. Test out the different buttons and make sure that the action on them is working properly. It takes a bit of time to really go over equipment, but you must be thorough when making such an important investment.
Consider Capabilities
This should go without saying, but consider the capabilities and the features of the machine and whether or not they will offer what you’re looking for before you make the purchase. While brand new machinery from the same manufacturer might have all the features your office needs, it’s important to consider whether the used and sometimes older equipment offers those same perks and features. In some instances the answer will be no, but in most you’ll be happy to find that you can do everything that you need to do with used equipment.
After you’ve gone over the condition and the features of the used mass spectrometry equipment, make sure that you can get it for a fair price as well. By buying used, you should save a significant amount over the new version of the equipment, otherwise it makes sense to spend a bit more to buy brand new items instead. Consider the price of the new item and compare it to the new equipment, and only make the purchase when the price makes that a sensible thing to do.