Regardless of the type of laboratory, investing in the right equipment and supplies from a trusted supplier is crucial.
There is now a wide range of companies manufacturing and supplying laboratory equipment with different price points, product ranges and services on offer. In this blog, we share our top ten tips for choosing a laboratory equipment supplier.
1. Shop Around
It can be tempting to opt for the first supplier that appears to fit the bill. However, unless you shop around and explore various options, you won’t be familiar with the different types of equipment, services and price points on offer.
When choosing a laboratory equipment supplier, our advice is to narrow down your top three and compare them before making a decision.
2. Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews and testimonials give you a better understanding of what to expect from a laboratory equipment supplier, including the quality of their products and the reliability of their service. Customer reviews can often be found on the company’s website or on Google, Trust Pilot and even Facebook.
3. Consider Brand Reputation
Experienced laboratory suppliers often tend to be reputable and well-known within the industry, meaning they are trustworthy and reliable. Aside from having a good reputation within the industry, you can also measure brand reputation in other ways.
For example, a trustworthy and reputable business will have trust signals, such as an informative website with contact details and active social media channels. They will also have consistent branding. Reputable companies will also highlight their customer reviews and case studies online.
4. Explore Product Ranges
Before choosing a supplier, ensure you are familiar with their product range. Do they have an evolving product range which demonstrates innovation and quality?
Does their product range meet the needs of your laboratory, or will you need to bring in additional suppliers to fill in the gaps? Most suppliers are happy to discuss their product range with potential customers.
5. Ask The Right Questions
There are several questions you should be asking your laboratory equipment supplier before purchasing from them. This includes questions relating to:
- Product Warranties
- Instruction manuals and training opportunities
- Installation of products
- Repairs and services
- Delivery and logistics.
6. Utilise Peer Opinions
Your peers and colleagues within the industry may be familiar with laboratory equipment suppliers and will have valuable opinions based on past experiences. Don’t hesitate to reach out to peers old and new – oftentimes, word-of-mouth reviews are the best!
7. Consider Customer Service
Aside from offering high-quality products, a laboratory equipment supplier should also offer an excellent overall service for new and existing customers.
For example, they should be willing to understand the requirements of your laboratory and should provide recommendations tailored to your needs.
The right laboratory equipment supplier will also have amazing customer service, including prompt replies and reliable communication channels. Factors such as logistics, delivery timeframes, installation and warranties should also be communicated clearly as part of the service.
8. Have A Budget
Having a budget will make the decision-making process much easier when choosing a laboratory equipment supplier. It will help guide your shopping experience and will determine which suppliers can work within your budget.
However, be sure not to compromise on quality just to save money. In the long run, it ends up being more costly due to maintenance, repairs and replacement costs!
9. Be Clear About Your Requirements
Provide as much information as you can about the nature of your laboratory, the scope of your work and any upcoming projects you may be taking on. This will help the supplier gain a better understanding of your requirements and whether or not they can meet them.
10. Consider A Long-Term Partnership
There are several benefits to having a long-term partnership with a supplier, including money-saving opportunities, reliability, and first dibs on new products. When choosing a laboratory equipment supplier, always consider whether they will be able to fulfil your lab’s future needs and would therefore be suitable for an ongoing partnership.
