Tips for Choosing a Dependable Lab Equipment Supplier

Choosing a dependable lab equipment supplier is crucial for ensuring the quality, reliability, and timely delivery of the equipment you require.  When your research is on the line, you need a company you trust, a supplier with a proven track record and a service team to back you up. Here are a few important considerations when selecting a lab equipment supplier.
 

Reputation and Reliability

Consider a supplier’s reputation in the industry before making a large purchase. To do this, you can look for customer reviews, or testimonials to gauge their reliability. Or look at the number of published research papers using the company’s lab equipment. Consider working with established suppliers who have a track record of delivering quality equipment and excellent customer service. WPI’s EVOM™ family of products has been cited over 16,000 times in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and WPI has been partnering with research scientists for over 55 years.

Quality Assurance

You need to be confident you are getting a quality laboratory product. Make sure your supplier adheres to rigorous quality control processes. Ask about their certifications, such as ISO 9001, which ensures that their manufacturing and quality management systems meet international standards. (See Certifying WPI Quality.) Inquire about their warranty and after-sales support to assess their commitment to product quality. (See the WPI Terms & Conditions for more information.)

Range of Products

Evaluate the supplier's product range to ensure they offer a comprehensive selection of lab equipment that meets your specific needs. A supplier should have the equipment you need for your field of study as well as a variety of accessories, parts, and supplies you need to support the lab equipment. If they offer stereotaxic frames, they should also carry the instruments and supplies you need for small animal surgeries, like pumps, drills, animal temperature controllers, anesthesia, biocompatible adhesives, and surgical instruments.

Technical Support

Before you make a purchase, make sure your lab equipment supplier provides technical assistance and support after the sale. A dependable supplier should have knowledgeable staff who can assist with installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Prompt and reliable technical support is essential for minimizing downtime and ensuring optimal performance of your lab equipment.

Value Pricing

Compare prices among various suppliers while considering the overall value for your money. Cheaper options may not always guarantee quality, so strike a balance between price and quality. For example, you can get a cheaper differential amplifier for extracellular recording, but the intrinsic noise of the cheaper unit will seriously limit the dynamic range available at the output stage and can limit the gain factor available in the second stage of amplification. If you spend a little more on a WPI DAM series extracellular amplifier with quality components, you dramatically improve your recording ability. (See WPI’s Low Noise Amplifiers Outperform Cheap Imitations.) You can also inquire about hidden costs, such as shipping, installation, or maintenance charges.

Timely Delivery

Delays in equipment delivery can disrupt your lab operations. Inquire about the supplier's delivery timelines, shipping methods, and their ability to meet deadlines. Look for suppliers who have efficient logistics and a reliable track record of delivering orders on time. 

Service and Support

Assess the supplier's customer service and responsiveness. Will they promptly address your inquiries and aid when needed? A dependable supplier should be accessible, responsive, and committed to resolving any issues or concerns that may arise.

Compliance with Regulations

Ensure that the supplier's equipment complies with relevant industry standards and regulations. Depending on your field of research or industry and your geographical location, specific certifications or compliance requirements may be necessary.

Long-Term Partnership

Consider the supplier's potential as a long-term partner. Building a strong relationship with a reliable supplier can lead to benefits such as volume discounts, priority access to new products, and improved service quality over time.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing a dependable lab equipment supplier that meets your requirements and supports your research or laboratory operations effectively. With dedicated account executives, customer service, technical support, and repair service teams, WPI will walk with you through the sale and beyond. Our repair technicians have serviced WPI equipment that’s been in the field as long as 40 years! Our headquarters maintains our ISO-9001 certification, and over 30% of our staff has been with the company more than 10 years. At WPI, we aim to be your trusted partner in early drug discovery.

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