There are a variety of places where people can obtain scientific equipment. The options vary depending on the type of equipment required, how it will be used, and the financial resources available to the individual seeking equipment. Laboratory glassware, for example, can be purchased from a variety of sources, whereas highly specialized equipment, such as particle accelerators, must be custom built for specific applications.
Catalogs are a good place to look for basic scientific equipment like scientific instruments, glassware, safety equipment, surgical equipment, and so on. Scientific equipment suppliers frequently have websites where customers can place orders, and they also publish catalogs with product listings on a regular basis. Many manufacturers allow you to order directly from them, which can result in a lower price because the middleman is removed from the equation.
When specialty products or installation are required, ordering from manufacturers may be necessary. It is also possible to obtain equipment and certified installation for products that require special installation from companies that specialize in outfitting labs, hospitals, and other scientific facilities. Maintenance contracts are common with specialty products. When a hospital orders an MRI machine, for example, the manufacturer agrees to provide service as part of the purchase price.
Leasing is another option for obtaining scientific equipment. Due to the high cost of scientific equipment, leasing may be a better option when the need is temporary or funds are limited. Full-service leases typically include the company delivering the equipment, servicing it as needed, and picking it up when the lease term is up. Leasing can also be used to test equipment before purchasing it to ensure that it meets the needs of those who will be using it. Some manufacturers, as well as companies that specialize in equipment leasing, offer leases.
Another way to obtain scientific equipment is through auctions. Labs may auction off older or surplus equipment on a regular basis, which can be useful for facilities like high school labs that don’t require cutting-edge technology. Government auctions are particularly useful because they bring together used equipment from a variety of government scientific facilities and sell it all at once. Auctions may be held by labs that are going out of business or entering bankruptcy to raise funds to settle debts, and good scientific equipment can be purchased at a low cost in such situations.