The laboratory equipment you use is vitally important, so it makes sense to ensure you have the best possible supplier. But with so many suppliers out there, how do you decide which one is right for you? Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you make your choice:
How long have they been operating in this market?
Although every company has to start somewhere, it is well acknowledged that working with a business that has only just started trading a particular type of product is more risky. Any teething problems that the company encounters as it nails down its supply chain are likely to be reflected in the service you receive as a customer. For a stress-free experience when buying laboratory equipment, it is normally advisable to look in to how long the business in question has been operational, and choose a well established company. Laboratory Precision Ltd has been established and trading for over 25 years.
What is the availability of the items you require?
It sounds simple, but one of the first things to check is whether the company actually provide the service you’re looking for. There’s little point doing further research in to them, only to find that you can’t actually buy the thing you set out to!
Do they have a website?
In this day and age it is extremely unusual for a consumer-facing business not to have a website. Explore their website and check that there are easy ways to get in touch with them – an email address and phone number should be readily available.
What are their working hours?
It’s important to find a supplier who will be contactable during the hours that you need them to be – so make sure that you’re aware when they will and won’t be contactable.
Are their products quality checked?
All good laboratory equipment suppliers will be able to explain their quality checking procedures to you very clearly. This is a crucial way for you to be assured that you are purchasing high-quality equipment.
Do they have knowledge of what they offer?
You should be able to get in touch with the company to check that they have a thorough understanding of the equipment they are selling, and can answer any questions you have relating to the product you are looking to buy.
Will they give you an official documented quotation?
This is another sign of a trustworthy business, and don’t forget that this quote can be extremely important for your financial records!
How long will they hold their quoted prices?
Most companies will guarantee a quote for only a certain length of time. Check how long you have before your quoted price runs out to ensure you don’t get any unwelcome surprises!
What are their payment terms and what product warranties do they offer?
Both of these are important facts to know at the outset, before you commit to making a purchase with any new supplier.