Los Angeles isn't just a global entertainment hub; it’s also a thriving epicenter for life sciences and biotechnology. With nearly half of its scientific establishments specializing in wholesale medical and lab equipment, LA and LA county offer a wealth of opportunities for outfitting a lab. Whether you're a scientist, lab manager, or biotech startup founder, knowing a little bit about the local equipment market is key to starting your search for lab equipment and, eventually, making smart and prudent purchasing decisions.
This guide will explore some of your options for sourcing lab equipment in Los Angeles and LA county—whether you're buying new, used, or refurbished. We'll also discuss the benefits of leasing refurbished equipment, comparing costs, flexibility, and maintenance options to help you decide what’s best for your lab’s unique needs.
When it comes to buying new lab equipment in Los Angeles, the region’s thriving life sciences ecosystem works to your advantage. With access to cutting-edge technology, robust manufacturer support, and full warranties, new equipment offers a level of reliability and performance that can be critical for your lab’s operations.
While new equipment offers undeniable advantages, it comes at a premium. Labs with limited budgets or specific, short-term needs might find better value in used or refurbished options. For those who prioritize reliability and scalability, however, buying new could be the best choice.
For many labs, buying used equipment is a cost-effective way to acquire high-quality tools while staying within budget. Whether you’re a biotech startup or an established lab seeking to optimize resources, Los Angeles offers numerous opportunities to source reliable used lab equipment. The benefits of buying used lab equipment can be summed up pretty quickly:
If you’re looking for a cheaper option that’s usually immediately available to place in your lab, then buying used is a good solution for your business. The fact that it can be a sustainable practice is also a nice cherry on top.
There are a few things to consider before you buy something that’s been used before:
What it boils down to is: consider how old and how used the instrument is before you buy it. And if you can, test it out first to confirm it works as advertised. When buying used, there’s always going to be a much larger chance of getting a lemon. These sorts of sunk costs are tough to shrug off too, especially if your budget is tight.
Some places to start looking for lab equipment in LA include:
This may come as a surprise, but many of our clients started off by looking for used equipment. Some tried lab auctions or liquidation sales, and some tried searching online marketplaces, before eventually seeking out a physical location, which seems to usually lead to getting in touch with Excedr. This is due to the similar nature of low upfront costs that buying used and leasing shares.
However, what many don’t know is that we lease refurbished units, which are usually in much, much better shape than a used unit, while still including a less expensive price tag.
For labs that want the reliability of new equipment at a lower cost, refurbished lab equipment offers the perfect middle ground. Refurbished items are professionally restored to meet industry standards, offering high quality and functionality for a variety of lab needs.
But what is considered refurbished laboratory equipment? This includes any piece of equipment that has undergone thorough inspection, repair, and testing to ensure it performs like new. Providers often replace worn parts, calibrate systems, and clean the equipment to ensure it meets functionality and safety standards.
Some of the advantages of refurbished lab equipment include:
If you’re starting to consider the refurbished route, there’s a few places you can start:
Choosing between used and refurbished lab equipment depends on your lab’s priorities—whether it’s minimizing costs, ensuring reliability, or finding specific tools. While both options can save money compared to new equipment, they differ significantly in terms of condition, performance, and long-term value.
Used equipment is often the most affordable, making it a practical choice for labs with limited budgets. However, affordability can come with trade-offs. Since used equipment is sold “as is,” its reliability depends heavily on prior usage and maintenance. Without access to servicing records or warranties, purchasing used equipment may carry the risk of unexpected repairs or downtime.
Refurbished equipment, in contrast, strikes a balance between cost and performance. While it’s more expensive than used, refurbished tools are professionally restored, calibrated, and tested to ensure they meet industry standards. Providers often include warranties, giving you confidence in their functionality and longevity.
For labs with basic needs, such as beakers, glassware, or clamps, used equipment often suffices. However, for more complex tools—like centrifuges, microscopes, or HPLCs—refurbished equipment is a better fit. Precision instruments benefit from the additional inspection and calibration that refurbishment provides, ensuring accurate results and consistent performance.
Both used and refurbished options support sustainability by extending the lifespan of laboratory equipment and reducing waste. However, refurbished equipment offers better long-term value due to its reliability and warranties, reducing the likelihood of frequent replacements or repairs.
Let’s sum up the key differences:
When it comes to outfitting your lab, leasing refurbished equipment can be an appealing alternative to outright purchasing. Both options offer significant cost savings compared to buying new, but they cater to different operational needs and financial strategies. Let’s explore how these choices compare.
Purchasing refurbished lab equipment provides full ownership, making it a long-term investment for your lab. Once bought, the equipment is yours to use without ongoing payments, and you can adapt it to your specific requirements.
Leasing refurbished lab equipment, on the other hand, prioritizes flexibility. For labs that expect to scale quickly or regularly upgrade their equipment, leasing refurbished tools allows you to adjust to changing needs without the commitment of ownership. This is particularly beneficial for startups and short-term projects.
Leasing significantly reduces initial expenses, spreading costs over the term of the lease. This helps preserve your lab’s capital for other critical needs like reagents, consumables, or staff salaries. For many labs, this predictable expense structure simplifies budget management.
Buying refurbished equipment requires a larger upfront investment, in contrast. While the total cost is lower over time, it might strain budgets in the short term, particularly for startups or labs with limited cash flow.
With leasing agreements, maintenance and repairs are often included, ensuring minimal downtime and reduced risk of unexpected expenses. This added support makes leasing a worry-free option for labs prioritizing uninterrupted operations.
Purchased refurbished equipment, while reliable, places the responsibility for maintenance and repair on the lab. Warranties provided by reputable suppliers can mitigate this, but ongoing upkeep becomes the lab’s responsibility.
Let’s sum up the key differences:
Equipping your lab in Los Angeles requires balancing cost, quality, and functionality. With the region’s thriving life sciences community and a wide range of providers, you have access to numerous options—from new laboratory equipment to used and refurbished tools.
If you prioritize the latest technology and full warranties, buying new equipment from local suppliers or online platforms is your best bet. For budget-conscious labs, used lab equipment offers affordability, while refurbished tools provide a reliable middle ground with added peace of mind. Leasing refurbished equipment offers unmatched flexibility, making it an excellent choice for startups or labs with evolving needs. No matter which option you choose, always consider factors like warranty coverage, maintenance requirements, and the specific needs of your lab. Whether you’re sourcing beakers and pipettes or precision instruments like microscopes and centrifuges, Los Angeles has the resources to help you succeed.
From the bustling biotech hubs of “Biotech Beach” to the innovative startups supported by LA’s incubators, the city’s vibrant life sciences ecosystem makes it an ideal place to outfit your lab. Take advantage of the competitive prices, sustainable options, and high-quality equipment available in the Los Angeles area to ensure your lab is equipped for success.
