Boston is at the heart of the biotech and life sciences industries, home to renowned universities, research labs, and cutting-edge biotech companies. Its dynamic ecosystem makes it an ideal location for sourcing high-quality used lab equipment. Whether you’re running a startup or managing a well-established lab, Boston offers a wide range of opportunities to access reliable, cost-effective tools.
Purchasing used lab equipment in Boston can be done through a variety of channels, including local resellers, surplus warehouses, auctions, and financing or leasing programs. For labs in their early stages of development, however, joining an incubator or co-working space might be the most practical and resource-efficient choice. These facilities provide access to shared equipment, flexible terms, and a supportive community that fosters growth. This guide will help you navigate these options, from finding reputable sources to understanding the benefits of leasing or renting equipment as your lab evolves.
Boston’s biotech and life sciences ecosystem makes it a thriving marketplace for used lab equipment. With an abundance of research institutions, biotech startups, pharmaceutical companies, and academic labs, the city offers continuous opportunities to access a variety of scientific tools, from refurbished centrifuges and incubators to specialized equipment like spectrometers and liquid handlers.
Boston provides several reliable options for acquiring used lab equipment, each suited to different needs and budgets:
These options are some of the best places to start. But which option is best for you?
If you’re just starting out, purchasing used lab equipment can be an excellent way to save money and stretch a tight budget. But while used equipment can help you get your lab up and running, it’s often a temporary solution. Over time, as your lab grows and funding becomes available—whether through successful fundraising or revenue generation—you may want to consider upgrading to more reliable tools.
If purchasing new equipment isn’t feasible, refurbished options provide a practical middle ground. Refurbished items offer the benefits of improved reliability and performance, often at a fraction of the cost of buying new. Leasing refurbished equipment through programs like Excedr’s can be especially advantageous, allowing you to access professionally restored tools without the upfront investment. It’s a smart, flexible solution to keep your lab moving forward.
Purchasing used lab equipment can be a cost-effective way to equip your lab, but it requires careful evaluation to avoid unexpected issues. A thorough assessment of the equipment’s condition, history, and compatibility with your lab’s needs is essential to making a smart investment.
While used equipment and lab instruments offer significant upfront savings, it’s important to consider the total cost of ownership over time. This includes maintenance, potential repairs, and the availability of spare parts. For high-usage equipment, investing slightly more in a newer refurbished model with a warranty may save money in the long run.
Imagine your lab needs a centrifuge but is working within a tight budget. You find two options: one is a 10-year-old model sold “as-is” from an auction, and the other is a refurbished 5-year-old model from a trusted reseller that includes a warranty and recent calibration. While the auction option is cheaper upfront, the refurbished model provides greater reliability and fewer risks, ultimately saving your lab downtime and repair costs. By weighing these factors, you ensure the best value for your investment.
When possible, physically inspect the equipment or request a video demonstration from the seller. Key areas to evaluate include:
By asking the right questions, evaluating total ownership costs, and thoroughly inspecting equipment before purchase, you can minimize risks and make confident decisions for your lab.
Boston is home to a variety of trusted resellers and suppliers specializing in used and refurbished lab equipment. These companies offer a wide selection of tools, ranging from basic lab essentials to high-tech analytical instruments, making them an excellent resource for equipping your lab affordably and reliably:
Reputable resellers like these don’t just sell equipment—they provide added value through quality assurance, calibration, and warranties. For example, if you’re purchasing a refurbished spectrometer from Cambridge Scientific Products, you can expect it to be tested for accuracy and recalibrated to ensure it functions as if it were new.
When working with resellers, it’s helpful to:
These resellers represent just some of the options for sourcing reliable laboratory instruments in Boston.
For labs looking to stretch their budgets further, surplus warehouses and auction events provide excellent opportunities to acquire quality used lab equipment at competitive prices. These resources are especially valuable for finding well-maintained surplus items from universities, biotech companies, and research institutions. However, buyers should be prepared to inspect or request condition details, as items are often sold “as-is.”
Boston’s thriving biotech and life sciences community includes a robust network of incubators and co-working spaces tailored to startups and growing labs. These facilities offer more than just physical space—they provide access to high-quality lab equipment, shared resources, and support systems designed to accelerate innovation. For labs with limited budgets or short-term needs, incubators and co-working spaces are a smart solution.
When purchasing lab equipment in Boston, understanding the difference between "used" and "refurbished" can help you find reliable tools while staying within budget. Both options are widely available from Boston-area suppliers and auctions, but each has its strengths and considerations.
Used lab equipment is often sold "as-is" without repairs or testing after its previous use. While this is the most affordable option, it requires buyers to thoroughly evaluate the equipment’s condition before purchase.
Key Considerations:
Refurbished equipment has been serviced, repaired, and tested to meet manufacturer standards. Boston-based resellers like Cambridge Scientific Products and American Instrument Exchange specialize in refurbishing tools to ensure reliability.
Key Considerations:
For precision instruments like HPLC systems or spectrometers, refurbished tools from trusted Boston resellers are often the safest choice. However, for general-purpose equipment like balances or centrifuges, a well-maintained used option from a surplus sale may suffice.
For Boston-area labs seeking flexibility, leasing can provide an appealing alternative to buying used or refurbished equipment. Leasing allows labs to access high-quality tools without the upfront costs of purchasing, offering unique benefits for startups and smaller teams.
Boston-based labs can explore leasing programs offered by providers like Excedr, which specialize in flexible terms for scientific equipment. This option works particularly well for labs requiring cutting-edge tools without committing to long-term ownership.
Boston’s vibrant biotech and life sciences ecosystem offers unmatched opportunities for sourcing high-quality lab equipment. From resellers and auctions to incubators and leasing programs, the city’s diverse resources cater to labs at every stage of development.
Early-stage labs can benefit from joining incubators or co-working spaces, gaining access to shared equipment and a supportive community without the financial burden of ownership. For established labs, trusted resellers and surplus sales provide cost-effective solutions for expanding operations or upgrading tools. And for labs seeking long-term flexibility, leasing programs like Excedr’s offer access to cutting-edge equipment with minimal upfront costs.
By strategically assessing your lab’s unique needs and leveraging Boston’s extensive network of resources, you can secure reliable, cost-effective tools that drive your research forward. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, Boston has the solutions to help your lab thrive.