Guide to Buying Used Lab Equipment with Copia Scientific

Last Updated on 

January 7, 2025

By 

Excedr
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The global secondhand market is experiencing significant growth, projected to reach $350 billion by 2027. This expansion reflects a shift towards sustainable consumption, as consumers seek eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives to new products. In research laboratories, acquiring new equipment can be prohibitively expensive, making the procurement of pre-owned instruments an increasingly attractive option.

Copia Scientific, founded in 2021 through the merger of BioSurplus, Biodirect, and Boston Microscopes, has quickly become a leading non-OEM reseller, refurbisher, and service provider of quality pre-owned laboratory equipment in the United States. Headquartered in Taunton, Massachusetts, with a West Coast office in San Diego, Copia specializes in liquid handling, lab automation, flow cytometry, microscopy, and detection technologies.

In this article, we will review the lab equipment management services provided by Copia Scientific, its technical team, auction system, and the potential risks associated with purchasing pre-owned equipment.

What Equipment Does Copia Offer?

Copia Scientific provides a diverse range of laboratory equipment to support research and clinical operations. Whether you’re setting up a new lab, upgrading existing equipment, or looking for reliable refurbished instruments, their inventory covers a broad spectrum of needs. Here’s a look at the types of equipment they offer:

  • Liquid handlers: Automated systems for precise liquid dispensing and sample preparation.
  • Centrifuges: Instruments for separating samples based on density through rapid spinning.
  • PCR and thermal cyclers: Devices for amplifying DNA sequences, essential for molecular biology workflows.
  • Microplate readers: Equipment for detecting biological, chemical, or physical events in samples within microtiter plates.
  • Microplate washers: Instruments designed to wash microplate wells, commonly used in ELISA assays.
  • Incubators: Controlled environments for cell culture growth and maintenance.
  • Robotic arms: Automation tools to enhance laboratory workflows and increase throughput.
  • Microplate dispensers: Devices for dispensing reagents into microplates efficiently.
  • Microplate sealers and de-sealers: Equipment for sealing and unsealing microplates to protect samples.
  • Automated labelers: Systems for labeling samples and containers accurately.
  • DNA processing equipment: Tools for extraction, purification, and analysis of DNA samples.
  • Integrated lab automation systems: Comprehensive solutions combining multiple instruments for streamlined laboratory processes.
  • General lab equipment: A variety of essential laboratory tools and accessories to support daily operations.

With products from leading manufacturers, Copia ensures their equipment meets the highest standards of quality and reliability. This extensive inventory supports a wide array of research applications, making Copia Scientific a go-to source for labs in the biotech and life sciences industries. You can also search for equipment.

Copia Equipment Management Services

Copia Scientific is dedicated to equipping scientists and advancing discoveries by providing accessible, cost-effective equipment and services tailored to the biotech and life sciences industries. Their offerings are designed to address common challenges in equipment procurement, management, and sales, helping labs operate efficiently and cost-effectively.

1. Technology Sourcing, Procurement, & Consulting

Copia simplifies the process of selecting and acquiring lab equipment by offering:

  • Guided Product Selection: Expert recommendations tailored to your current research needs, future applications, and budget. Unique ability to source both new and certified reconditioned instruments, balancing cost and quality.
  • Procurement Expertise: Acting as a purchasing agent on your behalf, Copia handles product sourcing, contract negotiations, and pricing.
  • Strategic Service Contracts: Guidance on negotiating service and maintenance agreements to ensure long-term reliability.
  • Comprehensive Quality Assurance: All certified instruments come with a 180-day warranty, offering peace of mind and reducing downtime risks.

2. Technology Risk & Life-Cycle Management

Copia’s asset management programs help organizations create sustainable strategies for managing lab equipment:

  • Productivity & Efficiency: Transition outdated technologies to non-critical operations, redeploy redundant equipment, and integrate cutting-edge tools seamlessly.
  • Acquisition Alternatives: Creative financing and acquisition strategies tailored to your needs, minimizing upfront costs and optimizing operational budgets.
  • Comprehensive Support: Services like start-up planning, emergency asset relocation, and annual audits ensure labs are prepared for both planned and unexpected changes.
  • Customer-Specific Insights: Copia’s experts help labs avoid common pitfalls in asset management, saving time and resources.

3. Technology Fair Market Valuations & Assessments

Copia provides detailed, data-driven assessments to maximize return on investment for lab equipment.

  • Accurate Valuations: Understand the fair market value of assets for individual sales, facility liquidations, mergers, or collaborations.
  • Strategic Planning: Use valuation data to inform decisions about selling, redeploying, or upgrading equipment.

4. Technology Remarketing Services & B2B Strategies

Copia helps labs and companies monetize surplus or underutilized equipment effectively:

  • Remarketing Services: Contract remarketing options to sell surplus equipment discreetly and maximize returns.
  • Expanded Reach: Marketing and networking programs ensure surplus items are presented to the right buyers, generating revenue opportunities.

5. Technology Sales Representation

Supporting manufacturers of new technologies, Copia helps expand market presence through:

  • Regional & National Representation: Sales representation services tailored for emerging technology companies, helping them gain visibility in key markets.

Who Benefits Most from Copia’s Services?

Copia tailors its offerings to meet the needs of a wide range of customers:

  • Startups: Affordable solutions with expert guidance on acquiring and managing equipment.
  • Established labs and companies: Comprehensive strategies for redeploying and managing assets efficiently.
  • Universities and research institutions: Access to reliable refurbished equipment with warranties for added confidence.
  • Technology manufacturers: Expanded market reach through targeted sales representation.

Onsite Manufacturer Technicians: The LabSquad

The LabSquad, a business division of Copia Scientific, provides expert technical services for laboratory equipment. Its technicians are trained across multiple instrument types and manufacturers, enabling them to handle a variety of preventive maintenance procedures in a single visit. The LabSquad ensures that your laboratory instruments remain in optimal working condition, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

Services Offered by LabSquad Technicians:

  • Maintenance of liquid handlers, plate washers, centrifuges, and thermal cyclers.
  • Preventive care for instruments sold by Copia, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), or other surplus brokers.

Lab Equipment Auctions on Copia Scientific

Copia Scientific hosts online auctions featuring a wide range of lab equipment, including:

  • Incubators
  • COVID-19 testing consumables
  • Work chambers
  • Bioreactors
  • Vaccine development equipment

To participate, buyers can register via Copia Scientific’s website, where auction details, including dates, times, and available lots, are provided. Buyers can also access information about participating manufacturers and companies.

Important Notes for Auction Participants:

  • All sales are final: No returns or refunds.
  • Inquiries must be made in advance: Questions about lots or auctions should be addressed before the closing date.
  • Premium rates apply: A fixed buyer’s premium rate is charged for each auction.
  • Logistics and shipping: Buyers are responsible for packaging, shipping, and equipment removal.

For detailed terms and conditions or assistance with auctions, visit Copia Scientific’s auction platform.

Why Choose Copia?

Copia Scientific goes beyond providing lab equipment; it serves as a trusted partner for labs at every stage of growth. Whether you’re a start-up outfitting your first facility or an established lab upgrading its operations, Copia offers tailored solutions to meet your needs:

  • Comprehensive Services: From sourcing and procurement to maintenance and remarketing, Copia provides end-to-end support.
  • Expert Technical Assistance: With services like the LabSquad, labs can rely on trained technicians to maintain and optimize their equipment.
  • Access to Top Manufacturers: Copia connects labs with high-quality equipment from leading brands, including refurbished tools backed by warranties.
  • Flexible Options for Procurement: Auctions, direct sales, and remarketing programs ensure labs can acquire equipment in a cost-effective manner.

By refurbishing and reselling lab equipment, Copia Scientific helps labs reduce costs while promoting sustainability in research. Their commitment to extending the lifecycle of instruments aligns with the growing emphasis on environmentally responsible practices in the biotech and life sciences industries.

Simplify Your Lab Equipment Needs with Excedr

Copia Scientific is a trusted provider of used lab equipment, offering life sciences and biotech organizations a variety of services, including auctions, equipment sourcing, and asset management solutions. Their platforms allow you to purchase equipment from a broad inventory or through online auctions, making it easier to find cost-effective surplus tools for your lab.

While auctions and resellers like Copia can be a great way to procure equipment, some challenges—such as auction timing, equipment condition, and logistical complexities—may arise. If you're looking for a more seamless and flexible approach, Excedr offers an alternative solution.

With Excedr’s leasing program, you can access high-quality, new, or manufacturer-refurbished lab equipment without the burden of large upfront costs. Our program includes:

  • Comprehensive warranties: Extended coverage beyond standard manufacturer warranties for added peace of mind.
  • Logistics management: We handle shipping, delivery, and installation, so your lab is ready to operate without delays.
  • State-of-the-art technology: Lease cutting-edge instruments tailored to your research needs, whether it’s chromatography, imaging, or analytical equipment.
  • Cost efficiency: Reduce financial strain while accessing the tools you need to accelerate research and hit critical milestones faster.

Leasing with Excedr eliminates the potential risks of buying used equipment and ensures your lab has the reliable tools it needs to succeed. Whether you're a start-up or an established facility, our leasing program offers flexibility, affordability, and expert support.

Ready to simplify your lab’s equipment needs? Explore Excedr’s leasing options today and discover how we can help your lab thrive.

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