QUALITY AND RELIABILITY ARE MUST HAVES" WHEN BUYING USED LAB INSTRUMENTS

The Science Advisory Board polled its members about the most important factor influencing their decision whether to purchase a second-hand instrument for their laboratory.

ARLINGTON, VA -- February 2, 2002 -- The Science Advisory Board polled its members about the most important factor influencing their decision whether to purchase a second-hand instrument for their laboratory. Of the 998 respondents, an overwhelming majority (73%) stated that quality and reliability are more important than price, service or technical support. Only 12% of respondents were primarily concerned about the cost of the used instrument. A similar percentage felt that the inclusion of an instrument warranty would most influence their decision. However, hardly any of the respondents (2%) think that providing training on how to operate the instrument would be the critical determinant on whether to purchase it or not.

These results have implications for the future of companies specializing in the sale of used instrumentation," states Dr. Tamara Zemlo, Director of Scientific & Medical Communications at The Science Advisory Board, because the majority of these transactions are done sight unseen in an electronic marketplace (i.e., the Internet)." The results of this poll are striking, but not altogether surprising. Price is only one of the many attributes of a transaction that lead customers to buy products from one seller rather than another. In the used scientific instrument market, quality is of paramount concern because it may turn a transaction that appears to be a bargain into money wasted. According to a leading Internet economist at the University of Maryland, Dr. Joseph P. Bailey, I would expect to see intermediaries (i.e., companies) in this marketplace who can provide assurances that the equipment is of high quality, the seller is reputable, or both. The value of these intermediaries and the scope of their impact grows as the market migrates from physical channel transactions to Internet channels."

ABOUT THE SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD

The Science Advisory Board is an online panel of more than 6,400 scientists, physicians and other life science and medical professionals from 62 countries. By convening electronically, Science Advisory Board members participate in online studies to voice their opinions on issues that directly affect the evolution and development of the tools and techniques of their professions. The Science Advisory Board is currently conducting ongoing studies in other exciting areas of the life sciences. Scientists can contribute their own views on the tools and techniques of their field by participating at http://www.scienceboard.net. The Science Advisory Board was organized in 1997 by BioInformatics, LLC (http://www.gene2drug.com), a research and consulting firm located in Arlington, VA.

CONTACT:
Dr. Tamara Zemlo
Director, Scientific & Medical Communications
The Science Advisory Board
2111 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1200
Arlington, VA 22201
703.525.3872 x360 phone
t.zemlo@scienceboard.net
http://www.scienceboard.net