When lab managers, research project managers or facilities managers have to sell existing chemical, laboratory or medical equipment, there are two basic options to consider. One is to try selling used medical equipment privately, and the other is to contact a used medical equipment dealer and sell it directly to these companies.
The option that most facilities will take is the second option, to contact a used equipment dealer specializing in lab and medical equipment and sell it to that company. Sometimes, the used equipment dealers have a rep in the area who will routinely check in with hospitals and facilities and may offer to purchase surplus or older medical equipment.
Company Reputation
Most of the used medical equipment companies are highly reputable. A good guideline is to always complete a quick search online for the company. Check to make sure they are established, carry a full inventory and have a solid reputation in the lab and medical testing industry.
A red flag to look out for is a buyer who is vague about the company he or she represents. Some of the companies with less than ideal professional reputations may have several different company names with little if any information is available online.
Payment Up Front
The biggest scam when selling used medical equipment is for the buyer to make an offer on the equipment based on a certified technician inspection. This will be done at their facility, which means the equipment is shipped and out of your hands at the time of the “inspection.” In addition, these companies typically pay a small percentage up front; then the balance is to come when the equipment passes.
The reality is that the equipment is not going to pass and you will then be left with accepting the small initial payment (typically 25-50% of the quoted purchase price) or pay to have the equipment shipped back to you.
These scams are common, so if you are selling used medical equipment be sure to have a signed contract and get 100% of the price offered up front and before shipment.