Buying Used Medical Equipment: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Most medical facilities are on a tight budget, so it would seem that buying used medical equipment would be a smart way to save money. However, if you want to get the best deal without getting burned, here are some common mistakes that should be avoided.

* Buy for the future: Try to anticipate some of the features you might need in six months to a year, rather than focusing on what you need at the moment. If you have to re-sell the equipment in a year, it isn’t a bargain – no matter how great the price.
* Look at your space first: Some used medical equipment buyers find that once the equipment arrives, the space they had allocated for the equipment wasn’t large enough to accommodate it. Be sure to take accurate measurements of the space you have available, and compare these to the specs on the seller’s web site, and be sure to consider adequate power sources and ventilation requirements.
* Know the right price range: Sometimes a deal sounds good until you do some comparison shopping. For every piece of medical equipment, there is an acceptable range of prices. Be sure to assess the ideal price range, given the product’s condition, and aim to remain in that range.
* Will your staff need training? Whenever a new piece of medical equipment is brought into a facility, it may have functions and features that are unfamiliar to your staff. It may make sense to pay more for equipment that is easy to use and service so it can be used effectively.
* Post to medical forums: Consider asking for the advice of colleagues before making a decision on a new piece of medical equipment. A great way to do this is by finding a forum on the type of machine you are considering, and asking for input from people who use it.

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