Frequently Asked Questions

Trust & Reliability

How reliable is refurbished lab equipment compared to new?

Refurbished lab equipment from ALT is rigorously tested, validated, and calibrated to meet or exceed OEM specifications. With our strict refurbishment process and quality assurance checks, reliability is comparable to buying new, but at a fraction of the cost.

What kind of warranty do I get on refurbished instruments?

Every ALT instrument comes with a 90‑day standard warranty, with the option to extend up to 3 years. This warranty covers parts and labor, ensuring peace of mind with your purchase.

What happens if my equipment breaks after the warranty period?

ALT offers lifetime support on every instrument we sell. Even after the warranty expires, our team is available to troubleshoot, advise, and connect you with service options.

Does refurbished equipment meet GMP / GLP compliance standards?

Yes. ALT follows strict refurbishment and testing protocols to ensure equipment can be used in GMP and GLP settings. Testing documentation can be provided to support compliance.

Is refurbished equipment eligible for service contracts or PMs (preventive maintenance)?

Yes. Many instruments purchased from ALT qualify for ongoing service contracts and preventive maintenance, either through ALT’s network or directly with OEMs.

Pricing & Savings

How much can I save by buying refurbished equipment versus new?

Scientists typically save 50%–80% when purchasing refurbished equipment from ALT compared to new OEM pricing.

Why is ALT cheaper than buying directly from the OEM?

ALT specializes in expertly refurbished equipment, which allows us to resell second-hand instruments at lower prices without compromising performance or quality.

Do you offer bulk discounts for large lab setups?

Yes. ALT offers package pricing and bulk discounts for labs purchasing multiple instruments, making it cost‑effective to outfit an entire lab.

Can I trade in old equipment to reduce the cost of new purchases?

Absolutely. ALT accepts trade‑ins, giving you credit toward your next purchase while responsibly managing your surplus assets.

Do refurbished instruments have the same consumables or accessories included as new ones?

Refurbished instruments are sold fully functional and include essential accessories, but consumables may need to be purchased separately. We provide clarity on what’s included before sale.

Financing & Flexibility

Can I finance refurbished equipment purchases?

Yes. ALT offers flexible financing options, including monthly payment plans through our Science Now, Pay Later℠ program.

How does Science Now, Pay Later℠ work?

Our Science Now, Pay Later℠ program lets you acquire the instruments you need immediately and spread payments over time, freeing up capital for other lab priorities.

Can I pay monthly instead of all at once?

Yes. ALT provides monthly payment plans tailored to your budget, making equipment more accessible.

Do you work with universities or government labs that require purchase orders and net terms?

Yes. ALT regularly works with universities, government, and nonprofit organizations, and accepts purchase orders with net terms.

Surplus, Trade-In & Asset Management

What’s the best way to sell or trade in my old lab equipment?

ALT offers both trade‑in and buy‑out programs. We evaluate your equipment, provide fair market value, and handle logistics to maximize your return.

How does ALT’s surplus strategy program work?

Our surplus strategy program helps labs monetize idle assets through trade‑in, resale, or auction. ALT handles everything from valuation to removal.

Can you help me liquidate an entire lab’s equipment?

Yes. ALT specializes in full lab liquidations and can quickly inventory, value, and remove all equipment for resale or recycling.

What’s the difference between consigning and outright selling surplus?

Consignment lets ALT sell your equipment on your behalf for maximum return, while outright sale provides fast payment upfront. Both options are available.

Will you pick up and remove surplus equipment onsite?

Yes. ALT offers turnkey logistics, including onsite pickup, removal, and transportation of surplus equipment.

Shipping, Installation & Support

How is lab equipment packaged and shipped to ensure safety?

ALT uses industry‑standard crating and protective packaging as needed to ensure instruments arrive safely and ready to use.

Can ALT install and qualify equipment in my lab?

Depending on the instrument and its intended location, ALT can provide installation and qualification services or suggest a third party to perform services.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. ALT ships worldwide, with customs support and international logistics expertise.

How long does delivery take after I purchase?

Delivery times vary by instrument, but most orders ship within 5–10 business days after purchase and validation. If you have a firm deadline please reach out to confirm timeline.

What if my equipment arrives damaged?

In the rare case of shipping damage, ALT’s warranty and insurance policies ensure your equipment is repaired, replaced, or refunded.

Product-Specific Buying Questions

What should I look for when buying a refurbished HPLC system?

Key factors include detector type, pump capacity, autosampler compatibility, and software integration – in addition to functionality and warranty considerations. ALT provides complete specs and guidance for your application in addition to full refurbishment, up to 3 Year Warranty, & Lifetime Support.

Which freezer brands are most reliable for -80°C storage?

Top brands include Thermo Scientific, Eppendorf, and Panasonic. ALT stocks multiple ULT freezer options, all refurbished and validated for reliable long‑term storage.

Do refurbished centrifuges still meet safety standards?

Yes. Refurbished centrifuges undergo rotor inspection, balancing, and safety testing to meet OEM safety standards.

What’s the difference between an incubator and a CO₂ incubator, and which do I need?

Standard incubators provide controlled temperature and humidity, while CO₂ incubators regulate carbon dioxide levels for cell culture. ALT can guide you based on your research needs.

Which plate readers are compatible with my assays?

Compatibility depends on detection modes (absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence) and throughput needs. ALT experts help match your assay requirements to the right plate reader.

How do I choose between different models of liquid handlers?

Key considerations include deck size, pipetting accuracy, software compatibility, and assay throughput. ALT provides side‑by‑side comparisons to guide your choice.

Lab Operations / Setup

I’m opening a new lab — can ALT help me build a complete equipment package?

Yes. ALT offers bundled lab packages tailored to new lab setups, covering essential instruments from freezers to HPLCs at discounted pricing.

Do you provide consulting for which instruments I actually need?

Yes. ALT’s team helps evaluate your workflows and recommend only the instruments that fit your scientific needs and budget.

What should I prioritize when setting up a lab on a tight budget?

Focus on essential core instruments first (centrifuges, freezers, incubators) and expand later. ALT helps you stretch your budget without sacrificing quality.

Competitive Differentiation

How is ALT different from other resellers?

ALT combines deep refurbishment expertise with flexible financing, warranty coverage, and a commitment to lifetime support, creating unmatched value.

Why does buying direct from ALT lower risk compared to peer-to-peer marketplaces?

Buying direct from ALT ensures tested, warrantied equipment backed by expert support, unlike peer‑to‑peer platforms where risks of malfunction and no support are high.