Choosing the Right Lab Service Provider
It is important to keep up to date with your laboratory’s inventory of equipment and related documentation, including certificates of calibration. When your equipment is properly maintained, you can be sure that the results from your research are accurate and will not have to be discarded due to maintenance errors.
Finding the right service vendor for your laboratory has implications beyond price. Cost is always a top consideration, and some institutions may look for the lowest bidder. But keep in mind that making a decision based solely on cost savings can affect quality. A quality calibration service provider will keep your equipment up-to-date and your research running smoothly.
Here are some recommendations for finding a provider that offers the right mix of services within your budget.
Go beyond a web search
Don’t simply use a search engine to find a vendor. The company with the best search engine optimization (SEO) or highest advertising budget may not necessarily be the right fit for your needs. Ask colleagues for recommendations or pose the question in networking circles.
Compare vendors.
There are usually a number of options when it comes to lab services. Rather than go with the first vendor to respond to your inquiry, it is a good idea to get several quotes. This will give you an idea of the current market rate for the product or service and make sure that you are spending your budget wisely. You may also find that some vendors have strengths in different areas. Decide upon the characteristics that are most important to you and to your lab, and a clear choice may emerge.
Ask about value-added services.
Ask if a service provider offers supplemental services with calibration. What, if any, warranties are offered? Is preventive maintenance available, whether it be included in the cost or offered at additional cost? It’s good to know whether you will need to find a maintenance vendor as well, or if you will have to work with the manufacturer for preventive care such as disassembly, cleaning, and inspection.
Are there experts available at the vendor company if you have questions or need assistance? A company that offers support beyond your service date can be a valuable partner.
Other services that may help you identify the right service vendor include:
Sometimes an added service can help make the choice clear. However, be sure to ask if a long-term contract or other agreement is required to secure the additional services.
Look for customer service reputation.
Customer service is key to a successful vendor-lab relationship and is critical for many reasons, many of which are true for almost any industry you can think of. A responsive service provider who backs up their work is invaluable. Mistakes happen, but a quality vendor will quickly resolve any issues.
Look for vendor contacts who are willing to discuss your lab and its unique needs. Do they listen carefully? Do they respond to your inquiry in a timely manner with a quote that matches your needs? What kind of warranties or guarantees do they offer?
Verify quality of service.
Most importantly, a provider should offer reliable, quality services. There are several ways to get an idea of the quality of service you will receive:
You should also evaluate your new service provider after they provide initial services. Did they provide the services promised and at the standard expected? Unless you have entered a long-term contract, you have the option to choose a new vendor if they fail to meet your needs.
Bio Calibration Company is a proud team of dedicated, highly trained professionals, ready to offer you great service at a great price. Although our specialty is pipette calibration and repair service, we also service equipment such as balances, centrifuges, thermometers, timers, syringe pumps and more. As an ISO 17025:2017 Accredited Calibration Lab, we offer multiple
levels of service and can customize services to your needs. Options include ship-in or on-site service.
With over 25 years of experience serving laboratories, we believe that our customers receive the best overall experience with our calibration service. Request a quote today and find out if we are the service provider for you!
