Buying medical equipment, like any other large expenditure, requires many considerations to ensure you are not only getting the best medical equipment, but also the best equipment at the best price.
This is true regardless of where you make a purchase, but even more so if you choose an online route that does not include physically inspecting the equipment before you sign for it.
With this in mind, today we will cover eight things you need to consider before buying medical equipment online so you always get your money’s worth.
1. Is the Seller Licensed and Accredited?
The very first thing you need to check when purchasing medical equipment online is that any vendor you consider is licensed and accredited. If they are, your search will be much smoother because you will be able to check their reputation and the quality of their service. If they are not, you can move on and look for another vendor.
To accomplish this, you can conduct public records search for business licenses to make sure they are a licensed provider in the state they operate. You can consider looking to the Better Business Bureau for help and determine if they are accredited.
2. Do They Have Online Reviews and Recommendations?
Just because an organization is licensed and accredited does not mean they will be a good business partner. To make sure that they will provide the services you require, you will need to do your research and look for any online reviews and recommendations you can find.
Reviews are important because they come from people who were previously in the same situation you are now and can give you an idea of the business credibility of the seller. Recommendations are likewise important because they function like assurances that you will be taken care of.
3. Have You Done All Your Homework?
Though you are making an online purchase, this does not mean that you should do everything online. For instance, after conducting initial research, you should have a discussion with someone at the organization you are considering so you can gather the information that is not available online.
The last thing you want to do when buying medical equipment online is to blindly purchase equipment without any references of past clients or more information about the equipment.
Additionally, you should also request to see other things like service records, up-to-date pictures of the equipment, information on its current software version, and guarantees that it is operational.
4. Can Your Purchasing Department Help?
Most medical facilities have a purchasing department that can assist you with the purchase. For example, they may have a network of reputable buyers you can turn to, allowing you to shop with more certainty that you will end up with the equipment you need.
5. Do They Offer Discounts?
Medical equipment is expensive and you should always look for any discounts you can make use of. For example, some vendors will offer discounts on large or recurring orders that guarantee continued business with a reliable buyer.
If they do, wonderful; if they do not, you may be able to convince them to offer a discount now and you may turn to them for the medical equipment you will need down the line.
6. Can They Assist in Setup and Training?
Medical equipment that has been improperly setup poses many dangers to clinicians, patients, and staff. It is also critically important that staff are properly trained to operate the equipment correctly and efficiently.
Inquire if the vendor can assist in setup and installation to ensure that everything has been assembled properly and whether they offer training so your staff knows how to operate the equipment.
7. Do They Offer a Warranty?
One of the realities of purchasing medical equipment—new or used—is that it could not be in the best condition or work properly when it arrives. Before you sign any papers, make sure that you are covered with a warranty and thoroughly understand the return policy in the event you need to return the machine.
8. Have You Considered Used Medical Equipment Resellers?
Before buying medical equipment, you should consider purchasing from a used equipment reseller. Not only will you be able to purchase what you need at a fraction of the price of newer alternatives, but because the refurbished equipment market is so robust, you will find that most models can be found.
Remember to always ask your equipment supplier about the level of refurbishment as there are differences between cosmetic and functional reconditioning.
Also, consider equipment leasing as a cost-effective solution to ensure you get the equipment you need at a price you can afford.
Final Thoughts
You have many options at your disposal if you are planning on buying medical equipment online. Before you do so, there are a lot of things you need to consider to ensure you are getting the most cost-effective deal for the equipment you need.
This is especially true for an online purchase, as you cannot physically check the equipment to make sure everything meets your standards. Like we covered today, these include the following factors:
1. Are They Licensed and Accredited?
2. Do They Have Online Reviews and Recommendations?
3. Have You Done All Your Homework?
4. Can Your Purchasing Department Help?
5. Can They Discount Large Orders?
6. Can They Assist in Setup and Training?
7. Do They Offer a Warranty?
8. Have You Considered Used Medical Equipment Resellers?