Key considerations when purchasing an advanced GPC/SEC system

This white paper lists the key items that you should think about when buying a new system and discusses the reasons for their importance.

Abstract

Buying a new piece of laboratory equipment is always a big decision.  Many thousands of dollars are often being invested based on relatively little information.  We know this can be a difficult decision with a lot riding on it so we’ve put together a list of things to consider when buying an advanced GPC/SEC system.  The final decision should depend on your own priorities but this should provide a starting point for the buying process.

Introduction

Buying a new piece of laboratory equipment is always a big decision.  Many thousands of dollars are often being invested based on relatively little information.  Through self-education on the web, reading marketing materials, discussions with sales and technical representatives, and perhaps a brief demonstration or single sample analysis, you have to convince yourself that a particular solution will work for your situation.  We know this can be a difficult decision with a lot riding on it so we’ve put together a list of things to consider when buying an advanced GPC/SEC system.  The final decision should depend on your own priorities but this should provide a starting point for the buying process.

1) What’s my return on investment (ROI)?

If you are investing heavily in an expensive research tool, you want to know that your investment will come back to you in the long term.  This could be higher value, better graded product with fewer quality issues, or it could be a stronger publication record helping to open up future research funds.

Coupled in with this question is whether your chosen vendor has a good reputation.  You want to be sure that your instrument is supported by a thorough understanding of the underlying principles it uses and you want to know that the vendor can explain those principles to you and that they will support you in your research.