Second-hand, obsolete, reconditioned: what are the differences?
For some time now, the terms ‘second-hand’, ‘downgraded’, ‘overstocked’ and ‘reconditioned’ have been commonplace. Each of these terms has a specific meaning, which is particularly important for buyers looking for bargains, especially in the field of laboratory equipment.
Second-hand
Second-hand products have already been used by one or more previous owners. They may show signs of wear, but are functional and sold at a lower price than new products.
At Labsquare, for example, the price of a second-hand pipetting robot varies according to the condition of the device, its age, its conditions of use and its status at the time of sale (under warranty, maintenance contract, etc.).
Downgraded
Downgraded items are new products that may have suffered a mishap (during transport, for example). A downgraded freezer, for example, may have slight cosmetic defects, which in no way affect its ability to function.
These products are often sold at a reduced price, with a manufacturer’s warranty.
Overstocks
Overstocks are new unsold products, often in excess of demand. They may come from previous seasons or from surplus production. Retailers often sell them at reduced prices to free up storage space.
As manufacturers prefer to concentrate their sales efforts on their current catalogue, they use Labsquare to sell this equipment.
Reconditioned
Reconditioned products are products that have been reconditioned, either by a specialist company or by the manufacturer itself.
They are repaired, tested and certified for resale. They are often sold with a guarantee.
All these terms cover what we call dormant stocks. These are the stocks that Labsquare is trying to put back on the market, to enable laboratories to equip themselves at lower cost, while avoiding wastage of scientific equipment.
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