Are you starting a new lab but working with a small budget? Don’t worry—you’re not the first! Many labs start with minimal resources, so we’ve compiled a list of helpful tips for new labs to save money.
Bulk Buy Consumables
No matter what kind of research or testing a lab does, it’ll need a lot of consumables. Stocking and replenishing consumables can eat away at a lab’s budget, so it’s wise to consider bulk buying to attain a better discount.
We’re all aware of the advantages of bulk buying—investing in the short-term for more significant long-term value—and it’s just as accurate for labs. Typical consumables labs can purchase in bulk include:
- Pipettes
- Beakers
- Funnels
- Disposable gloves
- Shoe covers
- Caps
- Facial coverings
- Reagents
- Syringes
Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose
Along with purchasing consumables in bulk, consider ways in which you can stretch the value of your lab’s consumables by reducing their use, reusing them, or repurposing them for other functions. Obviously, sterility and sanitation are the priority, but consumables can often be washed, sterilized, and reused without sacrificing quality.
Many labs will repurpose pipettes and consumable boxes for other functions like storage around the lab. If you notice you’ve hardly touched anything with your disposable gloves, don’t be afraid to take them off and use them again later—as long as it’s sanitary and safe.
Refurbished Equipment
Perhaps the most significant expense for a new lab is the analytical equipment. A lab must have high-quality equipment to accomplish tasks, but many times, the best option isn’t the newest and most expensive model.
Refurbished lab equipment offers many advantages—notably that they’re only a fraction of the price of new equipment without sacrificing quality. If you need new equipment for your lab, odds are you can find a refurbished model of the same quality at a much lower price.
Experienced and Efficient Staff
Quality staff are vital to a high-functioning and efficient analytical lab. When searching for personnel to fill your lab, it may be tempting to go with less experienced and, therefore, more affordable employees, but that’d be a long-term mistake.
Experienced and multi-faceted personnel may cost more in the short term but can get your lab up and running more efficiently than inexperienced staff. Plus, experienced employees require less supervision and oversight, so you can focus your energy and resources on other lab matters.
Those are some of our tips for saving money when starting a new lab. Whether it’s pipettes, equipment, or people, remember that short-term investment can mean long-term value, gains, and efficiency.
