Surplus Success Stories: 7 Labs That Built World-Class Facilities on a Shoestring Budget

Across the country, innovative labs demonstrate that exceptional research doesn’t require unlimited budgets—just smart sourcing strategies. These seven examples highlight how reliance on surplus lab equipment enabled rapid scaling and breakthrough capabilities: A Boston-area synthetic biology startup outfitted a full NGS workflow for under $300k using liquidated sequencers and automation. A Midwestern university core facility […]

Why 2026 Will Be the Best Year Ever to Buy Used Lab Equipment

As we move into 2026, several converging trends are set to create the most favorable buying conditions for surplus lab equipment in over a decade. Three key factors are driving this shift: The conclusion of large-scale COVID-era funding programs—multi-year NIH, ARPA-H, and institutional grants awarded in 2020–2023 are reaching natural endpoints, releasing minimally used, high-end […]

The Smart Lab Manager’s Playbook for Buying and Selling Surplus Gear

Effective asset management is one of the most underutilized levers for improving lab efficiency and financial health. Forward-thinking lab managers now treat surplus equipment not as a disposal problem, but as a strategic opportunity—for both acquisition and revenue generation. Institutions across the country are generating significant returns by systematically liquidating underutilized instruments, while growing labs […]

From Lab Closure to Landfill vs. Lab to Lab: The Real Environmental Cost of New Equipment

As research institutions and companies strive to meet ambitious sustainability goals, one often-overlooked area offers significant impact: the lifecycle of laboratory equipment. Manufacturing a single high-end instrument—such as a mass spectrometer or next-generation sequencer—requires substantial energy, rare earth materials, and global shipping. Yet much of this equipment is replaced long before the end of its […]

How to Turn Your Idle Lab Assets into a Six-Figure Revenue Stream

Many research institutions sit on unrecognized value: underutilized equipment gathering dust in storage. Forward-thinking organizations now treat these idle assets as opportunities for substantial revenue recovery. Systematic lab liquidation can generate six- and even seven-figure returns—funds that directly support new initiatives, personnel, or facility improvements. The process begins with inventory: Audit all spaces, including off-site […]

The Hidden Risks of Buying New Lab Equipment (and Why Surplus Is Often Safer)

While new equipment offers appeal, several hidden risks can impact timelines, budgets, and operations more than many realize. Long lead times—often 6–18 months for specialized systems—delay research progress and grant milestones. Rapid depreciation begins immediately, with instruments losing 50% or more of value in the first few years. Supply chain disruptions continue to affect delivery […]

10 Questions Every Buyer Should Ask Before Purchasing Surplus Lab Equipment

In an era of tight budgets and rapid innovation, more labs turn to the surplus market for high-quality used lab equipment. However, success depends on thorough due diligence. Asking the right questions upfront separates reliable acquisitions from costly mistakes. Here are the ten essential inquiries every buyer should make: What is the full service history […]

The Beginner’s Guide to Lab Equipment Auctions and Liquidation Sales

For newcomers, navigating lab equipment auctions and liquidations can seem complex—but the rewards are substantial. Start with reputable, science-focused platforms that prioritize verification and transparency over general auction sites. Key steps: Register early and complete any required buyer qualifications. Review listing details thoroughly—focus on documentation packages. Set maximum bids based on fair-market research for used […]

Timing the Market: When Surplus Equipment Floods In (and How to Be First in Line)

The surplus lab equipment market follows predictable rhythms driven by institutional calendars and research funding cycles. Key periods of high volume include: June–July fiscal year-end closures and budget reconciliations. December grant sunsets and holiday-season relocations. March–April building moves and core-facility refresh cycles. Post-conference seasons when new model announcements trigger upgrades. Understanding these patterns allows buyers […]

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