As new tariffs raise the cost of scientific instruments, lab managers are looking for smarter ways to maintain operations without breaking their budgets. Used and certified refurbished lab equipment is emerging as a compelling alternative, especially when it is already in the domestic market, shielded from import duties, and offered at a fraction of the cost of new models.

Marketplace platforms like LabX are helping lab professionals navigate this evolving procurement landscape by offering access to new, used, and certified refurbished equipment from a wide range of sellers. “LabX has been busier than ever,” said Jesse Brito, ecommerce product manager at LabX. “All in all, our inquiries are up quite a bit—we are up 31 percent year over year.”

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How tariffs are shaping lab equipment procurement trends

“While the rate of growth for used and refurbished lab equipment is currently outpacing that of new, we’re seeing strong demand for new instruments as well—across the board, labs are being more intentional in how they shop.”

According to Brito, new equipment inquiries have increased by 22 percent, while interest in refurbished lab equipment rose nine percent. Used lab equipment inquiries surged 23 percent, suggesting a broader trend in which buyers are expanding their search across categories. “Buyer activity has increased substantially across all categories,” said Brito. “While the rate of growth for used and refurbished lab equipment is currently outpacing that of new, we’re seeing strong demand for new instruments as well—across the board, labs are being more intentional in how they shop.”

This spike in demand is not solely driven by tariffs, though their influence is clear. “We’ve had customers say, ‘These tariffs have really caused a wrench in our processes,’” said Gillian Morin, business development manager at LabX. “However, they’ve said, ‘We’re not panicking. We’re still buying what we need to buy. We’re just being a lot more conscious of what we’re going to get for that investment.’”

Service contracts and price transparency take priority

The heightened scrutiny has shifted purchasing behavior. Morin noted that service contracts and warranties have become critical factors, with brand loyalty taking a backseat to value. “[Lab managers] have said that their brand loyalties are not tossed out the window completely, but they’re not in a position to maintain those,” she explained. In this new era of tariffs, lab managers are prioritizing value over brand loyalty, often choosing the supplier with the best value—unless another can justify a higher cost by offering stronger service or warranty support.

The flexibility of platforms like LabX enables lab managers to compare options from OEMs, certified refurbishers, and resellers in one place. “Using a service like LabX and browsing across all of the different offerings ... is kind of the key,” said Brito. “Lab managers will probably have to make concessions about what they will and won’t look at when they’re making a purchase.”

Brito added that transparency is another advantage of browsing on a digital lab marketplace. “You might get a better perspective or idea of what new versus used versus refurbished lab equipment pricing might be if you’re looking at everything that’s available in the market, and not just from one OEM or reseller,” he said.

Suppliers respond to shifting demand for used and refurbished lab equipment

From the supplier side, some sellers are also adjusting their approach to stay competitive. “I have encountered a couple of sellers that have been a little bit more willing to work with lab equipment buyers to find what they’re looking for if they don’t have it,” Brito said. “Sellers are insulating themselves in the scenario where they do encounter supply chain problems ... building a basis of strong buyer relationships.”

At New Life Scientific, operations manager Joshua Hoskins said the company is preparing for growth in refurbished sales. “We are actually attempting to stockpile inventory to ensure we have enough products on-hand to meet our customers' demands,” Hoskins said. “We anticipate an increase to customer needs for equipment that has no tariff implications attached to them.”

“Many labs and businesses can’t allow for processes to slow down (or stop altogether) just because equipment breaks down and needs to be replaced.”

While tariffs are not yet a primary motivator for most of Hoskins’ customers, he expects that to shift. “With the tariff situation increasing the cost of new equipment, it will place certain constraints on budgets,” he said. “Many labs and businesses can’t allow for processes to slow down (or stop altogether) just because equipment breaks down and needs to be replaced.”

What to consider when purchasing used or refurbished lab equipment

Lab managers looking to buy used or refurbished lab equipment should focus on:

• Warranties and service contracts: Determine whether the vendor offers post-purchase support, including installation and IQ/OQ services when applicable.
• Specifications: Understand the expected performance specifications provided by the seller. Refurbished instruments will include defined specifications, whereas some used instruments may be sold “as is.”
• Source transparency: Confirm whether the product is already located in the US to help avoid shipping delays or additional duties.
• Certifications: Select vendors who test and verify laboratory equipment to ensure reliability and performance.
• Marketplace variety: Compare OEM, certified refurbished, and reseller options side by side for a comprehensive view of available offerings.

As Brito noted, “The level of variety is going to become more and more important.”

Refurbished and used lab equipment offer a strategic path forward

As labs continue to navigate tariff pressures and constrained budgets, exploring all procurement options—especially through transparent, service-backed marketplaces—can help ensure operations stay resilient. Refurbished equipment may not be the default choice for every lab, but in today’s climate, it is becoming a strategic one.