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Buyer brief

Nine questions to ask before buying a used instrument

Any dealer should be able to answer these in writing. Our answers are printed beside each one.

Ask this Why it matters Dynode
Which condition tier? Refurbished, tested and as-is are not synonyms. A unit that was only powered on is not refurbished. Every listing states its tier, with the fixed definition printed beside it.
Can I see the test data? A chromatogram run on the actual unit is the only evidence it meets spec. Anything else is a description. Included with every system. Retention times, transitions, signal-to-noise.
What is the model number? A listing title is written for search. The model and serial identify what is being sold. Every listing identifies the unit by model number and serial.
What is the price? A withheld price cannot be compared against the market before an enquiry. Published on every listing. Make Offer is a first-class state, not a substitute.
Who verified it, and where? Confirming that a system powers on is not the same as verifying it to specification. Chromatography-verified in our in-house lab, operating to ISO 17025 standards.
What does the warranty cover? A thirty-day term covers shipping damage. Component failures generally appear later than that. 90 days parts and labor. 180 days with IQ/OQ qualification.
Who services it afterwards? An instrument without an install path cannot be commissioned on arrival. Install and service nationwide through our service partner.
Is calibration traceable? A validated method requires a traceable calibration chain. NIST-traceable calibration available.
What if it arrives wrong? The return term is the part of a listing that carries cost for the seller. 60-day returns. Free U.S. shipping, excluding Hawaii and Alaska.

Common questions

What is the single most useful question to ask a used-instrument dealer?

Ask to see the test data. A chromatogram run on the actual unit is the only evidence it meets specification. Anything else is a description.

Why does a withheld price matter?

A price that is not published cannot be compared against the market before you make an enquiry. Dynode publishes a price on every listing; Make Offer is a first-class state, not a substitute for a number.

Is a 30-day warranty enough on a used mass spectrometer?

A thirty-day term largely covers shipping damage. Component failures generally appear later than that.

Why ask for the model number when the listing has a title?

A listing title is written for search. The model number and serial identify what is actually being sold, and they are what a listing should be written against.

Tell us the configuration

Every listing states its condition tier and its price. If the system you need is not on the floor, we source it to spec from our supply network.

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