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Step 1: Explore your research needs
ظ What challenge(s) am I facing?
ظ Is there a solution available?
Step 2: Explore available solutions
ظ Does the solution solve my challenge(s)?
→ What are the benefits of the solution? Does that fit what I
need now, in the near future, later?
ظ What does the solution include?
→ Am I getting the instrument only, the instrument and
software, or the instrument, software and consumables?
→ Is support included?
→ Is service included?
ظ What is important to consider when selecting a solution?
→ Is the instrument user-friendly?
→ Is the software user-friendly?
→ Are the consumables expensive, or complicated to use?
→ How easy is it to collect, understand and analyze data?
→ Does the instrument have a small footprint?
→ Does it require training to operate?
→ What types of upgrades are available?
→ Does it have the throughput I need?
Buyer's Checklist
Here is a summarized list of questions to ask as you're going
through the selection and buying process.
Step 4: Make an
informed decision
ظ Compare the different
technologies side-by-side
ظ Narrow to a few choices
ظ Ask a sales rep questions
ظ Ask for an online or face-
to-face demo
ظ Verify the solution fits
the need
Step 5: Purchase the
technology
ظ How much will it cost?
ظ What's included in the cost?
ظ How am I going to pay for it?
ظ Who is responsible in the
buying decision?
ظ Will others be using the
technology?
ظ What information do they
need to know?
Step 3: Evaluate vendors
ظ Look at their credibility in the research community
ظ Are there many publications that use this solution?
→ How recent are they, and are they in relevant journals
that promote high-quality research?
ظ Who or which labs have their instruments?
ظ Are they recommended by fellow researchers?
ظ How long has the company been around?
ظ How many customers do they have?
ظ Are they global?
ظ What kind of support do they offer?
ظ Am I served by a local representative?
