Hi all, I am looking at buying a second hand scientific instrument off eBay shipped from Singapore which will cost in the several thousand dollar range.
Given it is an expensive purchase and much more than I would typically spend on eBay, what is the best way to get any kind of discount? Is cashback the only way right now?
Buying discount gift vouchers, testing out various promo coupons and cashback are the common methods
Drop us a hint. What is this mystery instrument?
It's an instrument for a type of forensic analysis. I do private forensic casework and this would enhance the scope of what I am able to examine.
Is it the sort of thing that 'might' pop up at specialist auctions (Australia) if a business is closing down?
It's very unique and there would only be a handful in Australia, almost all with government labs given new ones are in the $100-200k region. This is an old discontinued/unsupported model so it is a bit of a gamble but will definitely do the job if its functional.
It definitely might as labs slowly replace them. The model I am looking at still seems to be kept by some labs as the 'backup' instrument. I would probably continue keep an eye on auctions to maybe buy others as spares to keep for parts.
@frostee: Would you say that this equipment has a very particular set of skills, skills it has aquired over a very long career, skills that make a nightmare for the new equipment available, it sounds like if you find a cheaper option to get this equipment, that will be the end of it, you will not ask us any follow up questions, you will not bother us, but if there is a cheaper option, you will find it, and you will buy it!
@Qazxswec: Yes I've tried a few places but predictably, worldwide, there are not many because of its specialist application. I can only find two second hand ones for sale right now anywhere in the world, and both are on eBay. Just looking to maximise any possible discount as even a 1% saving would be a good few extra dollars in my pocket.
See if the seller is a physical store that you can contact and arrange shipment and payment with outside of eBay.
That is a good idea, I'll see what I can find on them.
Ahhh importing the old mass spectrometer from Singapore.
Good luck!
Not a mass spectrometer but similar idea and pricing (for a new one)!
NMR spectrometer then.
Is it primarily used for chemical analysis? Bigger than a breadbox?
Nah different discipline but large like a bar fridge or so and it’s a 55kg parcel so delivery is very expensive. It has no use outside of forensics so not many second hand ones out there.
Sounds like a risky expensive purchase. I would personally use a credit/debit card rather than gift cards (unless 10% or more maybe?). You will have a better chance of getting your money back if it is faulty or damaged in transit.
That’s true. I should check the terms on my credit card as it is certainly possible that it could turn up and be faulty.
if you're using as part of your work, surely your employer can fund it?
edit; just re-read that you do private case work
Get someone else to pay.