In this article, we will discuss the various types of laboratory service contracts and warranties available, how to choose the right one for your lab, and how to ensure that your contract is enforced.
Laboratory service contracts and warranties are important tools that enable laboratory service providers and their clients to ensure that services are performed correctly and that products and services are of the highest quality. Understanding the particulars of the Service Contracts and Warranties provided by the Vendors makes it possible for Laboratory Managers to negotiate more favorable terms and conditions.
Any laboratory ought to make a lot of investment in lab hardware. However, there are a few considerations that need to be made prior to making any significant decisions in order to guarantee that this brand-new investment in the laboratory is successful; Consider the various warranty options available and ensure that the annual maintenance contracts cover all lab equipment for the appropriate time periods (typically annually).
The majority of laboratories spend huge amount of money on equipment; if such equipment breaks down or doesn’t work right; lowers productivity of the laboratory even more. After purchase, equipment guarantees can give labs more transient security. They hold the vendor or manufacturer accountable for any repairs made after the product has been installed and act as a written guarantee for the product. In any case, in light of the fact that not all guarantees are made equivalent, it is fundamental to arrange and pose a couple of inquiries preceding buying.
By asking a few key questions, being willing to negotiate, and making an informed purchase decision, costly surprises can be avoided.
What is the difference between a service contract and a warranty?
Any potential extended services, like maintenance contracts, must be distinguished from its warranties. The guarantee on each instrument is remembered for the price tag. Labor and repairs that are not covered by the warranty. Most of lab hardware accompanies a guarantee, the span of the guarantee; Important questions to ask the Vendor include the Contract’s terms and conditions and return or cancellation policy.
Although the warranty’s duration may appear to be straightforward, it is essential to know when it begins and ends. When will the warranty begin to take effect? such as following IQ/OQ/PQ, equipment acquisition, or equipment installation.
What will void the warranty?
Generally speaking, guarantees are just legitimate in the event that the instrument is used for the expected purposes. If the equipment is used for other purposes the manufacturer may deny the warranty claim.
All warranty options should be discussed and negotiated when purchasing laboratory equipment, including the following: The warranty’s terms and conditions, including its duration, terms, and levels of support, are in addition to the purchase price. Further find out for a guarantee is the dealer or the first gear maker (OEM). In the event that the equipment needs to be returned for replacement or repair, find out who will pay for the shipping and other logistics.
Check list for purchase of equipment with regards to warranty and maintenance.
- What is the time period of warranty (when does warranty time period start and end)?
- Does Labor and repairs that are covered by the warranty?
- What are the omissions/exclusions for warranty?
- What is the time period of maintenance contract (when does maintenance time period start and end)?
- Are replacement components/ Spare parts easily available, and if so, are they new or refurbished?
- What kinds of services is part of a service call? Is remote service guidance available?
- Will the vendor or lab personnel cover the price of travel, extra time, downtime, and other logistical costs?
- How quickly will a technician arrive when a service call is made?
- What obligations does the provider owe the laboratory under the terms of the contract?
- Does the maintenance contract cover regular maintenance and/or calibration?
- Does the contract exclude the instrument in any way? In that case, what exactly are omissions and exclusions?
- Does your service/maintenance contract have Auto-renewal clause, Opt-Out Clause, cancellation and termination clauses? Have you read them clearly? Is there any ambiguity?