Industrial & Scientific

Factors to consider when shopping for industrial and scientific equipment

Whether you're a farmer, a chef or the manager of a medical facility, you probably need some specialized professional equipment to support work activities on the job. Ordering industrial, scientific and other professional equipment online can be a bit different from ordering consumer products you might use in your everyday life. Thinking about these factors as you shop will help you make smart purchasing decisions for your professional needs.

Quantity
Even if the items you're ordering seem like ordinary, everyday products, they may be packaged in greater quantities for industrial use. Take time to check the quantity that's included in an order before you finalize and pay. Looking for details such as how many items are included in a container and how many containers are included in the order can make it easier to determine how much you need to buy.

Dimensions
Some industrial items are quite large and may require more consideration before purchase. For example, welding carts may be available in different dimensions, some of which may be more suitable for a cramped workshop than others. When you take stock of product dimensions, make sure you understand whether the dimensions apply to the product itself or the product in its shipping packaging. Both measurements may be listed for some products. For particularly large items, such as industrial-sized grills or retail display cases, you may want to find out whether the item delivers assembled or not. If the item does arrive assembled, make sure the doors and hallways in your building are large enough to allow for delivery.

Weight
Do you know how much weight your floors can bear? If you're buying new equipment that is particularly heavy, such as a commercial refrigerator or food prep station, it's best to know the item's weight so you can figure out whether it's suitable for your workspace. It's also a good idea to determine whether the item will simply be delivered to your door, or whether the delivery company will install the item as well.

Legal compliance
Some industries are subject to specific laws and codes that may vary from place to place within the USA. State and local regulations can mean that equipment that's suitable for other professionals in your industry aren't suitable for your business. If you don't have a compliance professional working for your organization, do some research to make sure you know what's required by law where you live. This can apply to everything from the bags you might give customers in a retail setting to the type of first aid kit you install on a factory or warehouse floor.

Dispenser compatibility
Industrial and commercial dispensers for things like paper towels, napkins, protective gloves and other single-use items are often made for refills of a specific size and shape. Even if you stick with the same brand that manufactured the dispenser, you may need to make sure you know what size refill item is compatible with your dispensers. Product descriptions for refill items may provide this information, and some dispensers provide refill information on stickers inside their reservoirs or casing. If you can't locate this information and aren't sure what to buy, making a decision based on the current items in the dispenser may be your best option. Before making any purchases, though, be sure to read the individual return policy from each seller of items you're considering.

Advice for finding industrial and scientific products suitable for home use

If you're looking for heavy-duty or special industry products to use in your home, you may want to start by doing some research to make sure you understand both what you need and what you'll get when you order the items you're considering. If you're certain that you know what to buy and can use it in a safe manner, some of the above-listed factors to consider will also apply to you. It may be especially important to consider where you'll store the equipment you're ordering. For example, if you want to order an industrial refrigerator to keep in your garage, make sure it's not too tall to fit through the garage door for delivery. You may also want to make sure that your electrical outlets are able to handle the load of an industrial refrigerator. Equipment that's meant to be used in a professional setting may not always be suitable for home use, so think carefully before buying.