If you work as a biomedical engineering technician, you might be in charge of finding and buying medical imaging parts for the biomedical equipment that you maintain. As you already know, there are dozens and possibly hundreds of distributors of medical imaging parts for you to choose from. So, how do you choose a medical imaging parts supplier?
Inventory � The most important thing to remember is that whatever medical imaging parts supplier you choose to work with has to carry replacement parts for the majority of the equipment you maintain. Most vendors have convenient on-line inventories that will help you decide which suppliers meet your medical imaging parts needs.
Cost � Cost is not a straightforward issue. When you look for the smallest price, you may find yourself with low quality equipment. Yet, you definitely do not want to get singed by paying the highest prices if it's not necessary. Answer these two questions before making a decision. First, is the medical imaging part inherently intricate so that you ought to apply a "get what you pay for" principle and buy premium? Or, is the part quite uncomplicated so that the "plain vanilla" low cost kind will do? Second, when the total amount of money you will spend is substantial enough to justify the work, glance at the range of prices out in the marketplace. If there is a limited range, you will probably be charged about the same price everywhere, so purchase the part based on other factors. If there are considerable highs and lows in the price range, you must find out why these massive differences exist. For instance, is the inexpensive supplier able to keep his overhead so low that everything is a bargain? Great! Or is he selling a low-quality product?
Warranty � What sort of warranty is offered by the supplier? If parts are refurbished, who did the refurbishing? Is there ISO-based quality control?
Return/Exchange policy � Will you be able to return a part that has been incorrectly ordered? Is there a time limit? Does the company give money back or exchange only?
Shipping � Shipping and handling charges are sometimes the hidden high cost element of the purchase price. Make sure you are aware of all S&H fees upfront. Furthermore, can the company assure you that you will be able to receive medical imaging parts overnight?
Customer service � Will the company help you to resolve your problems, whatever they are? Is their customer service available all day every day? Are there BMETs on hand to help you trouble shoot medical imaging parts problems if necessary?
Use this checklist to evaluate vendors. Pick two or three vendors that are reliable. Don't depend exclusively on one vendor; don't forget the "all my eggs in one basket" rule.
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Author Jesse Fisher likes composing articles for his customers which includes Transamerican Medical, a company that resells
medical imaging parts. See also
Imaging Centers online directory.
