Where Do We Get Our Microscopes?
By Chad Potts, Owner of Microscope Marketplace
One of the questions I get asked all the time is: “Where do you get your microscopes and lab equipment from?” It’s a fair question—and the answer might surprise you.
At Microscope Marketplace here in North Carolina, we specialize in refurbished and used Olympus and Nikon microscopes, especially pathology microscopes that are commonly used by pathologists and Mohs surgeons. But our inventory doesn’t stop there—we handle all kinds of microscopes and lab equipment, both new and used.
Let me break down exactly how and why we do this.
Q: Where does all of this equipment come from?
We source microscopes and lab equipment from all over the world. Our acquisitions often come from:
- Hospitals and laboratories that are closing, downsizing, or moving.
- Medical professionals who are retiring or upgrading their equipment.
- Large institutions and companies like Pfizer or Mount Sinai Hospital.
- Vendors and individuals who no longer need their equipment.
- Small clinics and mom-and-pop labs who’ve decided to move on from their existing setup.
Every week, equipment arrives at our shop—sometimes by the truckload. Some days it’s six pallets stacked with microscopes, other days it’s a single high-quality instrument from a retired pathologist.
Q: What happens to the microscopes once you get them?
Every microscope is carefully inspected, tested, and, if necessary, rebuilt. Our technicians specialize in parts and repairs for Olympus, Nikon, Leica, and Zeiss systems.
- Worn components are replaced.
- Optics are cleaned and aligned.
- Electronics are often upgraded—many older microscopes get retrofitted with LED illumination.
- If we sell an item as-is, we describe its condition as accurately and transparently as possible.
The goal is to deliver equipment that performs just as well—or in some cases even better—than when it was new.
Q: Why buy refurbished instead of new?
There are several reasons to choose refurbished microscopes over new:
- Cost Savings – A refurbished microscope can cost a fraction of what a new system runs, without sacrificing performance.
- Eco-Friendly – By extending the life of this equipment, we help keep perfectly good instruments out of landfills.
- Proven Reliability – Many of these microscopes were built to last and perform at a high level for decades. With a professional rebuild, they still deliver excellent results.
- Customization – We often upgrade lighting, add digital imaging options, or configure systems to match a lab’s exact needs.
Q: Do you offer warranties?
We offer warranties on most of our refurbished microscopes. Each listing clearly states whether a warranty is included, and we always make sure buyers know exactly what to expect. For items sold as-is—often parts or non-refurbished equipment—we describe the condition as accurately as possible so there are no surprises.
Q: Can you give examples of where your equipment has ended up?
Absolutely. Our microscopes are used across the U.S. and internationally. They’ve been installed in:
- Pathology labs
- Universities and teaching facilities
- IVF clinics
- Dermatology practices
- Cancer research labs
What our customers say:
“We downsized our lab last year, and selling our equipment to Microscope Marketplace couldn’t have been easier. Chad and his team handled everything quickly and professionally. It was nice knowing our equipment would go to someone who really needed it.” – Former Lab Director, New York
“I purchased a refurbished Nikon E400 for my Mohs lab, and it has been flawless. The warranty gave me peace of mind, and the cost savings were huge compared to new.” – Dermatologist, Florida
“The Olympus BX41 I bought from Microscope Marketplace came looking brand new. I couldn’t believe it was refurbished until Chad explained the rebuild process. Highly recommend!” – Pathologist, Texas
Final Thoughts
So, when people ask me, “Where do you get your microscopes?” the answer is simple: we get them from all over the world—from hospitals, labs, institutions, and individuals—and we give them a second life.
By choosing refurbished, you’re not just saving money; you’re also making an eco-friendly choice and getting a microscope that’s been rebuilt to perform at the highest level.
That’s what we do at Microscope Marketplace every single day.
— Chad Potts
Owner, Microscope Marketplace