FAQ's
We are always pleased to hear from our members but before you take the trouble to e-mail us, please check this short list of FAQ's.
GENERAL
How much does it cost to become an Instrumentresponse member?
If you opt for standard membership it will cost you nothing. For details of the benefits of our Gold and Platinum membership click here.
If I join as a standard member can I upgrade my membership at a later date?
Yes.
What are the benefits of upgrading to a Platinum or Gold membership?
The benefits are numerous and are explained in detail here.
What if I mislay my user name or password?
Follow the instructions on the login page and we will forward your details to your registered email address.
What do the various grades mean?
For the benefit of all users we have kept the grading system simple.
The selection should be from the following:
A1 Brand new, Unused and boxed (guaranteed working condition)
A2 Brand new but not boxed (guaranteed working condition)
B1 Slightly used but not marked (guaranteed working condition)
B2 Used and slightly marked (guaranteed working condition)
C1 Good condition, working condition not known
C2 Poor condition, working condition not known
C3 Faulty, in need of repair.
When a seller places stock on the site we would expect them to describe the goods and their condition honestly and in accordance with the grading levels we have prescribed. Sellers that consistently supply goods that are inferior to their description will have their membership revoked.
Is your service offered in any other country other than the UK?
Yes. We are expanding our operation by selling and sourcing equipment globally. Please note shipping costs will vary dependant on source and delivery country, please contact us for further details link to contacts page
BUYING
As a buyer, can I speak directly to the seller?
No. All communication by both parties will be via the Instrumentresponse web site.
What if I can't find what I want?
If you cannot locate what you need on the site, use our quotation request or product finder facility to enter your requirements. Instrumentresponse will then continue to search on your behalf.
I am constantly in need of particular items, can I make sellers aware of this?
Yes. This service is available to Platinum and Gold members. Rather than scanning our sales lists on a daily basis, you can register a list of "always wanted" items. Whenever such items become available we will e-mail you with full details.
Any chance of same day delivery?
Possibly. At present this is only available within the United Kingdom and does come at a price. This service is subject to prompt payment by the buyer and a prompt response from the seller.
How soon will my goods be delivered?
All UK deliveries are usually within 48 hours, quicker delivery can be quoted on request.
What if my goods don't arrive?
Let us know and we will locate them for you.
Do any of the goods come with a guarantee?
Yes, if a seller has graded the equipment as A1 / A2 / B1 or B2 they are guaranteeing that they are in full working order. Any items classed as C1 > C3 are sold as seen. This site sells new and second-hand equipment. You should never be less than 100% satisfied with the goods you buy.
I have incorrectly ordered equipment, can I return it?
If you order the wrong items and the seller provides them in good faith, unfortunately you are stuck with them. One solution is to list them once more for sale on this site.
If you require a specific grade of equipment, do not order something of a lower grade in the hope that it might be OK. The only reason for returning goods should be if they are not as described.
Why is the advertised item I have bought no longer for sale?
We have systems in place to ensure that the "for sale" list is altered automatically and we contact the seller every fourteen days to ask them to confirm that the item is still available. There will be times when the seller has used or sold the equipment by other means and so could remain for sale for up to fourteen days.
Can I only pay by credit or debit card?
No, but paying by credit or debit card will ensure speedy delivery. If you are happy to wait a few days for non-urgent orders we will accept cheques or arrange credit transfers, please note that we must have cleared funds prior to shipment.
What if I'm not happy with the goods I receive?
When a seller inputs stock onto the site we expect them to describe the goods and their condition honestly and in accordance with the grading levels we have prescribed.
Buyers who believe that they have not received goods that match the site's description of them should lodge their complaint to us as soon as possible. We will then instigate dialogue between the buyer and seller in an attempt to settle the matter amicably and to the satisfaction of both parties. If a compromise cannot be reached, all monies will be returned to the buyer and the goods will be returned to the seller. In a circumstance such as this all costs for carriage will charged to the seller.
Sellers that consistently supply goods that are inferior to their description will have their membership revoked.
The time limit for lodging complaints is 5 working days of signed receipt.
What about VAT and invoices?
For your records a VAT invoice is available for printing after payment completion. .
If you have sold an item we will prompt you to forward your invoice for 100% of the sale price, plus VAT if you are VAT registered. We will then forward payment with a cheque or BACS transfer advice slip for the purchase amount less commission fees. A separate invoice for our commission will accompany the cheque or BACS transfer advice slip.
Am I charged credit /debit card fees?
No.
Is there a minimum amount I need to spend?
No. You can spend as little or as much as you wish.
Is the price I see, the price I pay?
No. All prices shown are net of VAT and the cost of carriage and additional insurance (if selected).
What are the carriage costs?
A standard carriage charge of £10 applies to all orders up to 25kg and includes insurance cover of £150. Large packages may attract additional charges which can be quoted on request. All UK deliveries are usually within 48 hours, quicker delivery can also be quoted on request.
Why would I require the Additional Insurance?
The standard carriage cost includes insurance of your goods whilst in transit for up to £150. Higher insurance cover can be selected before payment; this will incur additional costs.
Why do I pay for the goods before I receive them?
We act as a broker to ensure that the transaction runs smoothly. Your payment is kept in a holding account until you are in receipt of the goods.
If we have not heard from you within five working days that the goods are as described, then we will forward payment to the seller.
Can you arrange for export of the goods for me?
Yes. When requested, we will arrange for export of your goods in accordance with DDU inco terms 2000.
SELLING
What is the lowest price I can sell an item for?
You can sell items for any price, but remember that we take a minimum of £10 in commission.
Can I only sell top quality equipment on the site?
No. You can sell anything you want providing that you describe it accurately and price it accordingly.
What about de-contamination of used equipment?
The onus is on you as the seller to carry out appropriate de-contamination procedures of second hand equipment. Some of our selling members complete a de-contamination certificate to show that it is safe to handle. Click here to download a typical de-contamination certificate.
If I am unable to sell something, can I reduce the price?
Yes. No problem, just login and amend any details.
Does the price I advertise include carriage?
No. The price that you advertise should be ex works (EXW inco terms 2000), the seller should not include carriage.
What does EXW inco terms mean?
Ex Works (... named place) is defined as: the seller delivers when he places the goods at the disposal of the buyer at the seller's premises or another named place (i.e. works, factory, warehouse, etc.) not cleared for export and not loaded on any collecting vehicle. This term thus represents the minimum obligation for the seller, and the buyer has to bear all costs and risks involved in taking the goods from the seller's premises.
What if you ask me for an item that is no longer available?
If you have sold the item via Instrumentresponse, we have systems in place to ensure that your "for sale" list is altered automatically, so that won't be a problem. If however you have disposed of the item yourself, the onus is upon you to inform Instrumentresponse. Failure to do so will cause frustration among other members and reflect on our professionalism.
We contact the seller every 14days and ask them to confirm that the item is still available.
How do I know someone is interested in my for sale item?
You will receive an e-mail from us asking for confirmation that the item is still for sale.
When Instrumentresponse sells some of my stock, when will I get paid?
We act as a broker to ensure that the transaction runs smoothly.
We hold the money received from the buyer in a holding account.
Provided that there are no disputes and we have received an invoice from yourselves, we will forward payment (usually within fourteen working days).
What does it cost me to sell my stock via this site?
You can list as many items as you want in the "for sale" section of the site and there will be no charge whatsoever. When an item from your list is sold we will deduct a percentage commission from the sale price (minimum charge of 10GBP per item). You should take this into account when calculating the selling price.
