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David,

When we introduced our Leica TCS SP2 about three years ago (we were
fortunate to get a Shared Instrumentation Grant so the institution
didn't have to pay out the $325,000 or so), I inquired on the internet
with regard to what others were charging and came up with $25/hr as
pretty much the norm; that's what we charge.   We charge this whether
they are using 1,2, or 3 lasers and whether or not I'm in the room (I
also run the flow cytometer).  We are fortunate in that, so far, the
dean is more concerned with usage than with dollars.  The Leica is a
beautiful instrument.  I predict you'll have hours of 'fun' with it.

We have not had a service contract.  After an initial 12 to 16 month
period in which there were a  few problems (and Leica made good on
everything wthout extra charge until it was fully and consistently
functional) there have been absolutely no problems.  You'll find Will
Rogers and the whole staff in Exton very knowledgeable and accommodating.

Ray Hester
Univ. of South Alabama




David Chambers wrote:

>Search the CONFOCAL archive at
>http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?S1=confocal
>
>Hi all,
>
>I'm sending this hoping to pick a few experienced brains.  (and I'm
>sending it to both confocal and flowcyt mailing lists for good measure
>:-)
>
>Our Institute has just purchased a Leica SP2 AOBS confocal for our Core
>cytometry facility, an instrument which has long been desired by
>Faculty.  We do not have a similar instrument in Core.  Whereas it would
>be nice to be able to provide 'scope use free of charge, in the real world
>that is probably not going to happen. I've been asked to inquire about
>folks' experiences introducing a major new instrument like this to a Core
>and how they have solved the attendant problems.
>
>Three crucial questions that come to mind.  Probably more that I am
>missing right now! :-
>
>(1) How does one calculate a recharge schedule?  We're leaning towards an
>hourly rate, and we only have to cover the service contract (mucho
>$$$$!!!!) and incidental costs (Core staff salaries are covered from
>other funds).  Service contracts have been discussed before on both
>mailing lists; as a worst-case scenario let's assume that we purchase a
>full-blown contract. How much of this should get passed on to users, and
>how much is it reasonable to ask the institution to subsidise, given that
>they bought the capital item in the first place?
>
>(2) What's the strategy for introducing a recharge schedule?  Going "cold
>turkey" and slapping on a full rate is one way, but this is probably not a
>good idea because people will not have a budget for it in their grants.
>How have people implemented charging for a new instrument?  What's a
>reasonable ramp-up time and how did everyone's Faculty react?
>
>(3) What's the best way of calculating a recharge rate for a new
>instrument - how have people approached this?
>
>
>As always, any and all advice muchly appreciated.
>
>All the best
>
>
>David Chambers
>Salk Institute CCMI, La Jolla, CA
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>
>