Reordering lab glassware: three worked specification examples

A product name and volume are often insufficient to reproduce a previous purchase. Keep the vessel, its closure and the ordering unit together in one line. Record anything unknown as “confirm before quotation” instead of guessing from a photograph.

The examples below are illustrative requests, not stocked configurations or offers. Quantities and sizes show how to write a requirement. The supplier still needs to confirm the exact product, suitability, price and delivery date.

For material and glassware selection, start with the glassware category guide. Use this worksheet when preparing a specific first order or reorder.

1. Beaker: distinguish the vessel from its ordering unit

Incomplete request: “250 mL beaker, two boxes.”

Clearer request: “Low-form glass beaker, nominal 250 mL; same brand and product code as the attached previous label; 24 individual pieces required. Please state pieces per pack, total supplied pieces and whether a full-pack purchase is necessary. Confirm dimensions against the old item. Quote any substitute separately for approval.”

Attach a readable old label or product code and a photograph showing the shape. If a particular tolerance or certificate is required, name the required document and ask the supplier to identify the matching item. Do not treat the markings on a vessel as evidence that it meets an unspecified measurement requirement.

Catalog starting point: DURAN beakers. Confirm the size, code and supply unit for the requested line.

2. Sample jar: specify the lid as part of the item

Incomplete request: “240 mL culture jars, same as last time.”

Clearer request: “Clear glass jar, nominal 240 mL, to replace the attached old item; 120 individual jars with matching lids. Old product code: not available. Please confirm body dimensions, neck/closure specification, lid material, included components and pack quantity before quotation. Intended process and its operating conditions will be supplied for a suitability check.”

A matching capacity does not establish that an existing lid will fit. Photograph the old jar, lid and any markings separately. If a sterile product or a particular cleaning or sterilization process is required, include that requirement and request product-specific confirmation; the description “culture jar” does not establish it.

3. Amber dropper bottle: keep the requested size explicit

Incomplete request: “Amber dropper bottle, 60 mL.”

Clearer request: “Amber glass bottle, nominal 60 mL; 48 individual complete sets. Please identify the bottle code, neck/closure specification, dropper assembly and materials, tube length, and pieces per pack. Confirm that the quoted size and components form the required set. If unavailable, quote an alternative separately and identify each difference.”

Our amber dropper-bottle catalog page is a reference for a quotation request. At the 25 October 2026 review it documents 5 mL and 10 mL dimensions; it does not confirm a 60 mL configuration. Ask for the exact requested size rather than assuming all sizes share the same closure.

Copy this line-item worksheet

• Previous reference: old manufacturer/code, purchase reference, label photo or “not known”.
• Vessel: intended use; material; nominal capacity; shape; required dimensions.
• Closure and components: neck/thread specification; lid, liner, pouring ring or dropper; included and excluded parts.
• Conditions to check: sample or chemical, concentration, temperature, duration, and any required cleaning or sterilization process.
• Quantity: required individual pieces or complete sets; acceptable pack size; expected reorder frequency.
• Evidence needed: exact product datasheet, specified certificate or lot information; mark availability as unconfirmed until supplied.
• Alternatives: acceptable differences, non-negotiable requirements, and approval needed before substitution.
• Delivery: destination, required-use date and any partial-delivery constraint; request a confirmed schedule.

Check compatibility for the complete assembly

DWK lists the bottle, cap, liner and pouring-ring materials separately for its GL 45 example. Treat the closure as a specified component, rather than inferring its properties from the glass body. The linked manufacturer example is not a specification for every bottle in our catalog.

Thermo Fisher directs users to chemical-specific and temperature-specific compatibility information for Nalgene PPCO bottles. Supply the actual conditions and consult the exact product documentation. This worksheet is a procurement aid, not a compatibility or sterilization instruction.

For a laboratory screw-cap bottle request, see clear DURAN laboratory bottles and identify the complete configuration required.

Use the same worksheet to check the quotation and delivery

Compare the quoted code, size, components and total piece count with the requested line. Keep accepted differences in writing. At receipt, compare the supplied labels, quantities, included components and visible condition with the approved quotation; raise a discrepancy before accepting an unconfirmed substitute for use.

For commercial terms and document checks after a quotation arrives, use our equipment quotation checklist.

Send the completed lines and old-item references through the quotation form. ManaEsse can review the requirements and confirm the proposed configuration for your consideration.