I bought an MPA-100 melting point apparatus to get "rough" idea's of what I have, but while not as much as an agilent 1100 (HPLC), it is still a little "expensive". I found it to be worth it. The agilent last time I checked were going for $20k, refurbished! Little pricey for me, if I'm that concerned i'll send it in to someone who really know what they are doing, as opposed to buying a used 20k device that I sort of know what I am doing......
Sending a sample in is not very expensive, definitely cheaper than buying a good melting point apparatus.....I use mine for a rough idea with a compound of known identity, but questionable purity. Even then, sometimes I have to send it in......