After talking to Leandra, Richter decided to get the superb quality set of apprentice alchemy equipment. Higher ranked alchemy sets were apparently needed to make higher level potions and better quality sets created potions of increased potency. He had always believed in paying a bit more on the front end, rather than being nickeled-and-dimed to death later on.
Always buy/build the best quality tools you can afford for ANY endeavor. The quality of your tools will set limits on the quality of anything you make with them.