Refurbished or New?

1. Client Concerns and Desires

Getting to know the people who live in your market area is the first step to determining the right menu of services to offer and equipment to buy.  Be attentive to new or add-on services they are requesting for skin and body needs around fine lines, wrinkles, skin tightening, hair removal, pigmentation, veins, cellulite concerns, body contouring, and more.  Identify whether the majority of the concerns are about fat, skin tone and texture so you know what types and how many devices you’ll need to address them.  

2. Time is Money 

Today’s newer technology has reduced skin resurfacing treatment preparation and procedures by as much as 30-40 minutes versus treatments with older devices. Choosing the right equipment, whether new or used, can provide safe, effective timely procedures.  Happy patients and quicker room turnover time is important to revenue generation.  

3. Find a Consultant, Not a Salesperson

A consultant can help you analyze the needs of your practice and provide a fair and balanced approach to your purchasing.  A reputable company that is “manufacturer agnostic” – that isn’t wed to a single brand or manufacturer – will be driven by patient needs and interests and be focused on your success, not just the solutions that they sell.  

4. Protect Your Investment

As a spa owner, staying focused on what a device actually does, how fast it works and knowing there’s a company that can stand behind it are keys to a solid return on investment.  You’ll want to determine the right balance of technology that is both standard and cutting-edge.  The vast majority of spas and aesthetic practices make their money on the most commonly demanded consumer services, so it’s fine to stick with older equipment backed by a quality regular maintenance service program to prevent downtime.  And remember that even new devices need service to maintain them!  Too many spa owners spend thousands of dollars on innovative devices and assume they’re done, but investing in a first-rate service program to maintain them will pay rewards over time.

5. Cash Flow and Available Financing

Just because you see a new flashy device on the market, doesn’t mean you need it.  If you decide to purchase a pre-owned or refurbished device, stay with the top brands – that way you’ll know the system will have good longevity, available parts, and safe and effective technology.  When shopping for new technology, test it out and get references from other spas and practices already using it. Whether refurbished or new, ask to see current before and after photos for proof that it works.  

The longer the warranty on the device – five years versus 30 days –– demonstrates high expectations for the life of a product.  Payment terms are important, too.  If the seller wants full payment up front, that’s a red flag.  Reputable companies are willing to be flexible with monthly, quarterly or annual payments, and if they have in-house financing, that’s a plus.  They’re establishing their vested interest in the equipment’s long-term effectiveness.

The bottom line is, if a device is working for you and your clients, you can service and not replace it.  The right service partner should be able to provide routine maintenance so your device lasts longer, and often can recommend when it’s time to select a new device that meets a need to provide a better outcome or decrease treatment time.  Having a full-service provider that is focused on you will help you stay focused on your clients and your business.