Updated on March 30, 2023 by Ryan Koenig
Today’s business owner must constantly make tough decisions about expanding and staying up to date with clients’ demands. This is particularly true for owners of med spas or cosmetic clinics. It’s important to offer a wide range of advanced laser treatments even when the budget for investments is limited.
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6 Benefits of Buying Used Aesthetic Laser Machines
If you are thinking about purchasing new technology for your med spa, consider pre-owned laser machines. These are the six major advantages to buying used aesthetic laser machines.
Savings
As a business owner, the budget for new technology is a crucial factor in decision-making. And it’s no surprise that new laser equipment is expensive. Manufacturers of new cosmetic lasers set a high sticker price in order to recuperate years of research and development expenses. Then, as soon as the machine is sold, it immediately loses a fraction of its value. A company would have to use new equipment for multiple years before offsets the investment and actually start profiting.
Saving money is the main reason that most medical-grade aesthetic clinics consider buying used aesthetic lasers. It’s true that the financial difference is significant. Many types of pre-owned laser equipment can be purchased for about half the price of new. For your med spa company, this would mean turning a profit on the investment in half the time.
Easy Maintenance
Used laser equipment also offers opportunities to save money in the long term. Rather than paying the high rates that machine manufacturers usually charge, independent service providers can repair and maintain pre-owned aesthetic lasers.
Older models are generally less complicated, making repairs and preventative maintenance quicker. Plus, servicing is likely to be less expensive because replacement parts are readily available.
Technology
It’s true that laser technology is constantly evolving, but not as quickly as aesthetic laser manufacturers would like us to think. Developing entirely new equipment and getting it approved by the FDA takes a lot of time. For that reason, newer models that are sold on the market may not actually be that different than older models or the original. From year to year, manufacturers may update the software, add a more ergonomic handpiece or increase the laser speed. The main function, design and effectiveness of the laser equipment, however, usually stays the same.
For a cosmetic clinic or med spa owner, buying used equipment means getting the same technology level at a much lower price. We even have experience with many tattoo shops now inquiring about machines for tattoo removal. Clients will be pleased with the results as long as the laser is still effectively performing the aesthetic treatments you offer.
Reliability
Some business owners think purchasing new laser equipment directly from the manufacturer is the only way to ensure it works properly. Luckily, that isn’t the only solid option. Pre-owned machines are a great alternative because they also come with a guarantee. When you buy from a reputable laser service company, you can be sure that the equipment is of high quality and works well. The reputation of a laser service company relies on the products available; that’s why used equipment is always carefully inspected and refurbished before being resold.
With pre-owned equipment, you are also able to get reviews from others who have used that laser model. Since the equipment has been on the market for a few years, it’s possible to research different models and find out which was more effective based on others’ first-hand experience.
Flexibility
Buying used machines gives many med spas the flexibility to select the right aesthetic laser to grow their business. Because pre-owned laser equipment is significantly less expensive, your company may be able to buy more than one. Offering a wider range of cosmetic treatments or treating more clients in a given amount of time is a sure way to increase business. Use your budget for technology investments in the most beneficial way.
Value
When you buy a new car, it loses a large part of its value as soon as you drive it off the lot. The car is not much different than it was one mile ago, other than it is now “used”. The same holds true for aesthetic and medical lasers. A new laser commands a premium price while a pre-owned laser with the same capabilities costs less.
Buying a pre-owned laser offers substantial savings on your up-front costs. Since your original investment is lower, your initial profit margins will be higher. This enables you to conserve capital for operation costs, or for acquiring additional lasers so you can expand your practice!
In fact, the pre-owned laser you are considering likely has the same technology and capabilities as a new laser, costing two or three times as much. Reputable companies such as Laser Service Solutions carefully refurbish pre-owned lasers so that they meet or exceed original specs.
Related article: What to Consider When Purchasing Aesthetic Laser Equipment.
FAQs about Purchasing Used Aesthetic Lasers
Will a Pre-Owned Laser Turn Off my Clients?
Your clients don’t follow the laser hardware market. They don’t know or care about the newest manufacturers’ model numbers. They want a procedure, and they want results. A previously owned laser can provide the results they want at a much lower cost to you. If your laser offers the technology you need and it looks clean and modern, your clients won’t know or care that it had a previous owner.
How Do I Get a Pre-Owned Laser?
It is important to select the company where you buy your laser carefully. The most critical factor for your practice is that any laser you acquire must work correctly and accurately. LSS stands alone in being your one-stop shop since we are a service company first.
LSS began as a private service company when owner, Ryan Koenig, recognized a need for honest and reputable laser service. As the business grew, we realized we could create customized parts and components for lasers that would outperform those the original manufacturer distributed. From there customers were so satisfied they often asked for assistance refurbing pre-owned lasers they’d purchased or requesting inspections of equipment they wanted to purchase. We pride ourselves in the collective experience and knowledge to ensure that your laser works properly, which is why getting our customers set-up with profitable equipment is more valuable to us than “making the sale”.
Can I Afford to Buy a Laser?
We understand that most companies have different financing needs when it comes to acquiring a laser system. We are happy to offer all businesses quick and easy financing options to help you acquire our equipment.
The first would be a True Lease. Also called a Fair Market Value Lease, a True Lease allows you to write off each lease payment as an operating expense. When the lease term is up, you can renew the lease, upgrade the equipment, purchase it at Fair Market Value, or send it back.
Next would be an Equipment Finance Agreement. The EFA is a simple loan to your business that allows you to buy the equipment you need. Make your payments, and at the end of your term, and you’re done. You choose what to finance including equipment, shipping, taxes, warranties, etc.
What If I Still Can’t Afford a Laser?
LSS also offers laser rental programs that enable you to utilize the lasers you need for your practice without the upfront investment. We offer a full line of aesthetic lasers from top brands such as Cynosure, Candela, Alma and others.
We provide daily rental programs to customers in the surrounding geographic area, or custom lease periods that suit your unique business needs. The best part about renting a laser from LSS, you never have to worry about maintenance, set up or training. We handle it all for you!
Renting provides the financial flexibility you may need while allowing your equipment to change as your practice expands. You can offer a full range of services without an upfront investment or worries about depreciation or maintenance. Imagine how your practice could grow when you can offer all the highly profitable services your clients want or need, including:
- Skin Tightening
- Pigmented Lesion Removal
- Skin Rejuvenation
- Hair Removal
- Tattoo Removal
- Skin Resurfacing
- Vascular Lesion
- Vaginal Rejuvenation
- AND SO MUCH MORE
Offering these procedures to your clients without a hefty upfront investment is a surefire way to start seeing profit in your business!
How Should We Choose a Supplier for Pre-Owned Lasers?
Company reputation is important. You want to have that guarantee that your equipment will work, is carefully inspected and is backed by a solid guarantee. Some of the used cosmetic laser equipment for sale by less than stellar companies don’t offer this service.
It is important to purchase your new or used laser from a reputable supplier, like Laser Services Solutions, a leading provider of Aesthetic Solutions established in 2008, and who has built a solid reputation by word of mouth and satisfied aesthetic laser needs customers.
If you’re still trying to decide what type of investment is best for your company, read Purchasing a New vs. Used Cosmetic Laser and the Advantages of Working with a Laser Company Which Produces Its Own Parts.
Contact the Laser Experts at Laser Service Solutions
For more insight on the pros and cons of previously owned versus new lasers, consult our blog on the topic. It can help you decide on the right option for your practice.
If you’ve wanted to add new or additional aesthetic laser services to your medspa but have held back because of the cost of new lasers, there is no need to delay.
We have years of experience with lasers. When you work with the expert team at LSS, you can be assured that you are getting top-notch quality and excellent service. In fact, you might say we have a “laser focus” on quality and service. We can guide you to the right laser for your business and then help ensure you have access to financing options that make sense.
To talk to one of our team members about your options, contact us today at (856)853-7555 or use our online contact form.
