Here we go, here we go, here we go again…
The end of the year approaches, and this means medspa owners find themselves on the receiving end of the laser rep who has a “demo machine” that just happens to be available — but only if you act fast.
The urgency,
the exclusivity,
the “special pricing,”
because this deal is too good to pass up!
Before we continue I will confess that I AM a big fan of laser reps, and sales people in general. Yes, there are bad apples
(thats’s part of business, and life)
but many of them are personable and knowlegable and genuinely excited about their products.
Buying a machine is a massive investment, and it’s your responsibility, and yours alone, to ensure the decision makes sense for your business—financially and operationally.
Use this guide (download it, print it out, keep it in your back pocket, copy and paste and send it in an email) stay grounded and ask the right questions before signing on the dotted line.
Key Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Next Medspa Machine
1. Financial and ROI Considerations
-
What is the total cost of the machine, including taxes, shipping, and installation fees?
-
Are there financing options? What are the interest rates and terms?
-
What is the typical return on investment (ROI) for this machine? Can you provide data from similar-sized medspas?
-
What is the breakeven point, and how many treatments will it take to pay off this machine?
-
Are there additional consumables or disposables? What are their costs and availability?
2. Sales and Pricing Transparency
-
Can I see a full price breakdown and any discounts being offered?
-
Have other buyers paid less for this machine? Can I speak with them for verification?
-
Are there ongoing promotions or trade-in options that could reduce costs?
3. Machine Performance and Support
-
What clinical studies or data back up the machine’s effectiveness? Can you share references?
-
What is the expected lifespan of this machine?
-
What kind of maintenance does it require, and what are the associated costs?
-
How long is the warranty, and what does it cover?
4. Training and Support
-
Is training included? How comprehensive is it, and is it on-site or remote?
-
What kind of technical support is available, and what is the average response time for issues?
-
Will I have a dedicated representative for follow-up support after purchase?
5. Flexibility and Scalability
-
Can this machine perform multiple treatments, or is it limited to one?
-
Is this machine upgradeable as new technology becomes available?
-
What is the resale value of this machine if I decide to sell it later?
6. Competitor Research
-
What are the top alternatives to this machine, and why should I choose this one over them?
-
Can you provide me with client references who have used this machine for over a year?
7. Contracts and Fine Print
-
Can I have a copy of the contract to review before committing?
-
What happens if the machine underperforms or breaks down frequently?
-
Are there penalties for early termination or returns?
8. Marketing and Business Growth
-
Does the company provide marketing support or materials to promote treatments?
-
Are there any co-op advertising opportunities or assistance with marketing campaigns?
9. Industry Trends and Longevity
-
How long has this machine been on the market, and what is its reputation?
-
Is the technology FDA-cleared or approved, and does it comply with all regulatory standards?
10. Long-Term Business Fit
-
Does this machine align with my business model and client demographics?
-
Are there additional costs or adjustments required to integrate this machine into my current setup?
Download the pdf of question here: 10 Machine Sales Questions
The Bottom Line
Medspa devices are big-ticket items, and sales reps are doing their job and you need to do yours. A new machine, marketed properly, can be a huge boost to your business. Vendors are a not your enemies, if embraced they can be a great asset to your organization – the good ones will be a catalyst in your growth if you build the relationship.
Take your time to evaluate whether a new machine fits into your overall business plan, ask the tough questions, and get everything in writing. It’s your medspa, your money, and your reputation on the line. Being thorough now will save you headaches later.
