This blog is primarily focus on buying a Used or Preowned laser.

I guess to make things sound more glamorous, buying used anything has gone from used to preowned to previously owned and I’ve even heard previously enjoyed. Hmmm. That’s not to say a used or preowned laser isn’t a good laser or in exceptional condition, it’s just not new. We will use the word “used” for this blog.

Like most things when buying used the key importance is condition. Call it what you want used, preowned, previously owned or previously enjoyed, condition is key. Yes price is important, but if focusing strictly on price and not on what your buying your leaving yourself at risk of not getting what you expect.

BUY A LASER NOT A PRICE!

Lets say your budget is 20k for a hair removal laser and one you are interested in is advertised for 30k-45k. If you come across one for 20k I doubt it’s the same laser that’s advertised for 30k-45k. I don’t know anybody giving away a 30k-45k laser for 10k-15k less than what it’s worth. Something is not the same about the lasers!

The best buyer is a knowledgeable buyer! Sales people can tell when a customer has done their homework on a particular laser and ask key questions and makes a reasonable offer versus a person that doesn’t ask many questions and shortly into the conversation offers thousands less than the advertised price or market value. I suppose you don’t get it if you don't ask but usually a sales person will realize you have no idea of the resale value of the laser of interest.

Keep in mind sales people that sell lasers for a living most likely will buy and sell more lasers in one month than you as an end user will own in your life. They know the market!

One thing for sure when it comes to used lasers, no two are identical!

After you’ve located the laser you’ve been looking for, here are some questions you should be asking:

• What year is the laser? Not super important but I like to ask. Age by no means has anything to do with usage. Example: If all this being equal with the model of a particular laser, which would you rather purchase: a 2019 model year laser with 150k total pulses or a 2021 model year laser with 5m pulses?
• What is the pulse count? Pulse count on a laser is similar to the odometer on a car. It gives you an idea of the amount of use on the laser. If looking at an IPL (intense pulse light) system, typically there are pulse counts on the individual treatment heads and then another pulse count for the base laser itself. Most of this information can be viewed from the display screen by the owner. When dealing with some systems like the Coherent Lightsheer, the “head room” is important to know. Viewing the service screen on some lasers can require a certain sequence or a password from a technician.
• Who are you buying from? You're about to make a major purchase, spend a little time investigating who you're about to do business with.
• Are they a broker or a dealer?
• Do they have the equipment in their possession?
• How long have they been in business?
• Is there a warranty? If working with a broker and you have a problem after the sale, will the broker help or simply tell you his job is done and you need to call the previous owner.
• When was the laser last serviced?
• Who will service it in the future?
• Training available?
• Of course there are more questions to ask when making your final decision, but I hope this blog makes you a wiser shopper.

Advertised asking price is generally to entice a buyer to call and start negotiating towards a purchase! keep in mind, if your asking price is not realistic to the current market, the phone doesn’t ring!