A few myths seem common to many used laser dealers. Myths may be too gentle a word. Fabrications could be more fitting. Half-truths or exaggeration could also fit. In the end, you’ll decide who you do business with. You may even sink a large amount of money into the decision. It’s important, therefore, that you’re well armed with knowledge and know what these myths are. This series of posts will explore a few of them. After reading this series of articles you’ll have another perspective and know how to combat the myths during negotiations. 

Myth Number One: Used laser brokers and real laser companies use the same technicians.

This myth began when laser manufacturers began providing field service. When laser technicians left their job, they took the knowledge they’d accumulated with them. Subsequently, some of them began providing services to the used laser industry. Some of those technicians may still be servicing machines. You may have had one in your office. He may have performed what appeared to be quality work. Does this make the myth true? Not really.

Laser companies certify their technicians. That means that they train them on the latest knowledge, tools and techniques for maintaining and servicing a particular line of equipment. Then they test them to ensure that the knowledge was retained. The test is very important because a real laser company stands behind the quality of work performed by its employees. As technology evolves, more training is required. Sometimes additional training results in an additional certification. A technician certified by one company is qualified to work on a laser from a particular company as long as his certification remains current and in good standing. A technician operating on a freelance, work-for-hire basis may no longer have a current certification. This means he no longer has access to software, official parts or support from the R&D team when he can’t solve a problem. It’s also important to note that a technician certified to repair a particular machine is not necessarily qualified to repair competing machines. The factual truth is twofold:

1. Laser companies call upon their own certified technicians, provide them with the tools they need to perform the work and stand behind their work with certification.
2. Used laser brokers call upon freelancers or subcontractors who may or may not have own credentials, training or anything else needed to perform a satisfactory job.

How can you combat myth number one? Ask a few questions and listen carefully to the answers.

1. Who is the technician that will maintain and repair my laser?
2. Who certified him to work on and repair my laser?
3. What year was he certified?

The technician may be a smart and knowledgeable fellow, maybe someone you’ve paid for work before. But if his certification is several years old, how can you be sure that your machine is up to current specs?  Keep in mind that even in the best of circumstances, the freelance lacks all legal access to current specs, schematics and software. In other words, even the best, most talented freelancer is working at an extreme disadvantage.

Finally, save this question for last.

1. If a non-certified technician performs work on my laser and causes a patient to be harmed, who will protect my practice?

If you get a good answer, please let me know. In the mean time, take the first step to protecting yourself from bad deals by speaking to an Alma Lasers Practice Consultant today. We have solutions that exceed expectations with my mythology included.