The used laser business can be full of problems. This series of posts is designed to raise your awareness of the potential risks and help you avoid them. Last week for example we recommended questions that can help you evaluate your used laser purchase. If you missed the article, read it at this link: Know Your Used Laser Dealer.

Now that you know more about what to ask a used laser dealer, let’s talk about some used laser terminology. Most important, let’s define the difference between USED and Certified Pre Owned Used Lasers.

A Certified Pre Owned, CPO, laser is one that has been professionally inspected and then returned to manufacturer’s original specifications by a technician certified to do so. Broken parts or worn components have been identified and replaced. The laser is calibrated and made to fire at acceptable levels. In other words, the laser is deemed not only reliable but safe to use on patients. Certification is a vital aspect of any used laser purchase, don’t you agree?

A used laser isn’t necessary a certified laser. In some cases a device may be transported from one location to another with no inspection or pre-sale service performed at all. This might be an accepted practice in the used laser market but is it the safest practice for your business? It’s your reputation on the line and we think you deserve better. Don’t you?

Speak to an AlmaCPO representative about reliable used laser and make 2012 a great year for you and your patients.

Are you adding a used laser to your business in 2012? It’s understandable – acquiring the right aesthetic laser can be an exciting way to add new revenue streams to a practice. But what constitutes the right used laser?

The used laser market can be full of risks. We’re starting 2012, therefore, with a series of posts designed to help you make the right decision. You laser puts your reputation on the line, after all, and these articles are worth paying attention to. So what’s the first rule in buying any used laser?

Know Your Used Laser Broker

Doesn’t it go without saying that buying any used laser should create a long-term, win-win partnership between you and the used laser dealer. You’re used laser, like any piece of medical equipment, is going to require periodic maintenance and routine service. Likewise, you and those you trust to operate the laser will need training and on-going clinical support. Therefore, your used laser dealer should be able to provide you with warranty or repair services, clinical information and up-to-date protocols. Most used laser dealers and brokers will, obviously, claim that they can provide these important elements.

You can protect yourself from false claims by asking other customers a few questions. For example:

What was the condition of the used laser when you received it?

Was proper paperwork provided with the laser?

Since purchasing the used laser, has it broken down or required more than routine service?

If the laser required service, was the technician certified to perform the repair?

Was the technician able to complete the repair in a timely manner?

Was training provided?

What questions have come up since training?

Was the used laser dealer able to answer those questions?

How many patients are not happy with their results?

The answers may signal challenges with service, training or the laser itself. Whatever the case, they’re problems you can avoid with due diligence.

AlmaCPO strives to eliminate the common risks of the used laser marketplace. The used laser are vigorously refurbished and certified prior to sale. The company then backs the product with warranty and makes clinical support available. In addition to this, Alma Lasers is known for 24-7 service, next day loaners when necessary and some of the best marketing tools in the industry. Speak to an AlmaCPO representative today and make your next used laser part of your best year ever.