12
May
2023
12
May
2023
Choosing the right device for your clinic can be a lengthy journey. From deciding what you need in the clinic to researching the technology, trying the equipment and negotiating a deal, it’s almost a full-time job. Often, busy practitioners don’t have the time to focus on the smaller details and fail to notice the red flags.
If you notice any of the following in your quest to invest in a new device, stop!
They could well be a warning sign that you shouldn’t invest your hard-earned cash into that particular device.
A lack of clinical and peer-reviewed papers.
Do your research!
Always request to see clinical papers for the specific device you are considering. If there aren’t any at all, walk away. If you receive papers that focus on the energy or technology used in a generic sense, such as ‘radio frequency for skin tightening’ rather than a named study about that particular device, e.g. ’radio frequency for skin tightening using the ACME Platform’ then act with caution and do more research first. Delivery methods differ and this can make all the difference to the results you see so make sure you understand how the device you’re researching works and how that impacts the results. The company may well have studied in the pipeline or can support the claims the generic study makes. If they can, move forwards, but if they can’t it’s a red flag.
No UK-based support.
As tempting as it may be to get ahead of the competition and embrace something new before anyone else, consider the ramifications of buying a device with no UK support. The purchase is the tip of the iceberg. It’s the ongoing relationship and support that really matters.
Make sure you understand how things will play out after the sale and assess whether it could impact the success of the system.
Questionable technology.
“It does what?” Yes, occasionally we do see groundbreaking never-seen-before technology launching into aesthetics but in those instances, a company will usually provide a lot of evidence to back up its claims. If they cannot support the claims, walk away. It’s your reputation on the line and you don’t want to over-promise and under-deliver to your patients. If you’re still tempted, speak to people you trust who are more experienced and get their objective opinion on it before making a decision.
Lack of transparency with package details.
You need to understand exactly what is included in the package before you transfer any funds.
Make sure you understand what you are getting for the money and request that the invoice is itemised to show everything you’ve negotiated before you sign the deal. If they fail to do this or don’t send you ongoing pricing such as consumables costs, servicing costs, training costs and so on, go elsewhere.
The hard sell.
This isn’t always a red flag, it can sometimes just be the style of selling a particular salesperson delivers, however, it may be a sign that you’re being rushed into what may well turn out to be a bad decision. If you feel pressured to make a decision quickly or feel hounded by the amount of calls and emails you’re receiving then ask your representative to stop contacting you for a couple of weeks so you can give yourself some space and time to make a real decision.
Use that time to reassess what’s on the table, ask peers for their opinion and make sure you’ve compared it to at least one other device before taking the next step. That ‘limited time only deal’ may or may not be as rare as you’re lead to believe, but even if it is, it’s worth missing the deal and paying a little extra to ensure you have made the right decision for you.
We all make mistakes. Many medispas and clinics have a white elephant in the corner of the room gathering dust due to a bad decision, but by taking your time and being aware of the red flags you can minimise this risk and select a device that is a success for your business.
About the author.
Vanessa Bird is The Aesthetic Consultant® - She provides bespoke business consultancy to suppliers, manufacturers, aesthetic practitioners and clinics looking to grow their business and achieve success.
With over 15 years of experience working in medical aesthetics at the highest level, Vanessa combines her knowledge, experience and skills to dramatically increase revenue, boost sales, enhance practitioner positioning and accelerate financial and business growth.
Read it? Loved it? Want to share it?
