Technology guide
How to choose a professional aesthetic device
A device is a multi-year investment for your business. The criteria to check, the method for estimating its profitability and the warning signs to look out for.
Start from your clientele
Before comparing brands, look at the requests you receive: which treatments do your clients ask for, which ones do they go elsewhere for, which skin types predominate? Also look at what is offered and the prices charged around you, seasonality (hair removal is prepared before summer) and the space you have in the treatment room.
The essential criteria
A technology validated by clinical publications. Verifiable certifications (CE marking, notified body where applicable, the manufacturer's ISO 13485). Thorough training, lasting several days for the most technical technologies. Responsive after-sales service, with parts available. Settings fine enough to adapt to your clientele. Operating costs known in advance.
Estimating profitability
Calculate the total start-up cost (device, installation, training, consumables) and the realistic monthly profit: number of sessions per day, average price, minus consumables, electricity, maintenance and working time. The number of months needed to break even is the ratio between the two. Draw up three scenarios (cautious, average, optimistic): a slower start than expected can double the time.
Training and insurance
The quality of results depends first and foremost on the practitioner. Keep your training certificates: your public liability insurance may ask for them in the event of a claim. Plan refresher courses.
Maintenance and support
Before signing, ask for clarification of what the warranty and maintenance contract cover (parts, labour, call-outs), response times and the availability of a replacement device. Be wary of vague contracts and undisclosed costs.
Warning signs
Excessive promises (“100% permanent”, “zero side effects”, results from day one), no publications or technical documentation, dubious CE marking, abnormally low price, training reduced to a manual, mandatory consumables at a high price, unreachable support, sales pressure along the lines of “offer valid today only”.