President Franklin D. Roosevelt is credited with stating: “There are many ways of going forward but only one way of standing still.”
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In the business world, you must always be moving forward and looking for new and better ways to expand your business and attract new customers.
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Over the past few years, tanning equipment manufacturers have made numerous technological advances in the development of UV-tanning and spray-tan systems, light therapy devices and spa equipment. These modern marvels offer superior performance, luxury and wide-spread consumer appeal. They are typically backed by a solid warranty and supported by professionally trained sales and service technicians.
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At the same time, there has been considerable consolidation in our industry, resulting in a large supply of used equipment readily available at attractive prices. If you are considering expanding your business model via adding used equipment, please review the list of questions below and utilize them to assist you in making a wise purchasing decision.
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Used Equipment Review
Points to Consider
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- Why is the business selling the equipment?
- Does the business or person selling the equipment have clear title to it? Be sure to get this information in writing, including a paid invoice to ensure that there are no liens against the equipment.
- Is the equipment manufacturer still in business? Are lamps, parts and service readily available and from whom?
- What are the unit’s overall dimensions? You need to be sure it will fit in your room.
- Get a copy of the unit’s service history – this should include all repairs, maintenance, lamp changes, etc. A well-run salon should have copies of invoices for all replacement parts and repairs.
- For a UV system, verify the condition of the acrylic shields – top and bottom. Ask when they were last changed and what was the replacement cost?
- What year was the unit built and how many hours of actual “use time” have been logged on it? While high-quality systems are designed for many years and thousands of hours of use, the more you know about the system, the better. Most units have a label on the back with a serial number and manufacturing information.
- Has the equipment ever been subject to a power-surge, electrical fire, damage from smoke or water?
- Is there any remaining warranty?
- If you can’t physically examine the equipment prior to purchase, request a video of the unit in operation including a demonstration of the unit turning on and off, lift system operation, and close-ups of the acrylics and all surfaces, timing devices, frame, etc.
- Does the unit conform to the electrical service in your facility? Be sure to note the voltage and amperage required and also determine if the unit is single-phase or three-phase electric. If it requires buck-boosters to operate properly, are they included?
- Is an Owner’s Manual available?
- How will the unit be delivered and assembled – and by whom?
- What are the payment terms?
- Are you purchasing the unit from the original owner, or has it changed hands several times?
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Additional questions will surely arise; however, this list will provide you with an excellent foundation for making an educated purchase. Remember to be proactive – whether you decide to buy new or used equipment, be sure to adequately insure it. You should consider calling your agent prior to purchasing the unit to make sure it’s in fact insurable, and ask about the cost associated with the changes at your business.
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