The ophthalmic industry, much like many other businesses across America, is suffering somewhat financially, thanks largely to the recession and the number of reimbursements for procedures in decline.
In addition to this, it seems as though the price of ophthalmic equipment is continually on the rise, which means that many ophthalmic practices are now exploring other ways of purchasing vital items for their business.
Purchasing refurbished ophthalmic equipment, rather than buying from new, is a clever way to save money for your practice, providing you approach the purchase wisely. Here are a few things to consider when buying refurbished ophthalmic goods.
Top things to consider when buying ophthalmic equipment
As with any second-hand purchase, it’s important to know what to look out for when purchasing refurbished ophthalmic equipment.
Ask about the history of the machinery. If the equipment had a previous owner, ask some questions with regards to how long they had owned the machine, and whether it was used significantly or not. Some professional ophthalmic refurbishment companies even get their equipment directly from the manufacturer, which gives you added peace of mind.
Is there a warranty? Most reliable second-hand equipment sellers will offer some sort of warranty to cover you, should something go wrong with the equipment. Read through the warranty agreement carefully, to make sure you’re covered in the event of any problems occurring.
Are they reputable? It makes excellent sense to purchase your equipment through a reputable used ophthalmic machine dealer, rather than privately. Purchasing via a reliable company provides you with additional security and support, should something go wrong; where as if a piece of equipment purchased privately starts to malfunction, you’re unlikely to be able to get any reimbursement from the seller.
Has it been serviced? Buying a piece of equipment, even second hand, can be costly, and you want it to arrive with you in the best possible condition. A reputable dealer should offer not only a full servicing, but ideally a thorough cleaning service too, free of charge. If necessary, they should also recalibrate the machine for you, to factory standards.
Do they offer trade in? An excellent way to save some money is to deal with a company that offers a part exchange or trade in service on your old equipment. It can really help in terms of obtaining a good quality piece of equipment at a bargain price.
Do they offer delivery? As you’re already aware, some ophthalmic equipment is large, and difficult to transfer to your business premises. It’s always helpful to find a supplier that is happy to deliver to you free of charge, and even more useful if they can offer set up and training too.
The best way to source a reliable refurbished equipment supplier is to ask for recommendations from associates in the ophthalmic field. Don’t be afraid to visit companies direct, to get a feel for their practice, and above all else, don’t be afraid to ask questions, to ensure you get the best value equipment for your budget.
