10 Questions Before Buying Used Equipment: Pre-Owned Equipment Due Diligence & Used Aesthetic Equipment Questions 2025

The difference between a great deal and a $60,000 mistake often comes down to the questions you ask—and whether you know what a good answer sounds like. Most buyers focus on price and cosmetic condition. Experienced buyers focus on documentation, component life, and seller behavior.

These 10 questions are ranked by impact. The first three alone eliminate 80% of bad purchases.

Question 1: What Is the Total Pulse/Shot Count?

Every laser and IPL system tracks cumulative pulse count. This number tells you how much life the system has used and how much remains.

What to look for:

• Request the count from the system's diagnostic menu (not the seller's claim)
• Compare against the manufacturer's rated component life
• Components below 30% remaining life need replacement soon—budget $10,000–$25,000

Red flag: The seller cannot provide the count or says "I'll check and get back to you." If the system is powered on, the count is accessible immediately.

Question 2: Can I See a Live Demonstration?

This is non-negotiable. You must see the equipment fire at full power across all wavelengths and treatment modes before committing to a purchase.

What to look for:

• Consistent energy output at minimum, mid, and maximum settings
• No error codes during operation
• All handpieces recognized and functional
• Cooling system maintaining stable temperature

Red flag: "The system is in storage and we can't demo it" or "It was working perfectly when we powered it down." No demo, no purchase.

Question 3: Will You Use Escrow for This Transaction?

For any transaction above $25,000, escrow protects both parties. Funds are held by a neutral third party and released only after the buyer receives, inspects, and approves the equipment.

What to look for:

• Seller readily agrees to a reputable escrow service
• Clear terms for inspection period (typically 3–5 business days after delivery)
• Agreement on who pays escrow fees (typically split 50/50)

Red flag: "I don't do escrow" or "Just wire me the funds directly." This is the single strongest indicator of potential fraud.

Question 4: What Is the Complete Service History?

Service records reveal how the equipment was maintained throughout its life. Gaps in service history suggest the equipment may have been neglected.

What to look for: Regularly scheduled maintenance every 6–12 months, documentation of parts replaced, and records from authorized service providers.

Red flag: No service records, or records from non-authorized technicians only.

Question 5: What Software Version Is the System Running?

Outdated software can limit treatment capabilities, wavelength options, or safety features. Some manufacturers lock software updates behind active service contracts.

What to look for: Current or recent software version. Contact the manufacturer to verify what the latest version is and whether an update is available.

Red flag: Software that is more than 2 versions behind current, especially if the manufacturer requires a service contract to update.

Question 6: Is the Service Contract Transferable?

Service contracts are expensive ($8,000–$18,000/year). If the existing contract transfers, you save significantly. If not, you start from scratch.

What to look for: Contact the manufacturer directly—not the seller—to verify transferability. Get confirmation in writing.

Red flag: Seller claims the contract transfers but cannot provide manufacturer confirmation.

Question 7: What Is Included in the Sale?

The base system price may or may not include handpieces, accessories, consumables, and documentation. Get a complete inventory list.

What to look for: All handpieces, fiber optic cables, foot pedals, cooling systems, operator manuals, and any included consumables listed in writing.

Red flag: Vague answers like "everything that comes with it" without a specific inventory list.

Question 8: Why Are You Selling?

The reason for selling provides context about the equipment condition and the seller's motivation.

Good answers: Upgrading to a newer model, practice closure/retirement, consolidating equipment across locations, or changing treatment focus.

Concerning answers: "It needs some work" (undisclosed issues), "I just want it gone" (potential problems), or no clear answer at all.

Question 9: How Will the Equipment Be Shipped?

Laser equipment is precision hardware. Improper shipping can cause thousands in damage—even if the equipment was perfect before transport.

What to look for: Professional medical equipment shipping company with climate-controlled transport. Budget $1,500–$5,000 depending on distance.

Red flag: "I'll just put it on a pallet and ship it freight." Lasers require specialized handling.

Question 10: Can You Provide Proof of Ownership?

Legitimate sellers can prove they own the equipment with original purchase documentation, business registration, or lease buyout records.

What to look for: Original purchase invoice, business registration matching the seller's information, or documentation showing the equipment was fully paid off (if previously leased).

Red flag: Seller cannot provide any proof of ownership, or the documentation shows a different entity than the seller.

Quick Reference Checklist

• Total pulse/shot count verified from system diagnostic menu
• Live demonstration completed across all wavelengths and power levels
• Escrow agreement in place for transactions over $25,000
• Complete service history reviewed with no unexplained gaps
• Software version confirmed current with manufacturer
• Service contract transferability verified directly with manufacturer
• Complete inventory list of included items documented in writing
• Reason for selling is credible and consistent
• Professional medical equipment shipping arranged
• Proof of ownership documented and verified

For the complete buying process, see our Complete Guide to Buying Used Laser Equipment. For hands-on inspection guidance, use our Equipment Inspection Checklist.