New vs Used Equipment with Nancy Abdou of The Australian Dermal and Laser Institute (TADLI)

2025 ABIA Winner - Educational Organisation of the Year (Product/Equipment Company)

By Guest Editor Robyn McAlpine

Outfitting a salon with equipment is no small investment, and every purchase decision carries weight. Having bought both brand-new and pre-loved equipment for my own clinic, I know first-hand that each option comes with wins and trade-offs. It’s not always a simple choice.

In fact, when we asked salon owners where they draw the line, the pattern was clear: many felt confident snapping up second-hand essentials like steamers, hot towel cabbies, or electric beds, where the risks felt low and the savings worthwhile. But when it came to bigger-ticket, results-driven technology, especially client-facing devices, hesitation crept in, along with a lot more questions.

To unpack this further, I sat down with Nancy Abdou, head educator and CEO of The Australian Dermal and Laser Institute (TADLI). With years of experience guiding clinics through equipment decisions, Nancy shares her insights on the pros and cons of going new versus second-hand, helping salon owners weigh what’s really at stake before signing on the dotted line.

NANCY ABDOU

Whilst you offer a range of new equipment have you seen an industry demand for used equipment from salon owners looking to reduce the buy in cost of equipment?

Definitely. For many clinic owners, it’s a way to access advanced technology at a reduced upfront cost. When we supply demo models, we provide the same level of clinical support and add marketing assistance so clinics cannot only use the device confidently but also launch it successfully to their clients.

What are some of the positives you have seen when salons invest in second hand equipment?

Accessibility: Smaller or solo-operated clinics can enter aesthetics without the steep outlay of a new system.

Testing demand: Clinics can trial a modality to see if it resonates with their clientele before committing significant capital.

Budget flexibility: Money saved can be reinvested into marketing, staff training or other growth areas.

That said, second-hand equipment is only an advantage if the clinic has access to quality training, reliable consumables, and ongoing support.

What are some of the risks you have encountered from salons owners purchasing second hand?

While second-hand devices can be an affordable entry point, the risks are significant if there is no training, warranty, or distributor support in place.

Clinics may face:

-Poor treatment outcomes due to incorrect protocols or lack of updated training.

-Client dissatisfaction or complaints, which can damage a clinic’s reputation.

-Compliance issues if the device doesn’t meet Australian regulatory standards or if usage falls outside safe guidelines.

-Costly downtime if parts are unavailable or service is hard to arrange. For these reasons, we always encourage clinics to ensure they have a trusted education partner and reliable supply chain behind any device purchase- whether new or used.

What are the advantages that come with buying a brand new piece of equipment?

Peace of mind: Warranty protection, technical support, and usually the reassurance of a loan unit if a breakdown occurs.

Inclusive support: Comprehensive training, clinical guidance, and sometimes marketing packages are included in the purchase.

Reliability: Less risk of unexpected malfunctions or hidden wear-and-tear.

The “hand-holding” and care from a reputable distributor is invaluable, especially for clinics investing heavily in their business. At TADLI, we replicate much of this support for second-hand device buyers who join our membership, but the reliability of a new device is unmatched.

Have you ever had salon owners reach out for training on second hand equipment they have purchased outside of your offerings?

Yes - almost weekly. There’s a strong demand for high-quality training on second-hand devices, particularly when manufacturers charge hefty “licensing” or transfer fees. Some clinic owners also find the manufacturer’s training too basic and want in-depth clinical education, protocols, and guidance. Because our team has written training manuals, protocols, and treatment settings for many devices on the market, we’ve become the go-to for independent training without the unnecessary costs. Importantly, we don’t just train - we continue to provide clinical support as if they had purchased a brand-new system.

Is there equipment you would recommend purchasing NEW only?

Certain devices are always best bought new - particularly those where parts, consumables, or service support may be difficult to source if the device was bought second-hand (or imported without representation in Australia). A clinic’s worst nightmare is to have a breakdown and no local distributor willing or able to help.

What should salon owners ask when it comes to purchasing equipment for their salons.?

- What training is included, and is ongoing training available?

- What does the warranty cover and for how long?

- Is a loan device available if repairs are needed?

- What level of technical and clinical support is provided post-purchase?

- What marketing support is included?

- What are the ongoing treatment costs (consumables, tips, cartridges, etc.)?

- What is the typical failure/repair rate for the device?

Equipment as a Long-Term Investment

Aesthetic equipment isn’t just a “purchase”; it’s a business partnership. The real value lies in the lifecycle support:

• Ongoing education and advanced training to maximise outcomes.

• Regular updates in protocols to stay current with evolving best practice.

• Clinical and technical troubleshooting to minimise downtime.

• Marketing support to ensure the device generates revenue from day one.

It’s vital that salon owners weigh not only the initial price tag, but also the total return on investment across the years they’ll own and operate the device.

Whether you choose new or second-hand, equipment purchases are among the most significant decisions a salon owner will make. It’s not just about what sits in your treatment room today, but how that choice supports your business tomorrow. From warranties and training to compliance and client confidence, the right investment balances cost with confidence. As Nancy highlighted, success isn’t found in the price tag alone—it’s in the education, support, and strategy behind the purchase. By asking the right questions and planning long-term, salon owners can make equipment choices that truly serve their clients and their business.

@expert_skin_therapist