A body contouring machine is often one of the largest purchases in the entire lifecycle of a clinic, often reaching six figures after factoring in training, consumables and the physical kit. As one of the most competitive areas of the medical aesthetics industry, salespeople are often adept at using similar talking points to entice you and your business to buy their kit. The differences are often found by asking the right questions.
Below is a list of questions to ask before you begin your body contouring machine buying process, compiled based on what owners have asked later when they discover something negative about their purchase. This list is not designed to find faults in your potential supplier, but rather to understand the differences between the options you may pursue.
Regulatory and Compliance Questions
Few areas during the buying process have more potential for the owner to make a mistake. This should not be seen as an attempt to trip your supplier up, but rather be thorough on the details you should consider before making a large investment. Is this machine registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and can you provide the registration details?
- Is the machine TGA registered and can the supplier provide the certificates for review?
- Does the equipment carry the required RCM certification for electrical equipment in Australia?
- Are there any restrictions around who can operate the equipment and if the supplier has trained staff on site at this time?
- Can the supplier provide any documentation I may need to provide before claiming an insurance policy over this equipment?
If a supplier cannot be direct or is evasive over any of these points, it is best to move on to a supplier that is comfortable being transparent.
Training and Support
A body contouring machine is only as good as the person operating it. Poor technique affects both client results and safety, so training shouldn’t be treated as an afterthought.
- Is training included in the purchase price, or is it a separate cost?
- How many hours of hands-on training are provided, and is it delivered in person or online?
- Can additional staff be trained later if you hire new therapists, and what does that cost?
- Is there ongoing clinical support available if you run into an unusual case or a client query you’re unsure how to handle?
Servicing and Downtime
Every machine eventually needs servicing, and how a supplier handles that says a lot about what your ownership experience will actually look like.
- Where is servicing carried out, and how long does a typical repair take?
- Is loan equipment available if your machine needs to go in for repair?
- What’s covered under warranty, and for how long?
- Are replacement parts and applicator heads stocked locally, or do they need to be ordered from overseas?
A machine sitting idle for weeks while a part ships from overseas isn’t just inconvenient, it’s lost revenue and disrupted client bookings.
Consumables and Ongoing Costs
The upfront price of a machine is only part of the real cost. Applicator heads, gel pads and other consumables can add up significantly over a year of regular use.
- What consumables does this machine require, and what do they cost per treatment?
- How many treatments can you realistically expect from each applicator or consumable before replacement?
- Are there ongoing software licensing or subscription fees tied to the machine?
- Based on average treatment pricing in the Australian market, what’s a realistic break-even point for this machine?
Evidence and Results
Marketing claims are easy to make. What you actually want is evidence you can stand behind when a client asks you a direct question.
- What clinical studies or evidence supports the results claimed for this specific machine and technology type?
- Can you provide before-and-after case studies from Australian clinics currently using this machine?
- What results, timeframe and number of sessions should I honestly be setting client expectations around?
- Are there any client presentations or conditions where this technology isn’t suitable, and how is that screened for?
Business Fit
Even a well-built, fully compliant machine can be the wrong purchase if it doesn’t suit your clinic’s client base or space.
- How much physical space and power supply does the machine require?
- What’s the average treatment time, and how does that fit with your current appointment structure?
- Is financing or a payment plan available, and what are the actual terms once fees are included?
- Can I speak to an existing clinic using this exact machine, not just a case study, but an actual reference I can call?
That last question is one a lot of owners skip, and it’s often the most revealing. A supplier confident in their equipment and support should have no issue connecting you with a genuine existing customer.
Turning This Into a Buying Decision
None of these questions are designed to catch a supplier out. A good supplier will welcome them, because they’re the same questions that separate a clinic that gets years of reliable use out of a machine from one that ends up with an expensive paperweight in a storeroom. If you walk into a purchase with this list in hand, you’ll have a genuinely clear picture of what you’re buying and who you’re buying it from.
See a Body Contouring Machine in Action
The easiest way to get real answers to these questions is to see the equipment for yourself. Request a demo with our team at Australian Aesthetic Systems, and we’ll walk you through the machine, the documentation and the numbers, no pressure, just a straight answer to every question on this list.
Ready to explore your options? Browse our body contouring equipment range, or take a look at our clinic starter packages if you’re setting up a new treatment room from scratch.
Have questions before you’re ready for a demo? Book a consultation with our team, or visit our training page to see what’s included once you’re ready to get your staff up to speed. Multi-clinic operators can find bulk pricing on our wholesale enquiry page, and don’t forget to check out our aftercare product range to support client results between sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a body contouring machine typically cost in Australia?
Depending on the technology and brand, prices can range from low tens of thousands for entry level single applicator machines to well over six figures for a complete multi applicator system.
Do I need a specific qualification to operate a body contouring machine?
Depending on the technology and state, qualifications can vary, it is best to speak to your supplier and confirm with relevant authorities for your specific requirements.
How long does it take to see a return on investment for this type of equipment?
Depending on your treatment costs and client numbers, it can be between 12-18 months for many clinics, asking for a specific ROI will depend on your own client numbers and marketing, however asking your supplier for a realistic figure is recommended over an industry average.
Can I trial a machine before committing to purchase?
Many suppliers offer a demo or trial, you should always take advantage of this to understand the timing and client suitability for the machine.
What happens if the machine breaks down and I have appointments booked?
This depends on your supplier and their servicing and warranty terms, asking about the loan equipment and servicing turn around time is advisable rather than waiting for a breakdown.
Is financing available for body contouring equipment?
Depending on the supplier, financing and payment plans are sometimes available, it is advisable to speak to your supplier about an expected total cost once all financing fees have been added.
