Prices and margins
Beauty equipment: is renting, leasing or buying better?
Laser, radiofrequency, pressotherapy: buying is not the only option. An honest comparison of renting, leasing and buying, with the numbers to help you decide.
The three options compared
Buying makes sense with high volumes and proven equipment; renting makes sense for testing demand; leasing is the middle ground for expensive equipment with already proven demand.
| Renting | Leasing | Buying | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial outlay | None or almost none | Low (variable lump-sum payment) | Full price |
| Total cost | Highest over time | Medium | Lowest |
| Obsolescence risk | Supplier's | Shared | Yours |
| Maintenance | Often included | Usually excluded | Yours |
| Ideal for | Testing a treatment | Expensive equipment, confirmed demand | High and stable volumes |
Calculating the break-even point
Before signing: monthly payment divided by margin per session = sessions per month needed to break even. If that number exceeds realistic demand in your area, it is not the right time yet.
Example: payment 800 €/month, margin per laser session 60 € → around 14 sessions per month are needed to cover the payment. With 2-3 clients a week you are borderline; with 6-8 the equipment generates a profit.
Pitfalls to avoid
Typical pitfalls: "pay-per-use" plans with minimum spending requirements, long contracts with no exit clause and staff training not included.
- Always check the monthly minimums in pay-per-use plans.
- Ask for an early return clause.
- Check that training and support are written into the contract.
- Be wary of calculations provided solely by the equipment salesperson.
Frequently asked questions
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