Laser Hair Removal: Portable machines or Alma replicas, copies or imitations?

This is a frequent first time buyer dilemma. What kind of Laser Hair Removal equipment should you buy? Specially when it comes to your first purchase. Vertical Alma replicas (which could be copies, or imitations), or portable Laser Hair Removal units? What aspects should be considered?

Before continuing, we recommend you read our post about imitations and replicas of the Alma Soprano Platinum ICE. In that article you will find a detailed report about the best Alma Soprano Ice Platinum replicas and imitations on the market, which offer great alternatives to the famous Alma if you’re on a budget.

In this post, we are going to analyse all the factors you should take into account when buying your first Laser Hair Removal machine.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN FACTORS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT when purchasing YOUR FIRST laser HAIR REMOVAL machine?

• BUDGET AND PRICING: It is known that the cost of a vertical machine (Alma Soprano ICE Platinum Replicas, copies or imitations), is considerably higher than the price of portable machines.
• CUSTOMERS PREFERENCES: It is often quite difficult to determine what most clients value most but it’s important to try to figure it out. What do our customers value? Do they know the most famous brands of Laser Hair Removal Machines? Is it worth investing more?
• STATUS: Sometimes, it’s necessary to use original well known brands. It’s about the Image that your clinic or beauty salon is trying to portray.
• DIODE AND HANDLE REPLACEMENT COSTS: We could talk about this for hours, this subject deserves a whole post of It’s own. It’s very important to take into account the cost of replacing the diodes of your laser hair removal units before making the purchase. Not knowing this information, would be like buying a car without knowing how much a change of tyres cost.
• SPECIFICATIONS: What are you expecting from your laser hair removal equipment? What kind of features and specific characteristics do you need?

Prices (alma replicas, copies, imitations and portable machines)

Before considering these alternatives, we need to be clear about something. The best option, if money is no issue, would definitely be an original Alma Soprano ICE Platinum machine. Some people do have bigger budgets (if not unlimited), and can easily afford one of these amazing laser hair removal machines. The problem is that it’s quite difficult to get a new one for any less than U$D 100.000 dollars. For most individuals, that’s impossible, unreachable and simply unaffordable.

It’s not just about being able to pay for it, It’s about making a wise investment. How long would it take to get your money back after such a big expense?

In this section, we will talk about APPROXIMATE PRICES and estimated costs. These figures may change depending on the country you are in.

Typically, an Alma copy (or Imitation) machine with triple wavelength tech would cost between U$D 15,000 – U$D 25.000. Those are usually called “Vertical” laser hair removal machines, however, we’re talking about IMITATIONS or copies, not ALMA REPLICAS.

* Alma replicas can be more expensive because importing them is high risk as they are not 100% legal. Don’t forget that these replicas are pretending to be something they’re not which makes them more costly to import.

A triple wavelength portable Machine is between U$D 8,000 and U$D 13,000.

clients knowledge: do they know about alma original machines and alma replicas? Do they care?

It’s quite difficult to know what kind knowledge our potential clients have, specially when you are just making your first steps in this business.

When it is not the first purchase, we usually know what our customers value from constant direct feedback.

If you don’t have customer insights, it’s easier to analyse your competitors. You just need to identify your local beauty salons, clinics and laser hair removal centres in your area. It should be easy to know who your competitors are and what they offer.

When it comes to beauty salons, it’s all about location. You should know who is offering these services close by.

Once your competitors have been identified, you just need to check what types of LASER HAIR REMOVAL MACHINES they work with. And if possible, talk about it with their staff.

Try and find out as much information from your competitors, as it will help a lot.

Why did you buy an original ALMA Soprano ICE Platinum? Why did they choose IMITATIONS? What do you think of the REPLICAS? Are they reliable? Why did they consider / NOT consider the possibility of buying PORTABLE Equipment? What feedback do you get from your clients?

QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED:

• Do clients what an Alma Soprano ICE Platinum Machine is?
• Do they value this brand?
• Do clients just care about seeing results? Would they pay more for their treatment if we were using an original Alma device?
• Any particular brand preference?
• What do they think about Portable Machines?
• Are they able to tell if it’s a replica, an imitation or an original machine?
• Can they tell the difference in treatment quality?

Getting these answers and insights are easier than it seems. Of course some effort is required, but it’s not complicated or uncommon to ask these questions as a potential customer. We suggest booking in and paying for a treatment in your closest salon and ask away!

STATUS:

Diode and handle replacement costs:

The replacement cost of the spare parts of the your laser hair removal equipment is crucial. Many buyers are so enthusiastic about their first purchase that they simply forget about this key aspect.

The diodes should normally be changed every 12 to 15 months, but that depends on the shot counter, and of course, on the diode quality as well.

Frequently, vertical laser hair removal machines diodes are much more expensive than those of portable devices.

For example, A complete handle replacement of a LASERCONN machine (one of the best known Alma Soprano ICE Platinum REPLICAS on the market), has a cost of approximately U$D8,000 and it lasts on average 15 months (again, it depends on the shot counter). A Laserconn usually lasts between 35 and 45 million shots.

LEFIS machines, having exclusive distributors is the most expensive alternative in the replicas market. A handle replacement costs much more, and the warranty comes with a contract. You will HAVE TO use the technical service that they provide, which is not a cheap endeavour.

The most affordable option would be KM WEIFANG (our favourite Chinese Alma Replicas and Imitation Supplier). The cost of replacing the hand piece with this supplier can be as little as U$D 4,000.

How about the portable machines? A diode replacement of an ADSS PORTABLE TRIPLE LENGTH machine costs approximately U$D 4,500. With a remarkable performance.

The following factors should be considered before purchasing your first laser hair removal machine:

• Does the Brand have an EXCLUSIVE Distributor? Does the product have exclusive distribution in your country? (Alma, ADSS and Lefis usually have exclusive distributors and this increases both the cost of the equipment, the spare parts and the technical service).
• How long does the diode last? (In millions of shots).
• How much does a diode (or complete handle) cost?
• Do you have a reliable technical service?
• What kind of customer service should you be expecting? Let’s not forget that most or these suppliers are located in China with no American branches.

Technical differences:

This one might be the most obvious factor to take into account. We need to carefully evaluate what type of characteristics and features the laser hair removal machine has to offer. It’s not just about choosing between Alma Replicas and Portable Machines.

Nowadays, triple wavelength technology has become standard. However, you shouldn’t forget that some people ignore how this technology works and the 808NM (Alex 810 NM Laser), still works amazingly well.

These are some of the best portable options in the market.

best portable machines oN the market (amazing laser hair removal units AT affordable priceS):