Top 5 Questions to Ask When Buying Refurbished

Don’t Just Ask the Age—Ask This Instead When Buying a Refurbished Laser

 

At Laser Locators, we’ve spent over two decades helping ophthalmologists and surgical centers worldwide make smart, confident investments in refurbished ophthalmic lasers. Our mission is simple: deliver high-performance, precision-tested lasers that function like new—at a significantly lower cost. But let’s be honest—when it comes to buying refurbished medical equipment, there’s a lot more to consider than just the price tag. The first question we often hear is:
“How old is the laser?”

It’s a reasonable question, but in reality, the age of a laser tells you very little about how well it will perform in your practice. A decade-old system that’s been expertly refurbished and thoroughly tested can outperform a newer model with a poor or unknown ownership history, or with limited documentation of its current condition.

So, if you really want to make an informed buying decision, these five questions matter far more than the manufacture date.

1. What is your refurbishment process?

Refurbished lasers can vary greatly in quality, so it’s important to ask exactly what’s done during the process. At Laser Locators, every unit undergoes a thorough, multi-point inspection and is restored to factory specifications—far beyond just cosmetic touch-ups.

2. How long is your warranty?

A warranty is more than a safety net—it’s a sign the company stands behind its work. A short or warranty with written exclusions could mean limited confidence in the product. We offer solid warranties because we know our lasers are built (and rebuilt) to perform. Our typical warranty period is one year and includes all minor and major components (including the laser cavity), as well as any travel or shipping expenses involved in repairing your system.  Our refurbished laser cavities are expected to last seven to 10 years or longer from the date of purchase.

3. Does the company have a service department, a brick-and-mortar facility, and parts in stock—or is everything outsourced?

This is a big one. Many resellers don’t actually refurbish anything themselves. If they rely entirely on third-party vendors or don’t have a physical location, it may be hard to get answers or support if something goes wrong. At Laser Locators, all work is done in-house, at our 12,000 square foot corporate headquarters facility in Tampa, Florida and our team of certified technicians is always available.

4. Will someone install the laser and provide in-service training to your staff?

Shipping you a laser isn’t the same as helping you integrate it into your practice. Ask whether on-site setup, calibration, and staff training are included. (With us—they are.)

5. If you’re comparing to a new laser, what are the differences between the current model and the refurbished one?

Sometimes, the differences are minimal. In other cases, a new model may include features you need and a new laser may be the best option for you. Understanding these differences helps you make an informed decision best suited for your practice.

Our team is here to help. We take a consultative approach—if there’s a better option for you, we’ll always recommend it. Feel free to reach out; we’re happy to guide you through the selection process.

🧠 And About That Age Question…

Notice what’s not on the top 5 list? “How old is the laser?”

Yes, it’s worth asking—but not before you ask about the refurbishment quality, warranty, installation, support, and model differences. Age tells you when the laser was made. These questions tell you if it will work when you need it most.

Why Laser Locators?

Because we do things differently. Our lasers are restored with precision, tested to meet exacting standards, and backed by a full team of experts—before, during, and after the sale.

Have questions or want to learn more about our refurbishment process? We’re here to help.