Sciton vs The Laser Agent

The short version

Sciton is a manufacturer that builds new laser and light systems and sells them direct and through distributors. The Laser Agent is a dealer that buys, refurbishes and resells certified pre-owned lasers. Neither site publishes a price, a pricing model, a minimum term, a named client or a case study result. The Laser Agent publishes a warranty length, a video demo, financing and free shipping. Sciton publishes its founding year, its founders and an ISO 13485 certification, and does not state a warranty length, a demo or financing.

Pricing

Neither vendor publishes a starting price or a pricing model.

Sciton lists its platforms, JOULE, mJOULE, mJOULE 1064, BBL HEROic and HALO TRIBRID, with no prices. Its site does not state financing, a demo or a free trial, so a buyer needs a quote to learn the total.

The Laser Agent also publishes no prices, but it publishes how you can pay: financing through a finance partner with a one-page application, under which equipment, shipping, warranty, accessories and training may be included. It also offers trade and upgrade.

Contract and cancellation

Neither site states a minimum term or a contract length.

The Laser Agent states a standard 30-day warranty on every device, with parts covered during that period. Sciton's site does not state a warranty length; the warranty statement it does publish is that service by non-authorized companies voids the manufacturer warranty.

Neither site states its return terms. Ask each for the return window, who pays return shipping and what happens if a unit arrives not as described, in writing before you send money.

Built for med spas

The Laser Agent's site says it serves med spas, dermatologists, aesthetic clinics and medical practices nationwide, with free shipping and installation support. Its team page names president Drew S. and vice president Deon S. Support is by phone and email. Training support for machine operation may be available; the site gives no steps or timeline.

Sciton was founded in 1997 and names its founders, Jim Hobart, PhD and Dan Negus, PhD, on its company page. Its site says every system is built at its Palo Alto, California headquarters and that it is ISO 13485 certified. It lists direct sales offices in the United States, Japan, Australia and the United Kingdom, and distributor partners in more than 45 countries. Support is by phone and contact form, and it offers clinical trainings, preceptorships and owner events, with no steps or timeline given.

Neither site names a client or publishes a case study result, and neither states support hours.

Which one to look at first

Look at Sciton first if you want a new system from the manufacturer, want training through clinical trainings and preceptorships, and are ready to ask for the warranty length and the price in writing.

Look at The Laser Agent first if you want a certified pre-owned unit, a stated 30-day warranty, a video demo of the actual unit before you pay, and financing through a finance partner.

Whichever you approach, get the total price, the warranty length and the return terms in writing before you commit. The rest of the category is in equipment suppliers.