Treatment & Procedure Costings

Overview

We all like to feel like we have got good value for money, however, how do we pick and choose what we can afford to save money on and what is a necessary cost.

Everyone has a different point of view when it comes to spending and saving, but can you really compare car insurance costs for example and a cosmetic or medical treatment cost, the answer should be carefully considered.

Costs

In our opinion the answer can be a difficult one, but that isn’t much help when looking into cosmetic & medical private procedures.

When we talk about costs, offers, loyalty plans and memberships, each individual business will have different marketing standpoints for customers. There are huge differences between a reputable business offering a one-off promotional price or a loyalty plan and a company offering deals that are too good to be true.

Some examples of costs and offers can sometimes include:

Model Slots – When students are completing training courses you may see the term ‘model slots’ being used, model slot appointments are usually a much lower price than the businesses standard price – This is due to the client understanding that the individual who will be performing the treatment or procedure is not yet qualified in performing that specific treatment or procedure. The treatment or procedure should be undertaken under the supervision of a qualified trainer, who should be assessing that the trainee completes the treatment or procedure correctly.

Newly Qualified (Portfolio photos) – When individuals have completed new training, often they will need case study photos to go towards the completion of certification or qualifications.

New and existing businesses often desire ‘client portfolio photos’ for marketing purposes to showcase results that can be achieved from the specific treatment or procedure. Portfolio photos may sometimes be called ‘model slots’ for clients to understand that this is a newly learned skill. These treatments and procedures are usually offered at a reduced cost – Clients should be informed and understand the individual model / portfolio terms and conditions prior to proceeding with any treatments or procedures.  

Occasionally Offers – Some businesses promote occasional offers like Mother’s Day, birthday’s, valentine’s day, and such like special dates to offer customers specific discounts.

Loyalty Plans & Memberships – Some businesses offer loyalty plans and memberships to reward their customers with exclusive offers & discounts. Membership plans can be a great way for customers to be rewarded for their loyalty to a business. 

Procedures & Treatments

As a legitimate cosmetic or medical business there are many overheads which often result in the pricing of procedures and treatments. The parameters differ from individual specialism and specific procedures, but when we are looking at the overall pricing for professional businesses within the cosmetic & medical industry all the below and more are usually necessities costings:

• Professional expertise and experience.

• Public liability, professional indemnity, treatment & procedure insurances.
• Clinic & practice overheads
• Approved licenced products.
• Mandatory permits and licensing.
• Staffing costs.

Too Good to be True

Does it seem too good a deal to miss out on? 9 times out of 10 it could be.

If we look at something that most of us are familiar with like car insurance where there are different levels of cover and add on’s that contribute to the overall costings like – Third party & theft cover, comprehensive, break down cover, windscreen cover legal cover these all have an impact on the overall quotation.

Now if we look at cosmetic and medical treatments and procedures with the already discussed permits, licensing, and overheads that our relevant for legitimate companies. These mandatory costings are in place for the customers consumer rights, safety and protection.

You have seen another company offering an unbelievable price for a similar service for much less so how can this be.

Often unfortunately there is a catch, alarmingly there have been multiple reports of instances whereby:

• Unapproved unregulated products have been used instead of what is being advertised.
• No insurance policies are in place, to protect customers in the event of something going wrong.
• Non-clinical / practice premises, meaning no local authorities licensing, permits or inspections have been completed for treatments or procedures to be completed.
• Little experience in performing treatments or procedures, which highly increasing risks and additional remedial costings to rectify any treatments or procedures completed previously.
• Poor or little aftercare, help and advice post treatment or procedure.
• Emergency medical assistance has been needed to rectify a treatment or procedure.

Summary

As we summarise this article, the main focal points as a potential client looking to have any cosmetic or medical treatments should be:

• Research the potential company prior to booking, look at web reviews, websites, company information (including any local or national authority memberships).
• If you know of a preferred accredited business already, enquiry if they have any client loyalty plans or offers before making rash decisions.
• Spending on safety. Remember that you are not just paying for the treatment or procedure, you are paying for the whole experience. From your initial consultation to the professional carrying out the procedure and also the aftercare. This is all part of what should be included within your treatment or procedure.
• Even though it seems like a great idea at the time, remember certain treatments and procedures are permanent. Having to undergo reconstructive surgeries, treatments or procedures can have huge impacts on people’s lives and finances.
• Have the confidence to ask to see credentials, most professionals and businesses will not have any issues in putting their clients mind at rest by providing qualifications and insurances.
• Understand that with certain treatments or procedures ‘model slots’ your desired result may not be achieved due to the skill being learned.
• Hindsight – There are times we all feel the financial pinch and all look into where we can make cutbacks. However, if you have had satisfying previous results from a specific company, it can be beneficial to stick to what you know.
• If you have doubts, consider your options before committing to something you may regret.