One of the biggest mistakes new practice owners make is buying too much equipment too soon — or buying the wrong equipment altogether. This course gives you a clear, vendor-by-vendor breakdown of what you need, what you don't, and how to structure your purchasing to protect your cash flow while building a fully stocked aesthetic practice.
Empire Medical Training has helped over 175,000 practitioners launch and grow their aesthetic careers over the past 28 years. We've seen what works — and what wastes money. This course distills that experience into a practical equipment and vendor setup guide designed specifically for new practice owners.
Understanding the major injectable vendors is your first step. The four primary companies you'll work with are Allergan Aesthetics (Botox Cosmetic, the Juvederm collection, SkinMedica), Galderma (Dysport, the Restylane family, Sculptra, Cetaphil Professional), Revance (Daxxify, the RHA collection), and Merz Aesthetics (Xeomin, Radiesse, Belotero). Each vendor has different account setup requirements, minimum order thresholds, pricing structures, and loyalty programs — and understanding these differences before you place your first order can save you thousands of dollars.
We walk you through the account opening process for each vendor. You'll learn what documentation is required (medical license, DEA number, NPI, business license), how long the approval process typically takes, and what to expect on your first order. Most vendors require a minimum opening purchase — typically $2,000-$5,000 — and we'll show you how to structure that initial order strategically so you're not sitting on excess inventory.
Product storage and handling is a critical topic that many new practitioners overlook. Neurotoxins like Botox and Dysport require refrigeration at specific temperatures (2-8°C) and have defined shelf lives after reconstitution. Dermal fillers have different storage requirements depending on the formulation. Improper storage doesn't just waste money — it can compromise patient safety. This course covers storage protocols for every major product, including how to set up your refrigeration system, manage expiration dates, and implement a first-in-first-out inventory rotation system.
Beyond injectables, you'll need to decide which device categories make sense for your practice. The major categories include laser hair removal, skin resurfacing (ablative and non-ablative), body contouring (CoolSculpting, EMSculpt, etc.), skin tightening (RF microneedling, Ultherapy), and IPL/photofacial systems. Each category has a different price point, learning curve, and revenue potential — and not every practice needs every device on day one.
The leasing vs. buying decision is one of the most important financial choices you'll make. This course provides a framework for evaluating each option based on your specific situation. Leasing preserves capital, offers tax advantages, and allows for technology upgrades — but it costs more over the life of the equipment. Buying makes sense for proven, stable technologies where the device will generate revenue for 5+ years. We'll help you run the numbers for both scenarios so you can make a confident decision.
You'll also learn about essential non-injectable supplies that every practice needs: topical anesthetics, cannulas and needles, antiseptic supplies, treatment beds, lighting, photography equipment for before-and-after documentation, sharps containers, and medical waste disposal. We provide a comprehensive startup checklist with estimated costs for each category.
Initial inventory budgeting is where many new owners go wrong. Overstocking ties up cash in products sitting on your shelf, while understocking means turning away patients. This course teaches you how to calculate your initial inventory needs based on projected patient volume, set reorder points for each product, and negotiate payment terms with vendors to manage cash flow.
Vendor negotiation tips can save you significant money over time. While new practices have limited leverage, there are still strategies that work: timing purchases around vendor promotions, bundling orders, committing to volume contracts, and leveraging competitive vendor offers. As your practice grows and purchase volumes increase, your negotiating position strengthens. This course covers specific tactics for each major vendor.
Finally, we cover loyalty and reward programs that can reduce your effective product cost and drive patient retention. Programs like Allergan's Allē (formerly Brilliant Distinctions), Galderma's ASPIRE Galderma Rewards, and Revance's RHA rewards program offer rebates, points, and exclusive pricing that benefit both your practice and your patients. Understanding and maximizing these programs is an often-overlooked revenue strategy.
This is Course 8 of the Practitioner Transition Bootcamp. It builds directly on Course 7 (Pricing, Financials & Revenue Forecasting) by turning your financial plan into a concrete purchasing strategy — and it sets the stage for Course 9 (Clinical Confidence for New Injectors), where you'll learn how to confidently treat your first patients with the equipment and products you've selected.
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