The pros and cons of buying new, used, and reconditioned tables: Part 1

As a chiropractor, a table is your practice’s most important piece of equipment. Not to mention, it’s also one of the most expensive. For both of these reasons, you should carefully consider your choices when investing in a chiropractic table.

In a perfect world, all DCs would be able to afford the latest, high-tech table designs. However, since some modern tables cost more than $10,000, this isn’t the reality we’re faced with. A new graduate striking out on his own, for example, likely won’t have the cash or the credit to purchase a fancy new table with all of the bells and whistles. And even DCs who’ve been in practice for a while, may have numerous other business expenses and be unable to lay out such a big chunk of money for a single piece of equipment.

Moreover, with the economy still in recession, those DCs who are able to afford brand new equipment might be looking to be thriftier to save their money, making an expensive new table a less appealing option. Thankfully, in all three of these cases, DCs can still get an excellent table, even if they don’t buy a new one.

Used and reconditioned tables can offer great economic value without sacrificing a significant amount of quality. And in today’s online marketplace, finding superior used and reconditioned tables is faster and easier than ever. That said, new tables offer advantages you just can’t get when buying used or reconditioned equipment. Furthermore, with so many table companies out there vying for your business in this down economy, you’ll probably be able to get a really good deal even on a new one if you’re willing to do some research and shop around.

Because we’re all living and working under such different circumstances, the table that makes the most sense for you—whether new, used, or reconditioned—really depends on your own personal situation. Given this, it’s still very helpful to know as much as you can about the advantages and disadvantages of buying each type of table.

To help you learn more about buying new, used, and reconditioned tables, this series of articles will examine the pros and cons of each type of table. Armed with this information, hopefully your table purchase will be made a little clearer, easier, and inexpensive.

Check back next time to read the pros and cons of buying a new table.

Chris Towery is the former associate editor of MASSAGE Magazine and is currently a full-time freelance journalist. He has written hundreds of articles for more than 20 different magazines, newspapers, and custom publishers. Much of his recent writing has been for the complementary and alternative healthcare industry. To contact Chris, email cmreuben@yahoo.com.