Presale FAQ
I am busy and need to focus my time on my patients and my practice. How can I make the right decision without being distracted from what really matters?
This is where GMI’s exclusive USP (Ultrasound Solutions Process) comes in. We have rolled up countless years of industry experience and customer feedback to provide you with a fast, yet comprehensive way to know you are choosing the right product and maximizing the return on your investment. When combined with a 100% money back guarantee, the USP is the fastest and safest way to get the right ultrasound product for your practice.
I am nervous about not purchasing a new system from one of the major OEMs. Why should I consider GMI instead?
First, the OEM is going to sell you system A, B, or C because that is all they have to sell whether it is the best option for you or not. At GMI, we have all of those systems, but also the comparable systems from the other OEMs. We are on your team to work as your brand indifferent consultant. Our only concern is getting you the right product for your needs, not pushing one product.
Additionally, the OEMs have to push the latest software revisions that are currently being manufactured. Typically, you can go back one or two revision levels and get a system that is actually more stable and has 100% of the same diagnostic quality of the new system without giving up any features that matter to you or your practice. This means you get the same performance, but greatly increase the financial return on your ultrasound investment and actually increase its reliability.
Should I buy a "newly released" platform from the OEM?
You never want to be the guinea pig for the OEM. It typically takes a year or two for the OEM to work out any kinks or issues with a new platform. "Be the one on the leading edge, not the bleeding edge."
I am considering purchasing equipment from one of the alternative OEMs to the big three (GE, Siemens, Philips). Are there things that I should be concerned with when going with an alternative OEM?
Absolutely. Although they can be attractive on paper, you do need to be concerned with your total cost of ownership and ability to make changes in your technology if your needs change. If an OEM has little market share on their new products, you should be concerned as to what your investment will be worth down the road since there will be limited to no resale value for your equipment later. This can greatly increase your total cost of ownership (TCO) in hidding and unforeseen ways. You will also be more limited in your service options either forcing you to pay more
Right now I need an ultrasound system, should I be concerned with service option as the time of sale?
Yes. Service can significantly affect your total cost of ownership and the ultimate financial return on your investment. On top of that, the costs of downtime by not having a service plan in place are considerable. When you factor in the lost of deferred revenue, overhead costs of rescheduling patients, lost productivity of your sonographers and staff and decreasing rates of customer satisfaction, having a plan for how you are going to maintain your equipment is critical to your practice. After all, even with the best equipment, it is not a matter of if you will have a service issue, it is only a matter of when.
Should I consider purchasing service at the time of sale or should I do it on a year by year basis?
Excellent Question! This depends on a number of factors such as the financial strength of your practice and whether this is a decision you want to revisit each year. Many of our customers find that the benefit of locking in reduced service pricing at the point of sale, combined with the ease of having just one payment to budget for their practice, maakes purchasing service up front the easiest and best way for them to manage their imaging assets. This way they have one company dedicated to maximizing their uptime and truly working as a partner in their practice. We can help you look at the costs and benefits of different service options so you can make the right decision for your practice needs.
I have seen your trade-up graph. What does it mean?
GMI offers a trade-up program that allows you to upgrade your system on a more frequent basis to keep you more current in the industry. The benefit to purchasing a used system is that your can upgrade your system every 2 years. This typically keeps you within 2 years of the newest technology whereas if you purchase new equipment directly from the OEM, the average lifecycle is 5 years making the average age of the equipment 2.5 years over that buying cycle. This does not allow you to stay as current with technology.
I am interested in leasing. What are my options?
GMI offers a variety of leasing packages that can be customized to fit your needs. Our leasing options are inclusive of everything from your ultrasound equipment to a full service contract. The benefit to leasing equipment is that it allows you the flexibility to purchase the right system with the best overall return on investment. It also allows you to upgrade your system to keep up with technologicla changes or changing practice needs.
I have a system that I would like to trade-in. Is this a possibility?
Yes, GMI will make an offer on the system you would like ot trade-in. Once the system arrives and everything checks in we will be able to apply the trade-in amount to your new system.
I have heard of the USP. What does it mean?
The USP is GMI's revolutionary Ultrasound Solutions Process. This is a concise, yet comprehensive process that gives us a 360 degree look into your ultrasound and practice needs. Because GMI is brand indifferent, we can act as a consultant to match the best system for your practice needs and volumes without being biased to a particular manufacturer or product.
