It isn't as effective as a laser. It is like one step down. If you pay per body part and they will do it until all hair is removed and it is cheaper than a laser than it might be worth the longer treatment time. If you have to pay per session then it may end up being more expensive than laser.

You can usually bargain with the pricing too.

There are also many manufactors out there. Some lasers are not created equal as well as not IPL is created equal. But, for the most part I am almost positive despite what their ad says lasers are more effective than IPL.

Try to get a test patch done then try to get a test patch from another provider and compare, maybe one laser and the IPL.