Save on the best selection of medical office supplies when you know where to go
Finding as few suppliers as possible to fulfill all equipment and office supply needs is ideal for many practices. Regardless of the size of a medical practice, managing relationships with vendors can quickly become a full time job if there?s a different company behind every transaction. You?ll save time and money by finding a single supplier of top brands.
At the same time, you want to have accurate, reliable materials and medical equipment at prices you can afford. Finding the best selection of medical office supplies requires research. The first step is to know your criteria ? needs, budget, preferred brands and order processing details.
It may help to call a few local practices and ask about the vendors they work with. Many businesses are happy to share logistical information, make recommendations and give you a good idea of what to expect of a vendor. Find out what discounts are available and the quality of customer service.
National Distributors
Large suppliers are able to offer a wide selection of materials from new and top of the line, to used but in good condition. Practices are able to shop by price, condition and brand. If you only need a replacement part, you can find that easily, too.
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These days, vendors offering the best selection of medical office supplies are bound to have a comprehensive website. You this to browse and price compare. Go through the shopping list and see who carries everything you need at the best prices, including machines, office supplies and daily living aids.
To fit your budget
Providing the highest quality of care to patients unfortunately doesn?t lower the cost of doing business. And minding the financial health of a medical office is essential. Set a reasonable budget and commit to it. Supplies represent a relatively small portion of your expenses, but this is one expense you can reduce.
To run the most efficient practice possible, offices must review every single cost and look closely for ways to reduce those numbers. Many vendors with the best selection of medical office supplies understand that you need competitive prices. Granted, prices are only part of the equation.
When to buy in bulk
Purchasing supplies in bulk can save a practice 3% to 20% of supply expenses. The logic is simple in that a case of needles will cost less than buying them one package at a time. Add the wholesale discount on top of a bulk one and the savings look pretty impressive.
Not so fast. Having thousands of dollars worth of unused inventory sitting on shelves will only hurt a practice.
Some ?deals? may end up costing you money. Be sure to carefully consider which items you buy in bulk. If you run a small office, it probably won?t serve you well to use all of your precious storage space on holding cases of blank paper and rubber gloves. The amount you purchase should fall within the range of what you?ll actually use in a reasonable time.
Inventory controls
In order to truly evaluate whether a bulk buy is a good deal for your practice, set inventory levels. Review supply usage over a set period of time to determine the necessary stock level for every item you buy. One person in the office should be in charge of monitoring these levels ? often the same person responsible for placing orders and managing vendor accounts.
Offices continue to come up with ways to save money. Some team up with other local practices to share a bulk order while others will take advantage of a bulk discount, but arrange to have supplies shipped in installments. The time and consideration you invest now will pay off long term.