5 Benefits of Purchasing Medical Supplies From a Distributor

When it comes to purchasing medical supplies, never underestimate the middle man-- that is, the distributor. Buying from distributors means receiving benefits that an exchange from a larger manufacturer will not provide. What is the difference between the two? Let’s take a look and explore some of the rewards that customers receive from a relationship with a distributor, and how manufacturers are involved, too.

Options

Manufacturers only want customers to buy their products, but when there are so many options on the market to choose from, why settle? Because distributors deal with multiple manufacturers, they are in the business of finding you the best product to suit your needs without having the intention of affecting your product picking decisions. With a network of manufacturing partners on their side, distributors can access almost any process under their field of business. For distributors, the shelves are always stocked so customers have the choice to buy individual products or in bulk.

Cost

Because distributors work competitively with manufacturers that sell directly, the costs are typically transferred from the manufacturer to the distributor, not added.
A strong foundation between distributors and manufacturers means discounts and deals in exchange for loyalty and large accounts. Cashing in on the benefits that come from this relationship can mean savings for customers interested in the products provided by manufacturers.

Low Maintenance

Storing expensive equipment, chemical, and bulk items can be a drag for manufacturers and pain in the wallet for you. Luckily, distributors don’t have to deal with as much upkeep, while costs are transferred from the manufacturer. Thanks to these arrangements, the customer never has to pay double for overhead costs.

Support

Distributors are known for giving personal and dedicated care to customers. Maintaining a relationship with a distributor can lead to great deals and access to top of the line products from leading brands. If this relationship is present, distributors can implement your personal or professional needs into their catalog, too. Part of their support includes financial support as well, having the ability to offer better credit support than manufacturers. While manufacturers are champion engineers and producers, their customer service is best established by those who know the products and know the people-- the distributors.

Convenience

When it comes to distribution, convenience cannot be stressed enough. Convenience is the true goal. Apart from the options and the savings that result from a transaction through a distributor, the presence (be it online or in person) works to further create easy access to products and customer service. Some distributors have an online presence with a catalog of the products they offer, a search engine designed to find specific product numbers, and customer service assistance. Other distributors maintain a local presence and welcome customers to do business face to face.

Author:

Sarah Lisovich is a Chicago based Health IT strategist at CIA Medical. With multiple years’ association with various health care IT venders and the impact of various systems on medical practices, Ms. Lisovich explores the revolutionary world of healthcare technology in the hope of opening doors to those interested in the field by building an online community.