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5 ways to improve in-office purchasing

Article

Your patients are conditioned to believe that if they take their Rx and just buy it online, they are going to get the best deal. That may have been a partial truth in the past, but today, you are often times able to offer your patients the best deal.

Your patients are conditioned to believe that if they take their Rx and just buy it online, they are going to get the best deal. That may have been a partial truth in the past, but today, you are often times able to offer your patients the best deal.

When it comes down to it, your patients probably want to see you succeed and know that supporting you with their business will enable you to do so. However, they are probably not willing to spend a whole heck of a lot more on products they can find online for less-even with your spectacular service included.

More from Dr. Bazan: 10 reasons my practice doesn't have a phone

When it comes to glasses, contact lenses, and other eyecare products, there are a few things you can do to provide your patients with the best deals and service possible.

 

1. Use exclusive offers/rebates

You can help ensure that your patients are getting the absolute best price for their products by making sure to take advantage of these exclusive manufacturer offers and rebates. You can also help to start to recondition your patients to understand that they cannot find a better deal, no matter where they go. This includes online and offline big box retailers.

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2. Use exclusive products 

There are awesome products that are sold primarily offline. Leverage brands that don’t have a huge online presence. Reinforce their exclusiveness and quality to ensure your patients understand the value of them.

Next: Be first

 

3. Be first 

You should have the first chance to help the patient get the products they need or want. The reality is that as an eyecare provider, your patients are in your office, and you are able to have the opportunity to be the first to provide help. You are the most convenient option they have because they can take care of things on the spot.

 

4. Optimize annual supply sales

When it comes to contact lenses, helping your patients get their annual supply is of utmost importance. It helps thwart end-of-the-box stretching, which will help prevent contact lens abuse-related problems.

It will also help to ensure that they don’t hop online to quickly and easily re-up their supply online. We all know that once they are in the database of an online vendor, they will receive near-constant marketing, reducing the chances of them purchasing from your office.

More from Dr. Bazan: How to handle a bad online review

5. Offer competitive packages

Online eyewear has evolved. There are many companies out there that are offering products and service that your patients find appealing. There are many people out there who would buy from you if only you were to offer them something similar. I

f you want to retain these shoppers, provide them with what they are looking for.

People love the ease of buying things online. They have also learned that they can often find what they need online for less. However, you can provide your patients with the best possible deals on the products they need by keeping these five tips in mind. You also get first chance at helping them do so. 

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