Purchasing Problems – 5 Steps To Follow If You Need To Find A New Medical Equipment Supplier

It usually pays to be loyal to your suppliers, but there may come a time when you need to find a new one. Your old supplier may no longer offer what you need, raise their prices unreasonably, or fail you in some other critical way. 

Regardless of what happened, it’s not always that easy to find a new one to plug the gap. If you are looking for medical equipment and supplies, here are five steps to follow to find someone who can deliver. 

Start Shopping Around

It can take a lot of research and homework to find a new medical equipment supplier. Rather than relying purely on what’s in your local area, consider finding an online medical equipment company. There are plenty to choose from, and most of them boast the equipment and affordable price tags you desire. 

No matter how good a provider seems, don’t settle on the first one you see. Compile a list of potential options and weigh up their pros and cons before you make your decision. 

Identify the Problems  

Identify what you didn’t like about your old supplier so you can avoid those issues with any new suppliers you team up with going forward. The last thing you want to do is go through the hassle of finding a new one all over again. 

Your old supplier may have been slow with deliveries, poor with communication, or unreliable in terms of quality. You may have even noticed a dramatic increase in their prices. Write down all the problems you faced and compare them to the offerings of your prospective new supplier. 

Compare Costs  

Cost structure and cost management are crucial parts of running a medical facility. You have to strike a balance between quality healthcare and a healthy bottom line. One of the most important things to do when searching for a new medical equipment supplier is to compare costs. Whether you are looking for insulin coolers, IV pumps, anesthesia machines, or any other medical equipment, be sure to compare costs between multiple suppliers.

Even those nickel and dime items can be worthy of comparison as the costs can stack up. If you find a slight difference in pricing, don’t be afraid to contact that supplier and find out if they can offer a better deal. There is no harm in asking if there’s wiggle room. 

Review Company Reputation

Reviews are central to the purchasing process for most consumers, and buying medical equipment should be no different. Before you sign on the dotted line, find out as much as possible about the company you’re considering. 

If you have a good relationship with other medical clinics and hospitals, ask about their experiences with their chosen suppliers. The more information you have at your disposal, the easier it will be to make your decision.   

Talk to Your Team  

You may be the decision-maker in your workplace, but it can sometimes help to get feedback from other members of staff. After all, they will likely be the ones using the majority of the equipment you bring in. 

Find out what they are looking for, what they liked and didn’t like about the old supplier, and if there’s anything they can spot about the potential new line that could be problematic. They have first-hand experience with medical equipment, so don’t be afraid to trust their judgment.   

You may think that choosing a new medical equipment company is as easy as making a few phone calls. However, it can be far more involved than that. Keep the steps above in mind so you can have more confidence in your decision.