Should I switched to an online pharmacy for drug supplies?

Re: Should I switched to an online pharmacy for drug supplies?

Michael Woodhouse — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 20:40:34 GMT

[quote user="Peter Ding"]Veterinary wholesalers do quite a bit more than just provide high volume medications at the lowest cost.[/quote]

Like what? I know they sell consumables, but what do you mean?

[quote user="Peter Ding"]There are parallels with clients seeking the cheapest source for veterinary medicines.[/quote]

So if we can buy the drugs cheaper then we can either sell them cheaper or sell them for the same money to the client and make more profit. If we are a bit more expensive than the internet then less people will bother with prescriptions.

Also if the vet wholesalers lose out on the sales then maybe they will drop prices? Why should they be able to make 100% mark up when I can't see many vets making that.

Re: Should I switched to an online pharmacy for drug supplies?

Rob Loxley — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 20:15:24 GMT

[quote user="Peter Ding"]Why not just write a script for clients to obtain their human medication direct if cost is an important issue for a specific client?[/quote]

Isn't Mike the specific client for whom the cost of drugs is an important issue?

Re: Should I switched to an online pharmacy for drug supplies?

Richard Carter — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:39:21 GMT

[quote user="Peter Ding"]Veterinary wholesalers do quite a bit more than just provide high volume medications at the lowest cost[/quote]

Sorry? I use a wholesaler (the clue is in the word) to get a business related rate on the products I need. If a veterinary wholesaler cannot provide product at a rate my clients are prepared to buy, I have to look elsewhere.

Re: Should I switched to an online pharmacy for drug supplies?

Peter Ding — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:26:24 GMT

To be contentious...........

In the longer term, will veterinary wholesalers remain viable, if an increasing number of veterinary customers go for the short term cheapest option for drug supply?

Veterinary wholesalers do quite a bit more than just provide high volume medications at the lowest cost.

There are parallels with clients seeking the cheapest source for veterinary medicines.

Why not just write a script for clients to obtain their human medication direct if cost is an important issue for a specific client?

Or are we all well on our way to 10% mark-ups on the medications we sell?

Re: Should I switched to an online pharmacy for drug supplies?

Mike Martin — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 09:25:25 GMT

Some cons....

Will batch number recording be an issue?

Posting might add to the cost of drugs if order small numbers?

Re: Should I switched to an online pharmacy for drug supplies?

Anthony Todd — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 23:41:54 GMT

[quote user="Bob Russell"]they just need a written prescription for the medication[/quote]

We don't write a script except for scheduled drugs as with our vet wholesaler??

You'll be surprised by the number and value of "human" drugs you use if you're in small animals or exotics! Get in quick before they are all made safe by the rigorous testing of the VMD.......

Re: Should I switched to an online pharmacy for drug supplies?

Bob Russell — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:06:20 GMT

I have spoken to them in the past - they just need a written prescription for the medication. Not much in the way of cons that I can see if you have a fair idea of monthly requirements.