Question:
I am doing some research regarding the distribution of dental supplies
and devices etc. I apologize in advance for my ignorance on this
subject--and possible subsequent malformed questions. Are there any
supplies or devices that you rely on a local, smaller distributor for?
Or do you prefer larger national distibutors--if so why? What roles do
you see a small local distributor carrying out? Are there any niches
that you see them being successful filling?
I am very interested in this arena, and I would appreciate any advice
you can offer. To make a long story short...Subsequent to completing
all my Pre-Dent undergraduate work a couple of years ago, my mother had
some severe health problems...no insurance...tons of bills...which I
need to help pay before I rush of dental school and get my own huge
debt. Thanks again for all of your help.
Answer:
That is a regional issue. Here in the Detroit area, we have a hand-full of
local companies trying to make a go of it. Patterson and Schien do an
excellent job of it from a distance. It would be tough completion in this
area.
I order my supplies from Patterson. I have bar codes on little tags for
everything in my office. I scan the bar code for what I want to order. My
computer dials Patterson's warehouse and orders the items. I get them the
next day if we order before 3:00 pm.
Your local area may better support another local distributor. Contact some
local dental offices and get their opinions.
All mail order. Used to be sold by detail men running around, but now
they telemarket you to death. That, plus catalogs are the ticket
today. Internet savings are non-existent. I have priced them and they
are way high!
I am waiting for Priceline.com to save me up to half on Express
Impression Material. Airline tickets thrown in too.
The local supply house is higher than the big boys but they have a service
technician on staff to come out and work on that broken stuff. If not the
local guy the nearest service technician is one hundred miles away in any
direction. If you don't buy enough supplies from the local supply house you
know where on the list you end up when something you can't work without is
broken.
The fact that more money stays local has the advantage of helping the
locals afford to sit in the chair. This helps to offset the additional cost
of doing business with the local supply house. TCB is very complicated
sometimes and one must guard against being penny wise and pound foolish.
