Independent Pharmacy Distributors
Distributing to Independent Pharmacy Distributors is all about satisfying the store’s needs in what type of products their customers demand. Independent Pharmacy Distributors want a product that has been established and will sell quickly. Contacting local Independent Pharmacy Distributors is a good first step to get a feel for what products do well in that market.
Finding a distributor who already has an established relationship with independent specialty retailers is essential. The distributor and retailer relationship is important in product placement in Independent Pharmacy Distributors. If a distributor has a good reputation with an independent specialty retailer the process of getting products into the store is a lot smoother.
Building a relationship and a positive track record is a very important part for the distributor. It is important for the distributor to do some research on what kind of specialty products do well in each specialty store, which can be dependent on where they are located. If a product does well in one independent specialty store the likeliness the distributor will put it in other stores is high. In Independent Pharmacy Distributors and independent stores in general it is all about shelf space and what sells well will claim that shelf space. Products that do not, will be given less space or no space in order to move in a new product that sells well.
Independent Pharmacy Distributors look for products that are innovative and will set them apart from competitors. So, new products have a better chance of making it into an independent specialty store vs. a big box retailer. An independent specialty store will have a stronger personal relationship and knowledge with products compared to big box stores as well. This is beneficial to everyone involved because having knowledge about the product in stores will improve sales.
In order to get a product into an independent specialty market contacting the correct distributor is the first step. The next step would be sending samples and other pertinent information to that distributor if requested. They like to see proof of sales and selling points of that product. Communicating about price points and minimum order quantities is very important. If the distributor likes the product and thinks it would be a good fit for their route they will purchase the product.
If the product does well in stores, the distributor will continually order more. Proof of sales will bring more orders and getting in contact with other distributors in other parts of the country is the next step. A product with proven sales in a few Independent Pharmacy Distributors will make its way to Independent Pharmacy Distributors all across the nation through different distribution channels. Establishing and building relationships with distributors is the best way to get products into Independent Pharmacy Distributors.
Here are the 6 steps you need to take to have your product picked up by a distributor.
1. Start with the right questions.) Before you try distributing your product, you need to ask yourself a few basic questions. Do you need to build demand for your product, or is there already a demand for it? Do you know that the distributor would be interested in selling your product? If you can strike a deal with them, can you handle the production volume? Do you want to sell directly to the distributor, or do you want to license your product to a manufacturer that will handle distribution?
2. Be prepared to profit.) Does your product offer enough of a profit margin for a distributor? Can you sell your product at a reasonable enough profit to cover the packaging, shipping, commissions, marketing and wholesale distribution? Check the distributor’s guidelines for other fees that you will have to build into the cost of your product in order for you to be able to turn enough of a profit to make the effort worth your while. If you work with a discount retailer, they will try to strip your profits down to zero in order to keep their prices as low as possible.
The typical breakdown of margins are: If a products costs $1 to produce, that product will retail for $4. That product that retails for $4 will wholesale for $2 to distributors and stores that purchase direct. Big box retailers like Walmart may offer to pay $1.25 to the manufacturer if the product costs $1 to produce. That is the typical profit margin.
3. Determine if the distributor is the right one for your product.) The relationship between you and the distributor starts with you browsing the store’s that they service for competing products. If the stores already has a similar product, it is going to be very difficult to get your product picked up. Picture in which zone your product would best fit on the shelf and keep in mind that the most precious asset that these big box stores value are their shelf space. Keep this information in mind when you are preparing your presentation to the distributor.
4. Pitch your product.) Decide whether it will be you or a representative to present your product to the distributor. Your presentation depends heavily on your strengths as a businessperson as they will most likely ask financial questions and logistics questions.
It’s common for companies to hire a broker to pitch their product to a distributor, as it will be more likely that your product will make it to the next stage if the individual pitching your product has industry knowledge or a personal relationship with them. The percentage of commission verses, however generally a broker will take around 5% to represent your product.
We at Mr. Checkout have experience dealing with brokers and know that there are several retail brokers that have poor business practices that can potentially damage your brand. If you are seeking a legitimate broker, please give us a call for a recommendation. It could save you a huge headache and a lot of money.
5. Complete the required paperwork.) Often a distributor will have you go through an application process. However, before submitting the paperwork required, you should contact them and let them know your intentions. Having a contact inside of the company will potentially move your application more smoothly through the process.
6. Anticipate the need for increased volume.) Having a distributor pick up your line will most likely mean a significant increase in volume. You should be prepared to ramp up your production and informing your manufacturer of this opportunity.
Having production, logistics and distribution to sync is not only difficult, it requires a significant amount of time invested in customer relations. Also, distributors may have stipulations in the contract that may penalize you for delays in shipping and production. Have an attorney explain all contracts to you if you don’t understand the terms.
If you’re looking to distribute your product through a distributor, be sure to thoroughly assess the marketplace, carefully prepare for production growth, and take full advantage of resources available to help you grow your business.
Top 10 Pharmacy Distributors
If there is anything the over seven billion people on earth care more of, it is their health. No matter how well built or beautiful a person is, an ordinary flu is enough to keep the person indoors. Pharmaceutical companies make a lot of money from selling drugs. They produce curative or prophylactic drugs to serve people better and ensure longer life expectancy. The question now is: how do we get these health products to the retail centers and pharmaceutical stores?
The health products industry is a big one. It is a billion dollar industry. According to research carried out by Mayo Clinic and Olmstead Medical Center, nearly 70% of Americans are on one prescription drug, and more than half take two. More, there are products needed by hospitals and health centers that need distribution.
In no particular order, the top 10 pharmacy distributors would be supplied below:
McKesson
Several acquisitions, including Rexall Health, as well as drug utilization rates, powered McKesson’s growth in 2017. This pharmacy distributor records revenue in 2017 of over $5 billion.
AmerisourceBergen
This pharmacy distributor saw revenue of $153.1 billion and a profit of $364.5 million in fiscal year 2017 earning it the No. 12 spot on the Fortune 500. AmerisourceBergen saw revenue growth in 2017 because of more business from some of its largest customers and strong sales of pricey cancer drugs.
UnitedHealth Group
This ranks Number 5 on the Fortune 500 list and it ranks as the most profitable pharmacy distributor. Even though it is known as the nation’s largest health insurer, it makes the list for companies in pharmaceuticals because of its multipurpose Optum unit —, which manages pharmacy benefits, provides health services and conducts data analytics.
Cardinal Health
This distributor climbed one spot on this year’s Fortune 500 list to No. 14. It saw a profit of $1.28 billion on revenue of $129.97 billion. Cardinal Health, Inc. is an American multinational health care services company, and the 14th highest revenue generating company in the United States.
CuraScript Specialty Distribution
With 25 years in the specialty distribution business, CuraScript Specialty Distribution supplies biologics, branded drugs, generics, vaccines, infused medications and ancillary supportive care products for office or clinic administration to a wide range of medical providers, including physicians, infusion centers, acute care treatment centers and long-term care facilities.
Alfresa Holdings
Alfresa Holdings Corporation is a Japan-based holding company primarily engaged in the wholesale of drugs. The Company operates in four business segments. The Pharmaceutical Wholesale segment is engaged in the wholesale of medical products, test reagents, as well as medical equipment and materials.
Anda Inc
Anda distributes generic, brand, specialty and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products from over 340 manufacturers to retail independent and chain pharmacies, nursing homes, mail order pharmacies, hospitals, clinics and physician offices.
Prodigy Health
Prodigy Health Supplier Corporation provides pharmaceutical products and services. The company designs and supplies bio-pharmaceutical products such as plasma derivatives and injectables. Prodigy Health Supplier primarily operates in the United States.
Walgreens Boots Alliance
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. is an American holding company headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, that owns Walgreens, Boots, and a number of pharmaceutical manufacturing, wholesale, and distribution companies.
CVS Health
The company saw a profit of $6.6 billion on revenue of $184.8 billion in fiscal year 2017. CVS Health made headlines in 2018 with the acquisition of insurer Aetna for $69 billion — a deal that would create a healthcare behemoth with $240 billion in annual revenue.