5 Reasons Why Chain Pharmacies are Failing You
This won’t come as news to most people — there is a general feeling of dissatisfaction with Big Chain Pharmacies. Good news is, there are the Independents, having 90% better customer satisfaction. Learn why you should support local businesses and #BreakTheChains.
1. Dedicated and personalized service
Independent Pharmacies (IPs) are dedicated to each customer they have. They strongly retain 40% of the market by leveraging this competitive advantage. IPs have staff that are available at any time you have any questions, know you by name, and can easily recommend supplements to help you with your prescriptions’ side effects. Pharmacists can answer your questions faster than if you had to call your doctor. They have the same knowledge on the medicine you were prescribed. No more going through hoops to get your questions answered.
2. Your medicine management made easy
Did you know re-hospitalization rates decrease by 25% by having a pharmacist as a point of contact? Your pharmacist can be considered your medicinal traffic managers. We all have different doctors for our specific needs, yet all your meds should be checked so they do not counteract with each other. Having a pharmacist that you trust to guide you through this process is ideal so you can go through your day with peace of mind.
3. Faster prescription processing time
At IPs, satisfying your needs is the main focus. There is no stalling so you walk through the isles and buy stuff you don’t really need. Preparing your prescription takes five minutes, not forty five, according to our pharmacists. One of our pharmacist friends was asked to make customers wait on purpose so they would shop around at a chain pharmacy. Not at IPs. You can pick up your prescription quickly or get it delivered at your home or work.
4. Takes a load off your wallet
Yes, it’s cheaper. Because you develop a personal relationship with your pharmacist at IPs, they look out for you health wise and monetary wise. Pharmacists at IPs receive coupons from pharmaceutical companies and always negotiate a better deal. On average chain pharmacies price OTC 7% — 10% higher comparison to IPs. Chain pharmacies’ focus has unfortunately changed from the customer, to the dollar sign.
5. Pharmacists are switching too!
Pharmacists are making the switch themselves. They have realized that chain pharmacies have lost focus and they can better serve customers at independent pharmacies. Pharmacist Johnny Lee describes his switch from Walgreens to his current job at Gallery Drug:
“It (Walgreens) changed. It became more corporate and restrictive. I felt like I was not allowed to do my job in attending the customers effectively. I know it sounds corny but nowadays you go to a Walgreens, CVS or Duane Reade and they are all grocery stores and you can’t find anyone to help you. I make sure you don’t have that experience when you come to my store.”
For free delivery of prescription and over-the-counter meds directly from Independent Pharmacies, place your order at MedsNow.com .
