The medical devices and supplies market could reach $603.5 billion by 2023. The world is already struggling to get enough gloves, masks, and pieces of medical equipment. Having a hospital equipment supplier you can rely on for equipment is essential.
Otherwise, you might not realize your hospital is understocked until there’s another medical emergency.
Instead, use these nine tips to find the best hospital equipment supplier around. With these tips, you can ensure your hospital has the tools you need to succeed.
You’ll have an easier time meeting patient needs and improving their treatment experience as a result.
Start your search for a reliable supplier with these tips today.
1. Determine Your Needs
Before rushing to research different supplies, take a moment to consider the equipment for hospitals you need. Developing a list of your specific needs can save you time in the long run.
Otherwise, you might find most suppliers lack the types of equipment you need. It’s possible they only offer or two of the pieces you need as well.
Instead, you can save time in the future by finding a single hospital equipment supplier who meets all of your requirements.
First, take the time to complete a full inventory of your equipment. Make a note of any pieces of equipment that are experiencing problems, too. You might need to replace these pieces in the future.
Separate your list between “Must-Have,” “Want,” and “Future Needs.”
Remaining organized can help you prioritize which pieces of medical practice equipment you need right away. If you don’t have enough money in your budget for everything, you can hold off on certain items until later.
Consider the special needs your hospital has, too. For example, are you planning on expanding your services? You might need a new piece of equipment.
Maybe a physician who falls under a specific specialty will start working at your hospital. Consider any equipment requests they’ve made, too.
Draft a List
Take the time to review your list. Consider consulting someone else at the hospital, too. They might help you determine the pieces of equipment you’re missing.
Put a star next to the equipment for hospitals that you want from a specific brand. Make a note of the brand you’re looking for. Otherwise, you might not realize the supplier doesn’t carry that brand until it’s too late.
In some cases, you’ll have to work with more than one hospital equipment supplier. Making a list now can help you narrow down your options. You could even cut costs to make a better deal.
If you’re not searching for a specific brand, you could open yourself up for more options. You might have an easier time finding a single supplier who offers everything you need.
2. Consider Your Past Experiences
Before you start researching different suppliers, consider your previous experiences. Think about the supply business you partnered with in the past. What problems did you experience?
How did they help you?
Learning from your previous experiences can help you avoid making the same mistakes. You can find a supplier who will offer better service in the long run.
As you use these tips, it’s important not to wait until the last minute to find a supplier. Otherwise, you might have to wait a few months before you receive your medical practice equipment. You might have to take in fewer patients during that time.
Instead, start using these tips right away to ensure you get the supplies you need.
3. Research Providers
There are over 14,000 medical supplies wholesale businesses in the US. New medical advancements mean more suppliers in the industry, too. You’ll need a way to narrow down your options to find the best suppliers around.
Talk to other professionals and lean on your network. Ask if they know of any hospital equipment suppliers you can contact. Leaning on your network can help you narrow down your options.
You can learn more from someone else’s experience working with a specific supplier. They could give you helpful insights.
They might even help you determine which suppliers to avoid.
Take the time to research each supplier on your list. Doing your due diligence will give you peace of mind in your choice.
For example, try to find a long-established business in the industry. An established business likely won’t disappear overnight. They’ve probably won the respect of other hospitals in that time, too.
You can also rely on their experience and expertise for advice and help.
Take the time to compare each business on your list. What unique value can one business offer over the other?
For example, one supplier might offer high-quality brands. Another supplier might have deals you can use. Consider what pieces of equipment for hospitals each supplier can provide.
Check each supplier’s website and Better Business Bureau listing to learn more about their history.
4. Consider Your Budget
Before choosing a hospital equipment supplier, take the time to talk to your team. Establish your budget for the year.
Don’t forget to make a list of the equipment you want to prioritize this year, too.
As you start shopping around, try to focus on quality over price. Otherwise, the supplies you purchase might break down sooner than expected. You could have to spend even more money in the long run.
Ask each supplier on your list if they offer any discounts. Some suppliers offer price breaks if you buy everything from their company. These companies often value loyal customers.
They can help you find a better deal and ensure you remain within your budget.
If they don’t offer a budget, ask if there’s any way else they can help. For example, they might offer free delivery. Other suppliers offer complementary training.
You can ask about extended warranty offers, too.
Otherwise, ask about overstock items. For example, they might offer special pricing for a demo model or discontinued color. The supplier might not advertise these deals, so make sure you ask.
If you still can’t find the equipment you need, ask about the supplier’s used and new equipment. You might want to consider purchasing a few refurbished items for the low-priority equipment you need. Then, purchase brand new equipment for the high-priority items on your list.
Don’t forget to request a written quote for every item on your list.
5. Attend a Trade Show
If you’re still struggling to find a reliable hospital equipment supplier, consider attending a trade show or meeting. You can look at equipment for hospitals up close to make sure they suit your needs.
As you walk around the trade show, try to speak with a few different suppliers. Ask if they offer any specials or discounts. They might offer a discount if you order while attending the trade show.
Some suppliers also offer additional discounts if you purchase their floor models.
6. Consider Training
Before you choose a hospital equipment supplier, ask each company if they offer training.
Training can ensure you purchase the best equipment and use it properly. Otherwise, you might not fully utilize the equipment you purchase.
Requesting training sessions can benefit your team in the long run, too. If they struggle to use the hospital equipment, it could impact their productivity. Patients might get frustrated if there’s a delay during their appointment, too.
Make sure you have an equipment guide handy, too. For example, you can use this fundamental operating room equipment guide.
7. Determine Specific Requests
Before choosing a hospital equipment supplier, take a moment to consider any special requests you have. For example, you might need to make a special delivery request.
Some pieces of hospital equipment, like X-ray machines, can weigh hundreds of pounds. You shouldn’t have to move the supplies throughout your hospital alone.
Instead, ask the company if they can help you throughout the delivery process. You can develop a plan to avoid potential issues and delays.
These companies prioritize customer service. They’ll ensure you have an easy experience every step of the way.
8. Review the Warranty
Before finalizing any purchases, make sure to review the warranty for each piece of equipment. Make sure you have a written copy. You can reference your written copy in the future if there are any issues.
If the company doesn’t offer a warranty, look elsewhere.
9. Compare Your Options
Take the time to compare your notes before making a final decision.
You can also vet your options by reading reviews online. In fact, about 95% of consumers read online reviews before making purchases. Reviews help customers feel 70% more comfortable before they start shopping, too.
Look for reviews on the company’s Better Business Bureau listing. Check their Google My Business page, too.
If anyone filed a complaint against the supplier, scratch them off your list. Reading reviews can help you learn more about the company’s consistency and quality. For example, did anyone purchase equipment that broke down?
Did any of the hospitals struggle to get ahold of the business after they made a purchase?
If so, scratch that supplier off your list.
Start Your Search: 9 Tips for Finding the Best Hospital Equipment Supplier
Don’t rush to purchase equipment for hospitals from the first supplier you find. Instead, use these tips to vet your options. You can find the best hospital equipment supplier with ease!
Searching for operating room equipment from a supplier you can trust? We’re here to help.
Contact our sales staff today to get started.