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Boosting online pharmacy revenue has never been more important in today’s shifting veterinary industry. Pet owners are prioritizing convenience and competitive pricing, so practices must adapt their services to meet these expectations. At the same time, fully utilizing an online pharmacy can help lower the Cost of Goods (COGs) eating up revenue and collecting dust on your shelves. Being mindful of your approach can boost your online pharmacy sales while strengthening the practice’s overall success.

Enhancing Client Communication

One of the primary challenges facing veterinary practices is making sure your clients know the advantages of purchasing medications and products from your online pharmacy. This communication should be woven into every client interaction, especially when talking about prescription renewals or treatment plans. Educating pet owners about all your pharmacy’s benefits—like safety, reliability, and manufacturer-backed guarantees—can help build trust and encourage lasting loyalty. I also like to thank them in advance for “shopping local”!

Promoting Auto-Ship Services

Utilizing auto-ship features is convenient for pet owners and establishes a reliable revenue stream for the practice. This service simplifies pet care and helps reduce the risk of missed doses. I created a flier to post on my food shelves that said, “Let us help you take something off your to-do list!” Research indicates that a remarkable 97 percent of pet owners who utilize auto-ship services remain loyal to their chosen providers, emphasizing the importance of promoting auto-ship!

Streamlining Prescription Approvals

Delays in prescription approvals and shipments can drive clients to competitors. Streamlining approval processes to allow for timely service helps develop customer satisfaction and retention and solidifies our reputation as a reliable provider.

Educating and Engaging Clients

Training staff to actively promote your pharmacy services can significantly impact sales. Fliers, brochures, social media content, and educational conversations help clients recognize the benefits of purchasing through your practice. Sharing client testimonials also adds credibility, boosting your pharmacy’s convenience and reliability.

Competitive Pricing and Value Positioning

Regularly reviewing pricing strategies is vital to remaining competitive. Beyond just price, educating clients on the additional value they receive—such as manufacturer rebates, guarantees, and assurances of product authenticity—can significantly influence their purchasing decisions. Clients need to understand that buying from your pharmacy offers added benefits that are not available from third-party retailers.

Strengthening Practice Identity

Having your practice’s branding and contact information on prescription labels from your online pharmacy not only reminds clients where they got the medication but also reinforces loyalty and keeps your practice top of mind when needing refills.

Marketing and Client Incentives

A well-rounded marketing strategy, including email campaigns, seasonal promotions, loyalty discounts, and referral incentives, can drive traffic to our online pharmacy, all of which are available through your online pharmacy platform. Personalized email reminders about pet medications help maintain engagement and encourage repeat requests.

Increasing online pharmacy sales benefits the practice in multiple ways by lowering COGS, creating a steady revenue stream, improving client retention, and enhancing overall service offerings. By prioritizing education, communication, and competitive strategies you can help recover lost sales and foster long-term growth in your online pharmacy services.

Written by Meghan Bingham, CVPM