Buy Better
When Nothing Means Everything
Do you ever stop to think about what’s not there when you’re secondary shopping? You might be getting a great price on a certain item, but you also might be paying add-on after add-on.
Don’t wait until you’re in panic mode to check all the fine print. When you have a minute or two (stop laughing!) really dig into the details of the secondary suppliers you regularly use. Does this secondary supplier require minimum orders? A large minimum might throw off your inventory while increasing your cost of goods.
What about that other source with additional fees for this, that or the other? What, exactly, are you paying for? Pay special attention to the costs that are added nearer to your check out. You’re likely in a hurry and you might click “buy” without realizing you’re paying extra.
If you’re paying by credit card, will you be charged more? It’s a simple question, but pay attention.
Buyer beware
Some secondary suppliers require long-term commitments, which can really restrict your purchasing decisions and possibly affect your total cost of goods. Others can demand specific contracts, so be careful that you don’t agree to any binding obligations.
Also, is the price you’re paying the price that was advertised? Many secondaries use the ol’ “bait and switch” technique to tempt frazzled customers. Some require you to buy a certain quantity of an item to get that special deal.
Make sure your secondary is aboveboard and above reproach. They should be an NABP-certified pharmacy distributor, following all of the latest guidelines and laws—particularly those required by the Drug Supply Chain Security Act.
What aren’t you getting?
Your secondary might be missing a few other perks that cost nothing but that can improve your profits:
- Can you call or email a friendly, knowledgeable pharma specialist to answer questions?
- Can you buy everything you need in one fell swoop? (The phrase “in one fell swoop” originated in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, where it describes a sudden and cruel attach by a bird of prey. No need to know that, but it’s kind of fun to imagine yourself as a bird of prey, isn’t it? Plus, it might come in handy on trivia night.) Why not use a secondary that offers brands, generics, OTCs, controls and refrigerated products?
- Can you order via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)?
- Can you get your order the next day?
- Can you cash a nice, fat rebate check every month?
Surprise!
PBA Health has the answer. It’s BuyLine. Try it or use us again and again. Let us know what you think. Start shopping now.
Add BuyLine to your regular rotation of secondary shopping sites. You’ll find everything you need in one spot, with a host of conveniences and monthly cash rebates. Opening an account is easy and quick. There are never any hidden fees, detailed contracts or long-term commitments. We accept credit cards with no extra fee. And a dedicated Business Improvement Specialist is assigned to your account to help you find what you’re looking for. You’ll also find that we mean it when we say, “We’re in business to serve your business.”
Buy Better shows you how to save time and money with your secondary purchasing.
Need to Know
Keep Calm … and DSCSA On
Remember three words when you hear about DSCSA: business as usual.
PBA Health is already operating under the requirements of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act and has been for quite some time.
Like other distributors, PBA Health already accepts as returns only what is purchased from us. And we already require return items to have a legible, scannable barcode or label.
So unless you have more than 25 pharmacy employees, nothing is required of you or your team until late in 2026. That’s when dispensers with fewer than 26 full-time employees must meet the same requirements as large dispensers.
Your PBA Health team will keep you updated and in the know as we move forward. If you have questions call us at 800.333.8097 or email customercare@pbahealth.com.
Need to Know keeps you informed of dates, deadlines and other information relevant to independent community pharmacy.