10 Way’s To Save Money Buying Podiatry Supplies

Everyday consumables and equipment used for podiatry soon add up and eat into valuable profits. Fortunately there are several ways you can save money.

In this guide we will look at ten common ways to save money on podiatry supplies.

1. Research. One of the best ways to enable you to start saving money on podiatry supplies is to do your research. Who are the main companies selling products? Try putting “podiatry supplies” into Google.

With a little effort you will soon find a host of companies selling many of the commonly used items online. Just sign up for an account and request a catalogue at some of the popular podiatry supplies companies.

2. Shop around. Every podiatry supplies company wants to set themselves apart from the competition by offering their own brand products, which doesn’t help practitioners looking to save money on supplies and equipment.

The key is looking out for names and brands for some of the more frequently used products such as, cotton wool balls, gloves or Swann Morton no 15 blades.

3. Lease or spread the cost. Many people are apprehensive of taking out finance or credit, especially considering the recent financial climate.

Financing of capital equipment is very common and often a great way of spreading the cost of reliable yet expensive kit. It is a good idea to speak to a financial advisor as leasing podiatry equipment can carry tax advantages.

4. Buy second hand. Buying second hand podiatry equipment can been seen as difficult or troublesome, after all the items are older and have been replaced for a reason. Having said that, there can be considerable savings to be made. Many more reliable items such as couches can last for many years and at worst would only need a motor replacing, and the joints oiling.

5. Buy ex-display. Many of the larger podiatry supplies companies in the UK have showrooms or stock they use to take to exhibitions, ask them if they are willing to sell any of it at a discount.

6. Trade shows. Trade shows are an expensive exercise for any company, they often have trade show promotions and will offer discounts for “on the day” purchases for both equipment and consumables.

7. Cash purchase. It doesn’t pay a companies bills to offer it’s customers credit, paying for a large piece of kit upfront can sometimes carry a discount , if you don’t ask you don’t get as they say.

8. Club together. Do you attend branch meetings or have a group of podiatry friends that get together and meet? If so, ask your colleagues if they need any large capital equipment or if you all use the same product.

Then approach a company and see if they are willing to do a bulk purchase discount. You may need to sort out the logistics or payment and taking delivery, but with a bit of work this can be overcome and the savings can be significant.

9. Haggle. Never be shy when trying to save money buying podiatry supplies, whilst asking for a discount on a single item or low value product isn’t likely to get a favourable response, if you are purchasing items in quantity or high value then trying to negotiate a discount may be possible.

10. Buy Abroad. Whilst this may be the most difficult route, it is technically possible to purchase commonly used foot care products abroad.

This does however take careful research as there are various issues such as import duty, UK specification and availability of spares and servicing. These all have to be taken into account.