Since most businesses are turning to e-commerce opportunities to reach out to their customers, online platforms are opening great opportunities for healthcare businesses as well. No wonder, a lot of healthcare service providers, medical equipment brands, medicine and medical product retailers are increasingly opting for online healthcare store development.
Let us have a quick look at the key reasons for the healthcare businesses to turn to online platforms and e-commerce.
1. Convenience
No customer has to take the pain of buying and transporting large amounts of diapers, baby food or required medical devices. They can now conveniently get all of these right at their doorstep by simply placing an order online.
2. Low Price and Discounts
First of all online prices are more competitive and transparent than physical stores as buyers can compare and choose from a large range of sellers. Additionally, online stores offer special promotional deals and discounts from time to time.
3. Extensive Product Range
When you buy medical supplies online you don’t have the trouble of spotting the required items by visiting various medical stores. Across online stores you can find an overwhelming number and variety of products.
4. Feedback and Reviews
The vast majority of online stores offer a platform for customers to provide genuine feedback based on their experience. This helps customers to get first-hand advice from people who already used those products.
Important Stats on Medical Supplies Market
The online medical supply market is growing at a rapid pace. A recent research carried out by the Market Research Future says that the market share for online medical supplies is likely to reach $132 billion by 2022 and majority of these opportunities will be created by both public and private hospitals.
On the other hand, according to a study by Emergo, the American online healthcare supply market has an estimated market share value of $3 trillion. China and Japan are closely following this with respectively $574 billion and $469 billion valuation.
What are the Key Benefits of Online Medical Equipment Stores?
While most refer to the rapid growth and huge outreach opportunities as the key benefits, there are several other surprising benefits for running an online medical supply business. Let us have a quick look at some of the key benefits.
1. Extensive Outreach
Since most medical supply retailers and distributors are limited to certain locations with limited exposure and outreach, online stores for the same supplies can feel the void by reaching out to new clients, and creating larger market opportunities to scale up the business.
2. Lesser Competition in Medical e-Commerce
Compared to the traditional marketplace, very few retailers and distributors of medical supply have an online presence. This is why new entrants in the online medical supplies market can face lesser competition and more opportunities.
Read more: Key Principles and Trends for Building a User-Focused Healthcare Website
3. Round the Clock Sales
For the healthcare industry, being available all the time is a key factor. This is where an online medical store with round the clock presence can deliver a better alternative to its customers.
4. Data Driven Business
Besides allowing convenience and moderate competition, the e-commerce medical stores unlike the physical ones are more sophisticated as it can access data analytics and consumer research insights. Based on the consumer data and insights they can position products, make priorities and carry out marketing changes.
5. Easier Outreach with SEO and Online Marketing
For a physical store getting exposure requires expensive and often less effective marketing tactics like paper ads, flyers, event networking etc. on the other hand, for online medical supply stores there are chores of sophisticated and less expensive online marketing tools including SEO, social media marketing, PR, web advertising etc.
6. Less Operational Cost
Managing an online medical store is less expensive than maintaining an office or physical store. You can do away with the need of staffing, paying bills or rent. With less manpower and least operational cost you can run a business.
7. Bigger Sales Opportunities
Physical stores are less opted by the B2B buyers and for bulk institutional purchases online stores are always given a priority because of the convenience, rate and brand exposure.
How to Build an Online Medical Supplies Store: Key Steps to Consider?
We can easily recognise from the above mentioned benefits that developing an online medical supply store is a good investment. But to take this business opportunity to the fullest you need to have an understanding of the key aspects of building such a store.
Let us explain the key steps for developing an online medical supplies store.
1. Decide a Suitable Business Model
As for the business model of online supplies stores, we have two different business models. The first one is an independent store by maintaining a stock and taking care of the entire supply chain. The second is to work like a supplier by purchasing from manufacturers and other retailers as per the demand. While the first one is more secure but involves bigger investment, the second one can often face non-availability of supplies while benefiting from low operational cost.
2. Deciding about the Medical Store Features
Now that you have met the legal and licensing requirements, it’s time to figure out the future online store features. You need to create a list of must-have features for your future medical supply store.
3. Meeting Legal Requirements
Healthcare stores need to comply with the specific FDA requirements. They have to conform to the regulations about distributing medical devices. You also need to gather all necessary licenses for running the supply business.
4. Decide a Technology Stack for Development
Now you need to decide which programming language and frameworks are going to be suitable for building the store. Apart from C++, you can opt for JavaScript, Python, Ruby, and PHP. The choice of tech stack also depends on available skills, budget, and the planned features for the store.
5. Figure out the User Interface Design
For creating a really good design that instantly resonates with your audience you should take inspiration from other medical supplies stores. Select some user interface styles and user experience elements that are close to your idea about the store and then make the final choice by judging the pros and cons of each element.
6. Build the Store
The final step is to build the store. If you are new to web or e-commerce development, it is advisable to leave the job to experts or eCommerce Development Company, who have prior experience in building an e-commerce store like this. Based on your budget, you can opt for a ready to use template or a custom template designed by hired developers.
7. Jump Into Marketing
Now that the store is ready, you need to create buzz and reach out to clients. It is undoubtedly a challenge to confront, but you gave an array of effective tools to make this happen. Use marketing tools like SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, guest posting and online PR campaigns to create a loyal audience who find value with your store offerings.
Conclusion
Healthcare equipment and supplies businesses are increasingly jumping into the online bandwagon. Before the online space becomes too crowded, this is the right time to build your own medical supplies store and shape your online brand.
