Running a pharmacy business or a drug store is more than selling drugs and medications. It’s about offering a life-saving service to your community. But running a successful pharmacy business can also be very stressful. Not only do you have to ensure that you’re always stocked up on essential medications, but also that you give your customers the service they need. Service aside, your pharmacy is also a business that needs to grow and see increased revenue if it should survive. It is always about getting the basics right and doing them well. So, here are some simple hacks that will improve your pharmacy business.
1. Create a calm atmosphere
Many people underestimate the importance of a calm atmosphere in a pharmacy, drug store, or other retail stores. While your pharmacy focuses mainly only on drugs and medications, it is still a retail store. And like any other retail store, the atmosphere matters to your customers. The right atmosphere will not draw people to your store but will also help put them in the right mood, especially when they enjoy a better experience. In fact, by creating a welcoming feel and supporting it with exceptional customer service, you can ensure that all your customers leave with a positive experience. That alone can help with customer retention and even encourage referrals.
So, what can help create a calm atmosphere? Start by creating a comfortable sitting area and adding soothing background music. Like finding the best music for retail stores, you can find the right background music for a pharmacy environment. You can also have a friendly and welcoming attendant on standby to help uncertain or undecided customers when they walk in.
2. Embark on a community-based marketing campaign
Yes, it would be best to market your pharmacy for visibility. Every enterprise needs marketing, and don’t forget your pharmacy is also a business. But don’t limit yourself to traditional marketing strategies alone; you need to consider embarking on community-based marketing. Traditional marketing helps create a brand, but you don’t want potential customers to view your pharmacy only as a business brand. They need to see your business as an entity interested in the health and concerns of the community. You can participate in community events, seminars, advocacy, charity programs, etc. You can even participate in health podcasts and local TV interviews to educate local listeners.
3. Offer online services and deliveries
The world has gone online, and you don’t want to be left behind as a business. Today, patients are visiting online pharmacies and websites to purchase prescription medications in the comfort of their homes. And you can make your pharmacy also available online. Allow buyers to shop and make orders from your website or online platform and have them delivered. This option will prove particularly helpful for customers who cannot leave their homes or are too weak to visit your pharmacy. And that means you also need to have a reliable delivery service that will ensure that customers get their purchases on time and more conveniently.
4. Create protocols for rush hours
Rush hours can be very hectic and stressful for you and your staff, and you don’t want that. If you’ve already been in business for a while, you probably know when your rough hour starts. So, start creating a protocol for that period. You can begin by assigning duties according to the level of importance or urgency. Consider assigning early and late lunch hours and other duties around this timeline. Additionally, ensure that your pharmacy and workspace are always organized and clutter-free. You’ll be surprised by how much time most pharmacies waste searching for misplaced items and paperwork, especially during rush hours.
5. Hold weekly team meetings
Communication is crucial. So, regardless of your staff size, do not ignore team meetings. Be sure to meet with your team at least once every week and do your best to keep them as brief as possible. During each meeting, you can discuss seasonal ailments to expect and the drugs you need to stock up on. Your meetings should also cover errors that occurred during the week, their causes, how to resolve them, and how to prevent them from recurring. You can also identify other pertinent information, industry trends, and tips that may be vital to helping your team run the pharmacy smoothly. During your regular meetings, you can also identify strategies to deal with the rush hours mentioned previously.
Applying the tips above will help turn your pharmacy business around and give it the foundation it needs to thrive.
