When was the last time you took a close look at what your returns are actually costing you?
Returns are one of those pharmacy tasks that can feel like a necessary part of doing business, but as the year winds down, they can have a very real impact on your bottom line. Every dollar matters when you’re looking at year-end inventory, cash flow and overall profitability, so the last thing you need is to pay more in return fees than necessary.
That’s where the actual vs. estimated difference becomes important. When a returns fee is based on an estimated return value instead of what is actually returned, the projected amount can quickly drive up your cost. Sometimes this can even double the fees you ultimately pay.
That’s one reason we’re reintroducing Flash Returns to IPC members. Pharmacists tell us the process is easy, the team is responsive, and the low guaranteed 6.5% negotiated rate is based on actual returns – not estimates.
No inflated projections. No guessing what you’ll pay. No chasing someone down when you have a question. Just real people, responsive service and a returns process designed to help you get the most value back from inventory you’re no longer able to sell.
That’s the kind of easy and straightforward we think returns should be.
As you work through year-end inventory and look for opportunities to protect every dollar, don’t overlook your returns process. Consider what matters most to your pharmacy: receiving a quick estimated return amount or knowing your return is based on the actual value recovered. While some pharmacies may prioritize speed, others may find greater value in low return rates and fees based only on what is actually returned – helping ensure you’re not paying fees on inflated estimates.
