How to Buy a Pharmacy Business for Sale
It is important to have a general knowledge of medications and the retail pharmacy business before you buy a regular store pharmacy or an online pharmacy. Even though you do not have to be a pharmacist or have a medical degree, knowledge of the general industry will help you to run the business and increase your chances of success.
Understanding Basic Pharmacy Laws
There are some basic laws that apply to medications and pharmacy operations. For example, patients are only allowed to receive a restricted amount of narcotic medications per month. Understanding basic pharmacy laws will make it easier to run the business after you buy a pharmacy.
In order to distribute medications and pharmacy products, staff must meet certain education and training laws. Without a basic understanding of the pharmacy laws, it will be difficult to know which people to hire and what types of additional regular training to provide for current or new staff. The end result can be a very complicated mess and loss of money or even the potential to have your pharmacy shut down.
Online Pharmacy Business for Sale
One of the tremendous benefits of the Internet is the ability to locate different pharmacy businesses for sale. With some research and determination, you can find a pharmacy for sale through the Internet. Prior to making the purchase find out whom the distributors for the pharmacy products are for the current owner and if you will be able to use them. Some wholesale distributors require memberships and charge very hefty fees.
Determine the current repeat customer volume, laws for this type of online sale and distribution and how easy it will be to transfer ownership. Some ecommerce sites primarily make their money from paid advertising on the storefront. Other sites make most of their money from the actual product sales. Ask the owner for information on the revenue sources and their percentages in terms of total revenue and then determine whether you can maintain or increase revenues if you were to buy the online pharmacy business.
Legal Assistance
Because there are so many laws for the pharmacy business it is imperative to have legal assistance prior to signing any agreements. You need a business attorney that is familiar with this type of industry or the medical field to look out for your absolute best interests. There are many legal loose ends that you need to tie up when you find a pharmacy business for sale.
Financial Reports
It is imperative to look at the past several years of profit and loss reports. Additionally, review previous tax records to make sure that all of the financial reports match up and are accurate. This will give you an idea if the pharmacy for sale is profitable or if you will make changes to the company after acquiring it.
Create a Sound Business Plan
For any business it is important to create a sound business plan. Once you review the financial reports and tour the facility for the pharmacy business for sale, you will have the knowledge of which aspects within the business that you want to change and which aspects to keep the same. For example, do you want to offer a frequent buyer card so that customers can earn discounted medications or purchases? Do you want to give employees an immediate raise when you are the new owner?
A sound business plan will determine ways to cut expenses and increase profits for the business. An accountant can review the records and help make financial projections for the company. You can consult a marketing expert and determine ways to advertise and do in-store promotions to encourage customer loyalty and increase potential profits. Once a sound business plan is in place for the pharmacy business, it will help with getting a business loan to buy the pharmacy.
03/29/08 at 10:03 PM
I would like to open or buy an existing pharmacy in the Houston Texas area. I am just an investor and do not have experience. My contact info is (281) 881-3737.
04/14/08 at 09:04 PM
Please do inform me about pharmacies and gas stations for sale in Calgary or Toronto, Canada.
04/15/08 at 09:04 AM
I know a lot about medicine because I have a degree in medicine from outside of Canada.
06/09/10 at 11:06 PM
I want to acquire a running pharmacy outlet in Canada with good sales and profit. I have a diploma in pharmacy from outside of Canada and 11 years experience in the same field.