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Footwear to stock in a clinic

Discussion in 'General Issues and Discussion Forum' started by Annie H, Feb 2, 2015.

  1. Annie H

    Annie H Member


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    Hi
    Im currently looking at different options of footwear to stock in my private practice. I know a few other clinics in the same town stock Dr Comfort. Just looking for other suggestions and what people think work well

    thanks and look forward to hearing your suggestions
    Annie
     
  2. Boots n all

    Boots n all Well-Known Member

    Hi Annie,
    What ever brand you stock you need to assign space, time and money to do it right, if you dont have a spare room or spare cash, dont go down the path.

    So many have done it with out treating as part of the business, rather as an add on and as a result have shoes in a dark back room they would rather forget, unless you have dedicated staff to "sell" the add on, it will become a waste of time, space, effort, money and reputation.

    If you can do all of that, try Gadean, that will give you a point of difference, thats very important, otherwise you will be competing on price and no one wins that game.

    When doing your costing bear in mind...
    Cost of training all staff.
    Cost of sales and storage space.
    Cost of finance.
    Cost of returns.
    Cost of consult time, about 20min.
    Cost of an extra consult if you dont have the right size, colour and style required.
    Cost of marketing, no use having them if people dont know you have them.
    Hope that helps you.
     
  3. Annie H

    Annie H Member

    HI David
    Thank you very much for the reply
    That certainly gives me lots to think about and I really appreciate that

    Cheers
    Annie
     
  4. Ian Drakard

    Ian Drakard Active Member

    Agree with everything David has said. It is a big commitment for the business.

    It needs to be done properly or not at all. Having strong relationships with your local shoe shops would be far more beneficial for everyone if this is something that can be developed.
     
  5. Julian Head

    Julian Head Active Member

    i wouldn't bother to be honest....

    it's very hard to make a profit from shoes as this market suffered markedly in the recession....its a lot of effort for little reward.......
     
  6. pgcarter

    pgcarter Well-Known Member

    Hi Folks,
    In a rural area the shops are tiny and have no stock....if you don't do it who will? What about people who cannot go to the city?I don't stock footwear, I can get a range of brands from one helpful wholesaler, I take tracings and measurements and he sends me shoes, they go back if they don't fit......I only deal in medical grade stuff, other wise they can go to the local shops....and why do you have to make money out of it as long as you don't lose?...whatever happened to providing a full service? Yes it's frustrating but if you are prepared to do the easy stuff in the profession to make money why not do a bit of the hard stuff as well? as long as your kids are fed and the mortgage is up to date maybe we all should do a bit of the hard stuff. Sure beats living in the third world hiding from ebola.
    regards Phill Carter
     
  7. Seamus McNally

    Seamus McNally Active Member

    That's exactly how I look at it. It's a part of my service which adds to my reputation with clients. Don't carry any stock, just order as necessary, and take a small commission. Alot of happy campers. Also I availed of the opportunity, through my public health service work, to take a 3 day course with two English orthotists about shoe design, fitting etc. Very informative and interesting it was too.
     
  8. lcp

    lcp Active Member

    My clinic stocks Dr Comfort, Orthaheel, Axign, crocs and Revere shoes. Currently there are no significant shoe retailers in my town, so I saw it as a good option. In all honesty, its more trouble than its worth, with returns, refunds, sizing etc. If I had to choose just one, Id go for the Revere ones. Their display is quite small, they send stock very quickly, and i havent had a single pair come back for being uncomfortable.
     
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