A happy, older woman is checking out online using a credit card.
Best practices

Why Independent Pharmacies Need Online Checkout

March 6, 2024

There’s no denying that we live in an increasingly digital world. And though some pie-in-the-sky ideas like working in the metaverse may never be fully fleshed out, it’s difficult to discount the real and essential part the online world plays in the lives of patients.

According to Deloitte, 92% of consumers shop online, 83% use mobile banking, and 59% use technology to refill their prescriptions. So, why not take what patients love from those online experiences and bring them to your independent pharmacy?

In this article, we’ll explore why implementing online checkout can make a huge impact on how pharmacies can serve their patients and the effect it has on bolstering their revenue.

Add Convenience for Busy Patients

The modern patient values convenience above almost everything else. With online checkout, independent pharmacies can provide them with the ultimate convenience of refilling their medications and purchasing OTCs from the comfort of their homes. Whether it's a busy professional who doesn't have the time to visit the pharmacy during operating hours or an elderly person who finds it challenging to leave their home, online checkout offers a solution.

Online checkout also eliminates the need for customers to wait in person to request refills — so they’ll spend less time in line and more time connecting with their pharmacist during consultations. 

This added convenience isn’t just for patients either because your pharmacy staff will now have more time on their hands to serve patients with so much manual payment collection being offloaded. 

Expand Your Patient Base and Local Presence

Online checkout also opens up a world of possibilities for independent pharmacies to expand their reach beyond their current patient roster. With a well-designed online checkout platform, like Nimble, pharmacies can attract customers from neighboring areas by coupling it with automated delivery. This increased exposure can lead to a significant boost in patients and revenue.

In rural areas, offering check out online and pick up in pharmacy experiences can make a huge difference in capturing the attention of new patients who maybe only make it into town every so often — and need to get a ton done when they do. By completing their refills and purchases online, they’ll feel confident their prescriptions will be ready for pickup during their next trip.

Gain a Competitive Edge in the Digital Landscape

For local businesses today, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for survival. By embracing online checkout, independent pharmacies can differentiate themselves from national chain stores and stand out in a crowded marketplace. Offering a seamless and intuitive online shopping experience can become a unique selling point, attracting customers who value convenience and efficiency.

Patients will love the ease of online checkout coupled with the 1:1, personal experience only local pharmacies can offer.

Online checkout is not just a convenience but a necessity for independent pharmacies looking to thrive in the digital age. By providing enhanced convenience for patients, expanding their reach, and gaining a competitive edge, pharmacies can position themselves for long-term success. 

Want to get started with online checkout, free of charge? Learn how Nimble can help.

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