Pharmacy Upselling

[lloydslights]

I was newly diagnosed with a fairly common disorder these days.  

I got the prescribed medications from the chemist shop.

Upon receiving the tablets, the assistant very gravely tells me that due to these medications, my body will react adversely and that I would be best to administer some ongoing supplements to lessen those effects.  A small printed leaflet was included in the bag of prescribed purchases.

The impression given was so solemn; like if I didn't take these supplements I would become gravely ill maybe even die.  I stress the point to everyone here, that was the impression I got.  

She spoke as if she were a funeral director.  Or a solicitor ensuring I had gotten my affairs in order.  

So with an equally grave face, I mentioned that I'll see how I go for a week or so by adjusting my diet.  And if I feel the need I would consider it. And off to the checkout I go.  

The young mother in front of me is served.  Prescriptions cost about $35.  Supplements $55.  WHAT!!!!!!

So I come home take the medications and wait for death to arrive.  

Whilst "dying" I google.  And what did I find.  Hallelujah.

Upselling for pharmacies.  Lessons from McDonalds.  "Make your pharmacy profits grow."  Supplement the income with supplements.

What an absolute disgrace is the manner in which a sale is pushed.  With the above example of a young mother with 2 sick children; trying to do the right thing by her babies and being hoodwinked into further purchases.

DEB

[icyfroth]

Upsell em first onto junk food, make em sick.

Upsell em onto drugs to make em feel better.

Thar's gold in them thar hills!

[nicnacs_4u]

If I was you LLoyd  that would be the last time I took my prescriptions to that chemist..I have never had any pharmacy assistent do this to me &  I take quite alot of medications too:-(

[lloydslights]

I had bought some medications from another chemist previously, and they too, were pushing to sell supplements for that diagnosis.

It appears that newbie and naive customers are targetted.

DEB

[katymatey*]

Upselling is not the only trick used. Several years ago a very large chemist arrived in town. It was in a convenient position so I put my scripts in. I waited 45 minutes. I was also given a buzzer which rang when my meds were ready. The reason for all this I was told by someone in the know. While waiting people will wander around and pick up other things. Hair, skin care, supplements, make up, perfume etc.

Not this little black duck, I go elsewhere.

[icyfroth]

I go to that one and do that very thing, Katey lol. Wander around looking at cosmetics and other stuff. I've never had to wait 45 mins though, 15 minutes max.

Actually with my cosmetics and other pharmacy shopping, I generally wait until my prescriptions are due, because they are mostly significantly cheaper than at the supermarkets.

[this-one-time-at-bandcamp]

I go on to MyHealtheVet website, indicate which meds I want refills for, and in about a week, they arrive.

Bless the United States Veterans Administration.

[purple_haize]

I dont have that problem at the chemist I go to, they know me as I have been going there for yrs.

However, I found this odd,one day took my scripts in, left them there, then came back & a new girl served me, I told her I was there to pick up scripts. She came over with them and a pen and then said * does your dr. know you are taking these meds*?.........I looked at her in disbelief and said, *Where do you think I got the prescriptions from?*..........she didnt say anything, just looked at me vaguely........havent seen her since.

[icyfroth]

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@purple_haize wrote:

I dont have that problem at the chemist I go to, they know me as I have been going there for yrs.

However, I found this odd,one day took my scripts in, left them there, then came back & a new girl served me, I told her I was there to pick up scripts. She came over with them and a pen and then said * does your dr. know you are taking these meds*?.........I looked at her in disbelief and said, *Where do you think I got the prescriptions from?*..........she didnt say anything, just looked at me vaguely........havent seen her since.

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that's priceless!

[lloydslights]

Very strange thing to say wasn't it?  I think the  training she'd had on up-selling was too confusing for her.  I think the drug industry could do without that sort of assistance.

Deb