Dental equipment for sale is a significant market for practice owners looking to save money while getting the tools they need. The market includes chair units, dental radiography machines, sterilization units and more.
Some dentists look to purchase used equipment from fellow dentists and online. Purchasing from major manufacturers and reputable resellers can offer quality assurances and warranties.
1. Online Classifieds
Online classifieds offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional advertising. They can be accessed by a wider audience and can be used for a variety of purposes. They are easy to use and can be viewed by anyone with access to the internet.
Many online sites cater to specific industries, such as Dentaltown and Orthotown for dentists and orthodontists. These websites feature forums to ask questions, the latest technology news, and classified ads for buying or selling equipment. These sites are a great resource for finding quality, trustworthy equipment for your practice.
The global online classifieds market is segmented by advertising types, business models, revenue sources, and regions. The thriving e-commerce industry and rising number of Internet users are contributing to the growth of the market. The emergence of horizontal classification models and increasing consumer demand for affordable products are also driving the market. The market is projected to grow at a rapid pace in the coming years.
2. Social Media
Creating a user-friendly website and maintaining an active presence on social media platforms are powerful strategies that increase brand visibility and enhance customer reach. Posting informative and engaging content related to dental equipment helps establish credibility as a medical professional, builds trust with potential clients, and boosts sales.
Using creative visuals to describe the benefits of dental procedures and products can also help increase customer engagement. Animated videos are an excellent option because they offer a more relatable and friendly alternative to graphic, gory images that may make some patients feel uncomfortable.
However, managing multiple social media accounts can be a time-consuming task. To save time, use social media management tools like SocialPilot to automate your posts and manage all of your channels from one place. Effortlessly schedule posts and access analytics from each channel to streamline your marketing strategy and maximize ROI. You can even collaborate with your team on individual posts for a smoother approval and feedback process.
3. Word of Mouth
Many dental practices find that a great way to increase sales and profitability is through word of mouth. This can be done through networking organically with peers, focusing on building relationships that provide value for each party.
Another great option is to use social media outlets such as Facebook Marketplace and local Facebook groups for purchasing equipment. Often times, these groups will be able to help you locate equipment near you to save on shipping costs and make the process easier.
There is also a trend towards greater sophistication in supply chain management at offices, Kizy says. More DSOs may begin to set up their own distributor systems, creating a more direct relationship with manufacturers and bypassing traditional distribution networks. This could also impact the way dentists order products. For example, DSOs may start to adopt formularies or pricing levels across their networks, forcing suppliers to alter how they sell their supplies. For this reason, it is important to consider your purchasing options and choose a supplier that will best suit your needs.
4. Trade In
In this era of e-commerce and instant communication, it’s easy to buy just about anything used. And dental and specialty equipment are no exception.
Purchasing new dental equipment can be expensive. That’s why many practices upgrade their equipment, from a new dental chair to a more modern sterilization unit.
Storing old or unneeded equipment can be expensive as well. In some cases, unused equipment may become obsolete, or even damaged during storage. Having an efficient system in place for selling equipment can save dental practices a lot of money and headaches.
A popular choice for dentists is Dental Town, a hub for the online dental community. The site hosts forums, blogs and events for dental professionals to connect and share information. Aside from being a convenient platform to sell equipment, Dental Town also offers trade-ins that allow dentists to save on purchasing new units. For example, broken x-ray sensors are a common item that dentists can trade in for new advanced models that give more explicit radiographic images of the mouth.