Building a Successful Supplement Business: Best Practices for Independent Pharmacies

By Dr. Nicolette Mathey

Expanding into supplements offers independent pharmacies an exciting pathway to diversify revenue, deepen patient relationships, and enhance overall wellness in your community. If you’re considering adding supplements to your pharmacy’s offerings, it helps to learn from industry pioneers like TW Taylor and Jamie Reid from Williamsburg Drug Company, who have built an exceptionally successful supplement and wellness program.

Getting Started: Essential Supplements to Offer

Starting your supplement line doesn’t need to be complicated. Begin with foundational products that have broad patient appeal. Consider these six supplements to start:

• Magnesium
• Vitamin D3
• Multivitamin
• CoQ10
• Probiotic
• Zinc

These core supplements cater to common health concerns and can quickly establish your pharmacy as a trusted source for wellness products.

Best Practices for Setting Up Your Supplement Business

1. Focus on Quality and Branding

High-quality supplements build trust and loyalty. Consider privately labeling products to reinforce your pharmacy’s brand identity. Clearly branded supplements remind patients of your expertise and dedication to their health.

2. Integrate Patient Consultations and Clinical Testing

Follow the example set by TW Taylor and Jamie Reid, who have successfully incorporated clinical testing into their workflow. Offering micronutrient or other wellness testing can identify specific supplement needs, creating personalized recommendations for your patients.

3. Educate Your Team and Patients

Training your team on supplements, their benefits, and appropriate recommendations is crucial. Hold regular educational workshops, as Williamsburg Drug Company has done with their “Wellness Wednesday” events, to inform and engage your community.

4. Implement Subscription Models

Offering supplement subscriptions provides convenience to your patients and consistent revenue for your pharmacy. Subscription models also reinforce long-term patient relationships and ongoing wellness conversations.

5. Create Effective Marketing and Outreach

Use your pharmacy’s prescriber relationships and patient interactions as opportunities to discuss supplements and wellness products. Utilize professional marketing materials—available through Atrium24’s Dotti platform—to effectively communicate your supplement offerings and benefits.

Learn from Proven Success

TW Taylor and Jamie Reid at Williamsburg Drug Company have demonstrated the potential of a carefully structured supplement business, significantly enhancing both patient care and pharmacy revenue.

By following these best practices, you too can successfully implement and grow your pharmacy’s supplement business, moving beyond traditional prescription models into comprehensive patient wellness.

Ready to explore how to integrate a supplement program into your pharmacy’s growth strategy? Reach out today, and let’s discuss how Atrium24 can support your next steps.