How to Start a Pharmacy Delivery in 2024

Are you thinking about jumping into the pharmaceutical delivery business?

With 88% of people wanting their prescriptions delivered to their homes, now is a great time to get started. The industry is expected to grow to USD 287.9 million by 2034.

But getting into this market needs careful planning. You’ll need to know the rules, sort out logistics, and get the right licenses. This guide will help you with everything from legal challenges to marketing tips, so you’re ready.

Whether you’re starting a new or growing an existing pharmacy, keep reading to learn how to successfully start your pharmacy delivery service.

Jump to the section that sparks your interest:

• What is a Pharmacy Delivery Service?
• Key Trends in the Pharmacy Delivery Service
• Why Patients Depend on Pharmacy Delivery Services
• How to Start a Pharmacy Delivery Business
• Streamline Pharmacy Operations with Route Optimization Software
• Transform Pharmacy Deliveries with Efficient Route Planning
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pharmacy Delivery Service?

A pharmacy delivery service brings medications and other pharmacy products right to people’s homes or chosen spots.

This service is great for those who have trouble getting to a pharmacy because of mobility issues, busy lives, or health problems. By delivering, businesses make sure customers get their prescriptions fast and easily, which boosts access and keeps clients happy.

Key Trends in the Pharmacy Delivery Service

The pharmacy delivery industry is changing fast with new trends. Here are some to keep an eye on:

• eCommerce and digitalization. More people are shopping online, so the online pharmacy market is set to grow a lot in the next few years. Pharmacies are going digital to offer easy services like online ordering and prescription refills.
• Telemedicine and remote consultations. Telemedicine is on the rise, and pharmacists are using it to better care for patients. By adding delivery services to virtual consultations, patients can get their prescriptions without leaving home.
• Personalization and customization. To help patients stick to their medication plans, pharmacies are doing more than just delivering. They’re offering personalized drug packaging, dose reminders, and custom-made medications.
• Pharmaceutical automation and robotics. Automation, like robotic dispensing systems and automated packaging, makes pharmacies more efficient and cuts down on mistakes.
• Sustainability. Pharmacies are going green by using recyclable packaging, planning delivery routes to lower carbon emissions, and exploring alternative energy for delivery vehicles.

Research indicates that a significant majority of consumers, around 60-70%, are willing to invest extra for eco-friendly packaging solutions. That encourages pharmacies to adopt eco-friendly practices.

By keeping up with these trends, pharmacy delivery services can boost efficiency, meet new customer demands, and stay competitive.

Why Patients Depend on Pharmacy Delivery Services

Entrepreneurs starting pharmacy delivery services need to know why patients prefer this option and meet their varied needs and preferences.

• Pharmacy delivery services make managing health easier by bringing medications right to patients' doors, perfect for busy schedules.
• Patients can save money with the discounts and deals often provided by pharmacy delivery services, making it a cost-effective way to get medications.
• Delivery services ensure that even those in rural areas or with limited mobility can easily access their prescription drugs.
• Home delivery helps patients stick to their medication schedules, leading to better treatment outcomes.
• Online pharmacy delivery adds a personal touch, making the experience more convenient and showing care for consumers.

By leveraging these benefits, business owners can create a pharmacy delivery service that meets customer needs and drives growth.

PRO TIP: Interested in starting a medical delivery service? Check out our guide for tips on starting your journey in this field.

How to Start a Pharmacy Delivery Business

Here’s a step-by-step guide to launching an independent pharmacy delivery service.

Step 1: Conduct Market Research

Before you start, it's crucial to analyze the market, understand the demand and trends for pharmacy delivery, and study your competitors closely.

Ask yourself these questions before moving forward:

• Are you an existing pharmacy planning to add delivery?
• Are you starting a third-party delivery service?
• Will you deliver to customers, hospitals, or clinics?
• Will you expand into a medication delivery courier?

These questions will help you clarify your business goals, aiding in decision-making and commitment.

When studying the pharmacy industry, market, and competitors, pay attention to the details. Look at how competitors operate and what makes them unique. Finding their niche can help you discover your own.

Step 2: Understand Your Customers' Needs

Your customers value their safety and well-being, preferring to stay indoors. Also, consider other reasons they want medication delivery, such as:

• Ease and convenience
• Low costs and discounts from online pharmacies
• Better management and adherence to prescribed medications
• Ability to monitor medication schedules
• Automatic refills and free delivery

By providing fast delivery, you're not just delivering medications; you're offering a great experience for your customers.

Step 3: Learn the State Laws and Regulations

Understand the state laws and regulations before starting your pharmacy delivery service. The sale of prescription medicines and other medical supplies is regulated by laws that vary by location. So, research the specific laws for the state or city where you are launching your service.

Make sure you address the following when aligning your business with laws and regulations:

• Where and to whom can the medications be delivered?
• What types of user data can you store and share with other stakeholders in the process?
• What information will you record, and how do you plan to store and secure it?

Your business should also follow the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Review the FDA Code of Federal Regulations related to food and drugs.

Step 4: Get Licenses and Permits

Seek legal assistance to secure the necessary licenses and permits required to launch your medicine delivery service. Start by choosing a legal structure and then register for the necessary industry-specific permits.

Obtaining licenses and permits for food and drugs can be complex, so having legal counsel or experienced advisors can be very helpful.

Step 5: Create a Business Plan

A robust business plan serves as a guide for every phase of your prescription delivery venture, spanning from inception to expansion. Highlight key elements in your plan to convince banks, investors, and customers to choose you.

Your business plan should include:

• An executive summary with your company’s vision, mission, and product or service
• Details about the company, delivery models, key people, and legal entity
• Market analysis with information on competitors, statistics, and trends
• The line of products and services you will offer
• Marketing plans and strategies
• An outline of your funding requests and requirements

Step 6: Manage Funding

Create a clear business plan to identify funding options that fit your pharmaceutical delivery business model and goals. Some good financing options are:

• Traditional lenders like local banks, credit unions, and financial institutions
• Personal loans
• Organizations like the Small Business Administration
• Angel investors or private investors
• Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo

When applying for a loan, you will need to include three main types of funds:

• Build-out Capital: Your startup costs for acquiring fixed assets.
• Opening Inventory Financing: Funds to maintain inventory.
• Working Capital: Used for day-to-day expenses like utilities and payroll.

Step 7: Set Up a Physical Store

Raising capital is crucial for starting your pharmacy business, whether you’re buying a store, setting up a warehouse, or going online.

Select an optimal location for your physical store to ensure convenient access for your customers. Consider these factors when picking your location:

• Nearby competitors
• Local demand for pharmacy services
• Customer purchasing power
• Road networks and accessibility

Or, consider developing a dedicated medicine delivery app or pharmacy delivery platform. These apps let users conveniently order medications from home. Once you receive orders, you can recruit staff for packaging and hire drivers for timely deliveries.

Step 8: Hire Staff

Running an online medicine delivery service requires round-the-clock support from pharmacists, business managers, supply chain executives, and drivers. These roles ensure smooth operations and keep customers happy.

Responsibilities include helping patients with chronic illnesses and handling hundreds of daily orders, often requiring same-day delivery. So, hiring experienced individuals who are familiar with medical supplies is essential.

PRO TIP: Experienced drivers are key for on-time deliveries. They are available on platforms such as FlexJobs, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed.

Step 9: Develop Marketing Strategies

Your marketing and branding strategy should match your brand and user experience goals. It’s not just about being online; it’s about creating a great experience.

With many brands offering pharmacy delivery services, how will you stand out? Make sure you have strong ideas and strategies to outshine competitors and attract potential customers.

Step 10: Optimize Delivery Routes

One of the most important aspects of a medical courier service comes: route planning and optimization.

Optimizing delivery routes is crucial for medical delivery services. Efficient route planning software ensures timely deliveries of prescription medications, eliminating delays and customer dissatisfaction. Using route planning software saves time, avoids manual methods, reduces fuel costs, manages drivers, tracks locations, and boosts customer satisfaction.

Streamline Pharmacy Operations with Route Optimization Software

Independent pharmacy delivery services often face route planning inefficiencies when relying on tools like Google Maps or physical maps, even with significant time investment.

Adopting modern route planning solutions is essential for improving pharmacy delivery operations as digitization progresses. Here are some useful features of eLogii that can transform your pharmaceutical delivery service:

1. Route Planning and Optimization

eLogii's route planning and optimization go beyond a standard route planner. It considers distance, time, delivery windows, priority, vehicle type, and driver availability to optimize routes. This efficient planning saves time, reduces fuel costs, minimizes vehicle wear and tear, and ensures timely deliveries of prescription drugs.

2. Proof of Delivery and Record-Keeping

Proof of delivery and record-keeping are essential for prescription delivery businesses. eLogii makes this easy by capturing photos and e-signatures, ensuring comprehensive records. This is crucial for resolving disputes and meeting regulatory requirements in the US and Canada, where customer data must be stored for at least 7 years.

3. Live Driver Tracking

eLogii lets you track the real-time location and progress of your delivery drivers. The driver telemetry feature provides live phone data and location tracking, helping you avoid wasted time and excessive fuel use. It also helps identify delivery delays and enhances driver safety by monitoring driving behavior and responding swiftly to emergencies.

Transform Pharmacy Deliveries with Efficient Route Planning

Starting a pharmacy delivery service allows business owners to meet the growing demand for convenient healthcare solutions. By leveraging technology, building strong partnerships, and prioritizing customer satisfaction, you can create a successful delivery business that exceeds community expectations.

To stay competitive in the healthcare industry, remain flexible, keep an eye on industry trends, and continually improve your business processes. With dedication and innovation, you can positively impact your customers' lives while building a profitable and sustainable business.

Frequently Asked Questions