Sales in your optical dispensary are an important part of your practice's revenue. And the ability to make that second pair frame sale can really help boost your numbers. Making that second pair sale is a big challenge for most practices, but it doesn't have to be. Many patients struggle to justify and afford a single pair of frames, let alone two. The selling responsibility shouldn't be left to fall entirely on your opticians. As the OD it's your job to plant the seed early and recommend or prescribe the need for more than one pair of frames.
We've put together a list of 4 problems throughout your office workflow that could be hurting your opportunity for second pair sales. Is there a proven method that has worked for your practice? Tell us more about it in the comments!
Is Your Office Workflow Hurting Second Pair Sales in Your Practice?
PROBLEM: NOT FULFILLING A NEED
Most patients in your practice are going to be able to tell if you're just trying to make an extra sale. They need to understand how a second pair of frames is going to benefit their quality of vision.
SOLUTION: Being able to prescribe a pair of frames as computer glasses, protective sunwear, or sport/recreation frames are three examples of needs that your patients might need filled by their eyewear. Don't just hope that the discount will do the selling for you. As the OD it's your job to use your influence and expertise to help your optician close those sales in the dispensary.
PROBLEM: OPTICAL HAND OFF NEEDS HELP
Once you've fulfilled a patient need with a recommendation, how are you handing your patients off to your opticians? Having a strong hand off and communicating patient needs to your optician is an important part of the sale.
SOLUTION: There are a few different ways to handle the optical hand off. Try one of these options:
- OD delivers the patient to the optician in optical
- OD brings the optician into the exam room for a consultation
- Front desk delegates the hand off
- Optician joins the OD for the full exam
PROBLEM: PRICING IS UNCONVINCING
Do you have a promotion, special offer, or discount for all second pair sales in place? If you don't or if your patients aren't responding to it, it's probably not a valuable offer. The main reason patients won't purchase a second pair of frames is due to cost, so lowering that barrier is the surest way to convince them of the value of having an extra set of eyeglasses.
SOLUTION: Most practices offer some type of discount on second pair sales. This is a great opportunity to test some different pricing incentives to see what your patients are more responsive too. Options include things like buy one pair get the second 50% off, or $50 off a second pair when you buy one full price. There are many different ways you can spin the discount to see what works best for your market.
PROBLEM: UNMOTIVATED TEAM
Your team might not be pushing for second pair sales because they don't see their value. Extra motivation and incentives for your team can help your staff provide better service and close more sales in the dispensary. Working towards a team goal is a great way to keep everyone working together, and holds everyone accountable for the sales made in your practice.
SOLUTION: Depending on your budget, sales incentives can be offered in many different ways. You can provide a monetary team bonus when a monthly or quarterly goal is hit, or reward team members with something like an extra afternoon off from the office. Either way, be sure to emphasize how increasing optical dispensary sales can impact the team members' individual bottom lines as well as the growth of the practice.
Looking for more ways to boost sales in your dispensary? Check out our eBook with 4 weeks worth of ideas for boosting your sales!
