Businesses Everywhere Are Choosing Uber for Deliveries, Should your Pharmacy too?

October 4, 2024

With the rise of on-demand services, many businesses, from fast food restaurants to retail shops, are choosing delivery solutions like Uber rather than managing it on their own. With the launch of Uber pharmacy deliveries through MedEssist: Convenient, traceable, and compliant delivery is now available on demand for any pharmacy. 

For smaller pharmacies, utilizing MedEssist for deliveries is an obvious choice.  But for pharmacies that currently have a dedicated driver, at what point is it more cost effective to opt for Uber delivery over having a dedicated driver? 

Let’s dive into this:

Based on our calculations, MedEssist Uber delivery is a cost-effective option if your pharmacy averages fewer than 35 deliveries per day. However, if your pharmacy handles more than 35 deliveries daily, hiring a private delivery driver may be more economical.

We arrived at this conclusion by analyzing private delivery driver job postings and factoring in all associated vehicle expenses. We then compared this total to Uber’s pricing in Canada. For a detailed breakdown, refer to the charts below to help you choose between using Uber for pharmacy deliveries or hiring a dedicated driver.

Cost breakdown comparison for MedEssist Uber deliveries vs. a private driver

Other Things to Consider

When it comes to choosing between using MedEssist for pharmacy deliveries or hiring a private driver, there are several important factors to consider beyond just cost.

MedEssist Delivery

MedEssist is designed to accommodate pharmacies of all sizes, making it an ideal solution for those handling fewer than 35 deliveries per day as well as those managing 35 or more deliveries daily. One of its key benefits is its flexibility and on-demand availability, allowing for operations on weekdays, weekends, and holidays. The user-friendly app simplifies the tracking and management of deliveries, making it especially useful for urgent prescriptions that need quick attention.

Even if your pharmacy is doing more than 35 deliveries per day, the cost of using MedEssist is roughly comparable to hiring a driver yourself. However, with MedEssist, you avoid the challenges of hiring, training, and managing delivery staff. This means less administrative work and fewer logistical issues, such as car maintenance, breakdowns, insurance, and record keeping. It’s as simple as a few clicks to ensure timely deliveries, allowing you to focus on your core business without the added burden.

MedEssist deliveries are not only quick and efficient, but they can also accommodate any volume of requests at any time, depending on your location. Plus, you have the option to expedite deliveries when needed. For any pharmacy, MedEssist is clearly a hassle-free and efficient solution that streamlines operations while providing reliable service.

In House Private Driver

On the other hand, hiring a delivery driver brings its own advantages. Having an in-house driver means they become part of your pharmacy’s team, contributing to a more personal and consistent customer experience. This can enhance brand representation and develop stronger relationships with your customers. Additionally, if the pharmacy has multiple nearby locations, the in-house driver can split their time delivering between different locations.

An added benefit to consider is that having an in-house driver may offer greater accessibility in rural areas, whereas Uber coverage can vary significantly by location. In urban locations, Uber drivers can arrive in just minutes, with service available 24/7. Conversely, rural areas typically have at least one Uber driver available, but the speed of delivery is reduced due to a lower number of drivers. For those in rural settings, MedEssist Uber deliveries can still be effective, provided you are comfortable with same-day arrival. However, it’s important to note that you may not be able to expedite deliveries as quickly as you could with your own dedicated driver.

Bottom Line

Choosing between MedEssist and a private delivery driver depends on several factors, including your delivery volume, budget, and need for flexibility. MedEssist offers a hassle-free, flexible option with almost no administrative upkeep but may be costlier for high delivery volumes (roughly more than 35 deliveries a day). When making this decision, remember to take into account other factors beyond costs!

← Back to Blog

Newsletter

Sign up for practical tips, tricks, and insights to simplifying your workflow and growing your business.
(unsubscribe anytime)

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Ready to simplify your practice and meet new patients?
Go live with your new web portal and pharmacy dashboard in less than 24 hours.
Still unsure? 
Send us a message!
Our team is here to answer any questions you have.
Support is just a click away!