You enter the usual shopping center and the space that once sold children’s clothes has been replaced: someone has thought of opening a parapharmacy.
Mmm… Useful!
Or go to a large train station such as, for example, Milan or Verona and find a parapharmacy in the spaces that were once used as offices, now redeveloped. Practical and logical, on the road it can do anything.
And, even if they don’t sell prescription drugs, these exercises are practical for last-minute products or for a trip, substitutes for others, or simply natural.
At some point, you might have an idea: what if I wanted to open a parapharmacy?
They look like shops that work very well, with insured customers. The most recent statistics speak for themselves: one in 3 Italians is treated with the drugs sold in these establishments.
What difference would it make with a pharmacy? Are there only the products to be requested with the doctor’s prescription, or is there something else that differentiates the two activities?
What bureaucratic process and what training would there be?
Let’s find out with this article: follow us.
FROM THE BERSANI LAW TO THE NEW REGULATIONS ON HOW TO OPEN A PARAPHARMACY
Among the various Cresci-Italia and Salva-Italia laws of 2006-Bersani there is one that regulates the drugs sold by parapharmacies. And it is the one to which we currently refer to the products sold in these shops.
In fact, the reform of this sector (over-the-counter drugs without prescription) was aimed at increasing commercial competition for the benefit of consumers. Because on this type of drugs you can determine the price in a competitive way and also apply discounts.
The Ministry of Health establishes new rules for parapharmacies, emphasizing the distinction between two different ways of selling to the public.
These are rules that, in reality, the previous legislation already provided. This is the substantial difference that businesses can sell all C-class drugs without a prescription.
While for other products the circle is limited to self-medication (OTC) medicines, which are also sold without a prescription. What does all this mean?
The Italian National Health Service places drugs not granted by the NHS and therefore paid for by the citizen in Band C.
Medicines used for minor or considered minor diseases, which, therefore, are not considered essential or life-saving.
To give an example: the best-selling drugs in parapharmacies are Aspirins, Oki and creams to relieve minor pains.
In addition to mild antipyretics such as the famous Tachipirina and related products, starting with Tachifludec.
OPEN A PARAPHARMACY OR A PHARMACY: WHAT CHANGES?
The difference with pharmacies is not only one of service but must also be in form.
Starting with the sign: the parapharmacy cannot use the word “pharmacy” or the green cross.
Nor are there any other identifying symbols that could lead the consumer to believe that it is a pharmacy.
We then move on to the question of training.
THE PRESENCE OF THE PHARMACIST
The current legislation does not provide that the members or the owner are all pharmacists, as in a normal pharmacy.
To sell drugs, the presence of a qualified and qualified pharmacist, i.e. registered in the order, is required, but does not necessarily have to be the owner.
Its presence, however, must be guaranteed throughout the opening hours of the business. Although he is not required to personally deliver the medicines to each client.
He can remain, if he wishes, in the back room or arrange the shelves, but always available for a consultation.
Yes, because, as you know, even self-medication drugs, if taken incorrectly, can lead to unwanted effects.
Pharmacists can also offer valid suggestions in choosing the drug according to the problem or pathology.
Shoulder pain? Better be the pharmacist authorized to give us the consultation. And to direct us towards antipyretic cream or tablets.
NOT ONLY PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS
Parapharmacies are commercial establishments created for the sale of various kinds of products. Not only pharmaceuticals, but also products for hygiene and children. And veterinary, dietary, herbal, homeopathic, cosmetic, medical aids or accessories of different types.
These exercises focus on 360 ° personal care. In fact, they no longer distribute only emergency medicines but also prevention medicines, compatible with the rise in the average age.
A small drawback, in this growing market, could be that there are no legal obligations regarding the minimum distance for opening parapharmacies, unlike pharmacies.
Sometimes, in the same shopping center there are also two.
To beat the competition, it will therefore be necessary to take care of the location.
And, of course, carefully plan communication and commercial choices.
On the other hand, you need to have a little entrepreneurial spirit to open a business, right?
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BUSINESS PLAN
The business plan cannot be missing, it must be well articulated, to examine well the various facets of the business.
We would be lying if we said that over the years we have only witnessed a boom in openings and not several closings.
From a thorough analysis, the factors are almost always attributable to the entrepreneur.
We now know that it is quite risky to start any business without the business plan.
It must be accurate and include, for example, a correct geo-marketing analysis.
An in-depth study of this type serves to understand the territory and its catchment area well.
A precise positioning and communication strategy must be established, structuring the proposal and the investment in the best possible way.
Opening in front of another similar but consolidated exercise, in a closed or dark street, does not appear to be the wisest of ideas.
Yet someone did it: we are living in an epochal change but full of opportunities and opportunities, for those who know how to take advantage of it.
Creating a modern center dedicated to health and wellness is very different from a traditional pharmacy.
It will certainly be a more exciting business for the entrepreneur pharmacist.
It will also prove more useful for the customer who, today, is particularly attentive and informed. And who seeks and sometimes identifies the first answers to his problems on the Internet.
A good business plan answers all this.
Easy access to information has completely changed the rules of the game and people’s needs.
This awareness must be the starting point on which to build a new business. But we must act following a precise strategy.
Your customer will be able to identify you if you can build a reputation and stand out for professionalism, offer and prices.
OPEN A SUCCESSFUL PARAPHARMACY: THE CHOICE OF THE LOCATION
The premises to open a Parapharmacy must be, first of all, of a commercial nature and accessible.
For the sole sale of products, a room of about 50 square meters may be sufficient.
Non-prescription drugs can also be displayed in shelves accessible by customers independently.
The choice of a small location, however, could limit your business possibilities.
On the contrary, a 100/150 sq m shop would allow you to offer additional services. Such as check-up exams, consultations, beauty treatments, as well as areas to be dedicated to the products on sale.
Together with the exhibition spaces, the premises must include rooms for administration, warehouse, dressing room and services for the staff, of course.
THE RULES FOR CHOOSING WHERE TO OPEN A PARAPHARMACY
We have identified some basic rules to correctly choose a location.
First of all, the shop must be welcoming, well furnished and equipped.
The area in which you intend to open must guarantee a catchment area that is adequate for the objectives, in order to obtain a constant influx of customers, loyal or otherwise.
You must therefore evaluate the presence of competing activities.
Such as pharmacies, herbalists, parapharmacies, shopping centers. By avoiding the competition, your parapharmacy will become a reference point for the neighborhood.
Choose a passage way, possibly looking for a compromise between visibility and cost of the premises.
Also pay attention to other businesses in the area, which can encourage the presence of customers.
This is the case of medical offices, clinics, diagnostic or physiotherapy centers, retirement homes for the elderly, sports centers, veterinarians.
A plus is the possibility of parking nearby.
You will need to place a sign externally, to clearly communicate the presence of your parapharmacy.
As mentioned before, green crosses are prohibited.
This option is reserved for pharmacies only, in order to facilitate identification by customers.
But don’t worry, you can opt for other colors, such as blue or red. Perhaps remembering that blue, not blue, is usually associated with veterinarians. Just so as not to get confused.
HOW TO OPEN A PARAPHARMACY: THE BUROCRATIC ASPECTS
The procedure for starting the business may surprise you because it is quite simple compared to what you think.
It starts with the notification of the start of business, an operation that takes place at the Commerce Office of the Municipality where the parapharmacy is to be opened.
It can be presented personally, by fax, PEC or registered mail using the forms made available by the Municipality itself.
This must be accompanied by the Single Communication to the Chamber of Commerce and the Communication to the Ministry of Health.
The Ministry issues the code for the traceability of the drug.
The manager must register on the portal of the Ministry indicating his personal data.
At the end of the registration, you will receive an e-mail containing the user code and password to access the system and request the profile of the Communications Manager for Drug Traceability.
This is followed by the Communication to the Region, to the Medicines Agency and to the Order of Pharmacists.
As you can see, this is not even a too difficult process, considering everything.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO OPEN A PARAPHARMACY?
Obviously the first expense is the rent (or purchase, but more likely the first) of the premises.
Deposit plus fee, we know it’s not a joke. Also because it is necessary to try to position the parapharmacy in frequented and visible places.
These parameters make the price go up, but you have to think with a view to future earnings.
The ideal would be to find a good compromise between visibility and rental or purchase fee and taxes of the appropriate property.
To this you must then add renovations and lighting, as well as the cash desk.
And the heart of the store: the exhibitors. You will have to carefully study the layout to enhance all the products. Including refrigerated display cases where to keep lactic ferments, supplements etc.
The lighting must be designed to highlight the goods and put the customers at ease.
You don’t have to forget the various utilities: electricity, drinking water, telephone line and wifi.
The POS service must always be operational, it has become an obligation (2016 Stability Law) and in any case it is useful, given the spread of credit cards and, even more so, debit and rechargeable cards.
Finally, one or more computers will be needed to manage sales and warehouse through specific management software, in addition to the indispensable barcode reader.
You will need to procure an initial supply of merchandise, stock a few pieces for each product, and finally take care of the promotion for the launch of your store.
Take advantage of online and offline advertising to make yourself known to potential customers.
BEYOND THE INITIAL EXPENSES THERE ARE MANAGEMENT COSTS
Like any business you will find yourself having to manage expenses spread over time by now known, but let’s go over them.
- Monthly taxes and utilities: rent, telephone, electricity and water supply.
- Sales clerks or pharmacists.
- Any costs of assistance or maintenance of the equipment.
- Consultation of an accountant to manage the accounting.
The key word is “invest well” because focusing only on savings is not a winning philosophy. Without investments it is difficult to achieve good results.
The good fortune of having come across a moment of recovery (at least from a financial point of view), will allow you to be able to count on liquidity that in recent years were impractical.
Leasing companies and banks, ratings and guarantees permitting, will allow you to start a business by financing part of the expenses.
Huge capital is not always needed. Alternative commercial solutions allow you to acquire the instruments without the need for a lot of liquidity.
Leasing, for example, is one of the most used tools for the purchase of furniture and equipment.
HOW TO OPEN A PARAPHARMACY BETTING ON FRANCHISING
An alternative solution that many resort to to open a store such as a parapharmacy, especially in shopping centers, is franchising.
In this way you can benefit from commercial and administrative know-how, assistance and training. In addition to the guarantee of a brand already consolidated on the market.
Normally there are no entry fees or royalty payments.
And franchising affiliation also allows you to deal with specialized companies even in the development, design and definition of objectives.
Stipulating a franchise agreement offers several advantages. For an initial investment, partner companies often offer turnkey options.
The advantage is, first of all, of an economic nature.
The initial investment will be lower than what you could make by running your business on your own.
But on the other hand you will have advantageous conditions on the supply of the products.
We have already talked about the other advantages of working with established and constantly growing brands. Continuous training and continuous observation!
In conclusion: opening a parapharmacy can guarantee excellent profit margins. But you need to hone your business skills and never stop planning the next steps.
IDENTIFY YOUR CUSTOMER TARGET
This can help you to offer ad hoc discounts and promotions.
To beat the competition, you will need to make wise marketing choices, and also take care of communication.
We will never stop insisting on this point, especially now that brand marketing is easily accessible via the web. And that marketing courses are within everyone’s reach, including owners.
And, should the need arise, web marketing experts can plan successful promotional campaigns. Without investing exaggerated figures.
To get more results, consider selling your products online as well. Matching e-commerce to your website exponentially multiplies the potential audience. And, consequently, the sales possibilities.
Even home delivery could be a winning move, followed by you, or by those who offer this service in the area. Like, for example, Glovo .
You could also join an app that offers discounts and signals your presence in the area.
We have given you the basic information to open your pharmacy, a business that if well organized can give you satisfaction.
You must not neglect any aspect, from market research to the choice of suppliers, from personnel selection to promotion. It is also important to attend refresher courses on the various relevant issues.
