At times drive-thrus may make you feel more like a fast food worker than a pharmacist. But when it comes to business, they have their perks. Customers like the convenience, the easy access and the speedy service. At least that’s what we learned when we asked our pharmacist Facebook fans what they thought about drive-thrus.
Whether you’re looking to remodel your pharmacy or buy a new building, see what other pharmacists and owners have to say about drive-thru windows at the pharmacy.
“Families love it. When a child is sick or a family member is sick, we would certainly prefer them to use the drive-thru. Also, elderly or disabled persons love it. Cons of the drive-thru…we are NOT McDonalds! Sometimes it can be faster to just come inside. People can get impatient in the drive-thru. (They honk or ask what took so long when they get their turn). It also requires having enough help up front. And, in the winter it gets chilly. All in all, I know our store has customers because of the convenience of a drive-thru. Sometimes we just joke and ask, ‘Would you like fries with that?’”
Bridgett Edgar, Pharmacy Technician/Owner
Pharm A Save Monroe, Monroe, Wash.
“We have a drive-thru. With so many things going ‘drive up,’ we were ahead of the game when we added it in 1990. It does have some disadvantages, but the advantages outweigh them. Pros include: Easy access for customers who do not want to get out of their car. Fewer loud screaming children in the store. Great for head lice treatment customers. (Or is that great for us?) And, we get to see the customers’ pets. Cons include: It’s harder to market OTC items. Customers don’t get to see our remodeling improvements or our new indoor signage. It really slows things down when there is an insurance problem or the customer has a lot of questions. Overall, I would not have a store without a drive-up window.”
Kevin Teegarden, Owner and Business Manager
Chaffee Medicap Pharmacy, Chaffee, Mo.
“It’s the only way to go. I would never build another pharmacy without a drive-thru. From a service standpoint, which is what retail pharmacy is about, this is one of the best service items a pharmacy could offer for its customer base. It’s all about the convenience.”
Marcus Wilson, R.Ph., Co-Owner
Integrity Pharmacy, Springfield, Mo.
