Treading Water

Money seems to be on everyone's mind these days and for good reason. Between the holidays and the current economic slowdown you might find yourself wondering how you'll be able to get ahead with the bills you already have, not to mention the unexpected ones that seem to crop up whenever you have a little extra cash. Chances are, you find it difficult to do anything because you don't know where to start. Relax. A lot of people are in your situation. What you need are some basic money saving tips. Whether you are financially secure or not, finding new ways to save money for your practice is never a bad thing. We hope this article will provide some insight on how to do just that.

Prevent Breakdowns:

When it comes to equipment maintenance some believe less equals more savings, but that isn't always the case. An ounce of prevention may help you avoid much larger problems in the future, and that only saves you money. A routine maintenance schedule should be kept with your service provider for your x-ray film processor. In order to maintain optimum performance, manufacturers recommend that preventative maintenance and calibration occur at least once a year on your x-ray machine; noting that it should occur more frequently for equipment that is subjected to a greater amount of use.

"Check with your service provider and ask if they offer discounts for buying in bulk."

Get Price Quotes:

Loyalty is a great trait, but if all you're receiving for your loyalty is over inflated prices for substandard service or equipment then you aren't receiving much loyalty in return, are you? That's where price quotes come in. In exchange for a few minutes of your time, whether online or over the phone, you are capable of requesting written quotes from a multitude of providers. These quotes provide you with the ability to truly compare your choices and not just in terms of cost, but the ability to see what type of product, service or name brand you will be receiving for every penny spent.

Do Your Homework:

This time old tradition is key in order for you to make an accurate and educated decision. Find out about the company. Who are they? What is their experience? How long have they been around? Learn about the actual service. What does it entail? Is that what is being offered? Find out about the product. Where is it made? What is it made of? How quickly will parts be available when needed? The internet is a great tool for research, but your homework shouldn't end there. Speak with your colleagues, those that have purchased what you desire and those that haven't; as well as those who utilize the company you're interested in and those that don't.

Buy in Bulk:

There is a reason why Costco and Sam's Club are as popular as they are. Most of us know we can save money buying consumables in bulk, but some don't know that holds true for some products your practice may utilize regularly. Check with your service provider and ask if they offer discounts for buying in bulk. You might be surprised to find out that they do. A few dollars shaved off the price every time you purchase darkroom products, paper products, x-ray supplies or film in bulk can add up to hundreds of dollars annually - enough to pay for one or two month's worth of electricity.

Annual Contracts:

The same logic behind purchasing all of your groceries from one place and utilizing your "Club Card"; for savings, can be applied to your radiography service. Most companies will offer a discount if you sign an annual contract with them. Contracts can be written in two ways - as a price guarantee for when you will need service or as a set amount (billed either annually or monthly) that will encompass unlimited service. If you can attain most of your services from one company, you're only adding to your savings and increasing your negotiating power when discussing service contracts.

Service Calls:

Most companies offer some type of emergency service for troubleshooting or repairing equipment failures, but when you call can mean the difference between $200 and $600 for labor costs - literally! Although one can not expect their radiography equipment to wait for the most convenient time to break down, one can save by deciding when to call their service provider. Services rendered after hours, on weekends or holidays could nearly triple your overall service expenditures. For most practices, the best advice is - if can wait until morning then wait.

Delivery or Pick up:

With a fluctuating and often times unstable oil market and an inflation rate of $0.45 cents just this year, shipping costs can be an enormous toll for all practices. Sometimes it's cheaper to request a pickup or have the items delivered directly by the company, as opposed to a shipping courier like UPS. Inquire if these services are available and what the cost differences are. Some companies provide free delivery of your order when delivered with your next scheduled appointment. Eliminating the shipping cost for one average shipment a month could cover the cost of your monthly internet fee.

Inquire on Pre-Owned:

There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking if the part you require or equipment you desire is available in pre-owned status. Often times they are acquired by companies for next to nothing and are in above average condition. They can provide you with the an excellent opportunity to repair current equipment or purchase "new" equipment with a huge savings advantage. To protect your investment, always inquire on the product's warranty and whether it's offered by the manufacturer or service provider. Pre-owned products can save you hundreds, and even thousands of dollars.

Upgrade Technology:

If short term finances aren't an issue then why not work on long term savings by upgrading to new technology? Advancing from film based x-rays to digital x-rays can eliminate almost all of the expenses involved with conventional processing. That means no more purchasing chemistry, x-ray film, and space consuming storage. It can free up much needed space at your facility; as well as remove toxins from the air associated with processing chemicals. An internet connection can provide most digital services instantly and substantially lower service costs by eliminating the need for travel.

Always Offer Cash:

Remember the days when paying your attendant cash verses credit meant saving a few nickels at the pump? Well those days aren't completely gone. They have just been forgotten. When you can afford to pay cash then offer it. Unless of course you actually use all of those frequent flyer miles you pick up at the mall? Most of us don't. What you will find might surprise you. The savings aren't necessarily in the avoidance of credit card or application fees, although that helps, but most companies will give you a substantial discount. It gives a whole new meaning to being asked paper or plastic.

Well there you have it, ten tried and true methods on how to reasonably cut costs without sacrificing quality. We hope you will utilize some or all of these tips as you begin to create or finalize your budgets for the coming year. It's never too early or too late to save money. With a little discipline and some faith you can survive the economic tide by doing more than just treading water.

For more information visit http://www.awalshimaging.com
COPYRIGHT 2008 A Walsh Imaging, Inc.

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<a href="http://www.awalshimaging.com/article05.htm">TREADING WATER</a>: Powerful and proven tips for practices of all sizes. Surviving the economic tide can be as simple as monitoring your radiography service expenses in order to get the most for your money.