How to Vet a Pharmaceutical Wholesaler: A Practical Checklist
Choosing a new wholesaler is a decision that affects patient safety, cash flow and your own regulatory standing. Whether you run a single independent pharmacy or procure for a group of private clinics, a structured vetting process saves time and avoids costly mistakes.
Step 1: Confirm the licence
Check the supplier's wholesale dealer's licence on the MHRA register. Make sure the licensed address and company name match the business you are dealing with.
Step 2: Understand their sources
Ask where they buy from. A reputable wholesaler will buy from manufacturers, licensed importers or other authorised wholesalers, and should be able to explain how they qualify those suppliers.
Step 3: Test their service
How do they handle urgent orders and out-of-hours requests?
What are their cut-off times and delivery windows?
Can they source items that are hard to find, and how transparent are they about lead times?
Step 4: Review paperwork and terms
Look at invoices, delivery notes and credit terms. Clear documentation makes your own record-keeping simpler, and fair credit terms can make a real difference to a pharmacy's cash flow.
Step 5: Start small
Place a trial order before moving significant volume. It tells you more than any brochure about accuracy, packaging and communication.
Red flags
Prices that look far below the market without a clear explanation.
Reluctance to share licence details or the name of the Responsible Person.
Pressure to pay by unusual methods or to accept stock without paperwork.
If you are reviewing your supplier list, Acorn Pharmaceuticals welcomes the scrutiny. Send us your questions and we will answer them in writing.
Talk to Acorn Pharmaceuticals: email gb@acornpharmaceuticals.co.uk or message us on WhatsApp.
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