Provider's Internet sales booming

SHERMAN, Texas - Lynncore Medgroup launched a new Web site and line of incontinence products late last year. The result: Internet sales now make up about 50% of total sales. Buying in large volume and offering fewer product lines helps the provider pass on savings to customers, said CEO Will Cates. "We provide the best quality products we feel are on the market today," said Cates. "Everything we do is lean and aggressive." The eight-year-old Lynncore now offers a full line of adult incontinence products, like briefs, underpads, pull-ups, wipes and creams, in addition to standard DME like scooters, bath safety and mobility aids. Offering customers the chance to shop online is convenient and discreet, said Tony Woodall, vice president of business development. "These are very bulky items," said Woodall. "We're going to ship them in a case delivered to their doorstep, rather than them going to Wal-Mart, loading up the cart and standing in the check-out line." The site is simple to navigate, with as few clicks as possible. Product pictures aid the customer in making purchases. "People may not understand what they are actually looking for," said Woodall. "They may not need a pull-up; perhaps they can use something less expensive like a liner or a pad." One popular feature: Customers can order free samples before making a decision. Customers can order online or by telephone. Lynncore also offers an automatic delivery program that allows customers to schedule weekly or monthly shipments. Customers can pay via automatic bank withdrawals, credit card or check, and delivery is free. "You get into most other sites, the products looked like they were reasonably priced," said Woodall. "But once you got to the shipping, they made it up."