Audio File of Resmed "Internet Sales are Not a Good Thi

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 11:19 am

sthnreb wrote:
We don't look at Ford or GM to get us discount vehicles when we can't afford them. We don't villify Gerber because they don't send us baby food for our children when we can't afford it. So I do actually wonder why we feel that ResMed should base business decisions on the same criteria?
I don't think Cpap and other internet companies are "giving" anything away at a discount. They are educated people making a good living off of internet sales. I know that prices can vary from one site to another by hundreds of dollars. So, do you call the one selling the cheapest giving away or discounting for people without insurance? BTW-Cpap.com does do insurance too and also for seniors. They are still making money or would not be in business otherwise. Now, to raise the ante by 40-60% more is at quite a larger profit margin. You have to respect the internet companies that really stand to make a higher profit but still back patients view points and work to provide better service than DME's. Basically with internet providers paying the same as DME's and making a good profit you can only deduct that the DME's are truly getting rich from sales at over double the profit already (greed). And now they seek even more by restricting internet sales to higher prices according to Resmed. Cpap.com has innovations you don't see anywhere else on the internet or by DME's and still provide competitive internet pricing and cheaper DME pricing.
I once knew a person that was always saying he was losing money when he sold something. When I inquired how he could stay in business losing so much money, he said I sell so much!

Also, if you purchase from a DME, you don't want to forget to shop at Ebay for those manuals they remove and keep from patients and sell on Ebay. You know, the provider manuals that go for at least $7 more bucks on Ebay and come free from the manufacturer and internet sales companies. Just another profit line for DME's. (stealing to remove from package?)

Just my opinion from an ignert sutherner.

MaskedMechanic · Post by **MaskedMechanic** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 6:16 pm

Improved CPAP equipment technology has made it possible to serve distant patients as the combination of cpap.com/cpaptalk.com and its customers/friends prove daily. Combining cuttings edge products and internet technology is a winning formula for patients, providers, and manufacturers alike. Some fear for the pre Internet business model and try to defend it. Others are using technology to help patients adapt and succeed. I remain amazed that traditional DMEs so rarely use the Internet to help their patients learn and succeed. Why do they not use the Internet in powerful ways? They are leaving the Internet to CPAP.com. Not a good idea, IMHO.

guest99 · Post by **guest99** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 6:53 pm

I can answer the question, why do DMEs "not use the Internet in powerful ways?" Cause more often than not, their patients are unhappy with them. Look at the leadership of the biggest DME, Apria. Here is the Message Board for Sleep Disorders.

Beware: It is very sad to see fellow hoseheads suffering so much through their lack of education and service. They are literally dying because of the effects of untreated apnea.

http://www.apria.com/resources/aw_resou ... 10,00.html

If you were Apria, Maskedmechanic, would you want to encourage more of these posts?

You know, Apria can do better. Wasn't it Resmed that said the Internet providers did not make enough money to provide service? Now Maskedmechanic, I have answered your question. Now try mine. How can Resmed's leadership make such claims and still be taken seriously ever again?

Anyone with eyes, let them see. The proof is in the link on the first post of this thread and this Apria link. The DME King has no service.

sthnreb · Post by **sthnreb** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 7:02 pm

LOL thanks for another "Ig-nant" response to this topic. Also to bring up the word "greed" shows that you must vote Democrat (as if nobody is entitled to wealth).

I assume that means you are thus Republican and wealthy because I alluded to neither Democrat or wealthy. Actually greed and wealth are two different subjects themselves. One can be wealthy without being greedy and one can also be greedy and still not be wealthy. You also have to consider what your opinion of wealth is. Some of the richest people in the world have very little money. When you combine the two usually the wealthy become wealthy because of their greed. As I said, usually, not always. I know it is difficult for you to understand those concepts so no need pursuing it further. Maybe that was why I said ignert and you said Ig-nant?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 7:00 am

It's foolish for Resmed to take a position on the "proper" channels of distribution, given that its equipment is sold in many countries and markets, where consumers face different situations. But, I've noticed that medical equipment makers in general are a bit stuffy when it comes to dealing directly, or almost directly, with end-users. Resmed, in Australia, where professionals are apparently held in higher regard than in America, may be even more stuffy in this regard.

I recall that when I was researching new APAP machines a few years back, Puritan Bennett was the only manufacturer that didn't seem to mind talking to a mere consumer. Yes, I know, it's a French company. Go figure. (BTW, both of my present APAPs are from P-B.)

sthnreb · Post by **sthnreb** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 7:25 am

They all say their software is for sleep labs and clinics but it is sold all over the internet, with no support. I have the Respironics Encore 1.5 and they offer no support whatsoever. $100 for software with no support. Their site allows clinics, Drs., and professionals to update for free but not the common lay person that purchases it for $100.

Maybe DME's sell the software for $500 and offer support and updates for free? (hahahahah, what a joke!)

Not a lot left for the end users that actually pay for this stuff. It's all about the manufacturer and middle people making money. As I said earlier, greed. That's why this forum is so important to people wanting to learn more about OSA.

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 7:27 am

Guest wrote: I've noticed that medical equipment makers in general are a bit stuffy when it comes to dealing directly, or almost directly, with end-users.

Given that this reluctance is an industrywide phenomenon, it's easy for me to conclude that the medical equipment manufacturers have simply been listening to their direct customers - DME's and physicians - not the end-users. It is clear enough that DME's and physicians have a strong monetary interest in not letting the patients assume personal control of their own therapy.

This could change if the equipment manufacturers begin to perceive that the end-users are, in fact, their customers, but that's not likely so long as most folks continue to get their equipment from local DME's. Hence, the push by some within the industry to limit internet sales.

Based on reports seen here, Resmed's policy decision to restrict internet sales went over like a lead balloon. I'd venture to guess that the other medical equipment manufacturers have been closely watching to see what would happen. It's just possible that we - the end-users - are now much closer to achieving recognition as the actual customers. I hope so, anyway.

Regards,
Bill

Machine

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