Effective immediately and until further notice, Benco will not be able to accept returns of certain products including masks, gloves, disinfectant wipes and some others. Here’s why:
These are extraordinary circumstances, and we regret any inconvenience. Supply for these products isn’t even close to catching up with demand. We are currently trying to supply some hospitals that are desperate for lifesaving PPE while our dentist customers are either closed or responding only to emergencies. Right now, companies like Benco and our vendors need to focus our finite resources on making sure we’re quickly moving products out to customers, and therefore we cannot prioritize processing returns for the foreseeable future.
There are some very compelling reasons why you should not return these products. We ask that you please consider the following:
- You can donate your excess to frontline healthcare professionals actively fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in your local communities. Given the circumstances, that’s a heroic act. You’ll be helping to literally save lives. Reach out to local healthcare facilities and agencies. Also, talk to your accountant since your donation may be tax deductible.
- We don’t know how long the COVID-19 situation will last. We also don’t know if the outbreak will subside, then reappear. Supply and demand are unpredictable right now. If you return your necessary supply, we cannot guarantee you’ll be able to purchase more again later. It’s safer to keep your necessary inventory rather than take the risk of being without product when you need it most.
- We don’t know for sure when prices will stabilize. Keeping what you’ve already ordered means you’ve locked in a small supply of vital products at a reasonable cost. If you return them, and prices skyrocket, you could end up paying significantly more to re-order what you already have. Benco has never, and will never, engage in price gouging, but manufacturing costs always rise down the line when demand outstrips supply and that is beyond our control.
- Rationing will remain in place for the foreseeable future. It helped Benco ensure supply continuity for nearly all customers at a time when other suppliers quickly ran out. However, the situation remains fluid. The supply chain is highly stressed. Any interruption could impact supply, and Benco may need to tighten allowable quantities in response with little or no notice. By holding your necessary inventory, you have the peace of mind of knowing it’s there when you need it.
- When your practice reopens—and it will—it is likely that patients who had to delay treatment are going flood your appointment books. You will use more product, over a shorter period of time, as you play catch-up. Why risk being unable to treat as many patients as you need to because you don’t have the supplies? Supply chains are stretched thin as it is…imagine what could happen if there is a further spike in demand as practices nationwide all reopen around the same time.
As supply once again gradually aligns with demand, Benco will revisit this policy. In the meantime, we ask for your understanding. We’re here for you in good times and bad, and are working diligently under extraordinary pressure to meet the unprecedented demand for infection control products.
We know that the safest, smartest hedge against unpredictable supply chains and unstable prices is to hold the necessary inventory you currently have if you will need it all. If you won’t need it all, please consider donating it to the fight against COVID-19. Rest assured, despite current challenges, we continue to join you in your own philanthropic efforts by donating at least 5% of profits to charity through the Benco Family Foundation.
Thank you for choosing Benco. Now more than ever, we’re in this together, and we’re humbled and proud of your support.
