The Company

Mario Verrocchi and Jack Gance established Chemist Warehouse in 2000 with a single store in Melbourne. Since then, the company has grown into Australia's foremost pharmacy retailer, boasting a network of 600 stores. Chemist Warehouse has also extended its presence to New Zealand, China, and Ireland. Distinctively, the company has disrupted the conventional pharmacy model by predominantly driving sales through prominently displayed front-of-store items. Mark Finocchiaro serves as one of the managing partners and directors for Chemist Warehouse Australia.

Rebates play a crucial role in the pharmaceutical industry as they facilitate the management of supplier and retailer relationships. Finocchiaro says, “They are an integral aspect of our business operations, aligning with industry norms to foster effective collaboration among stakeholders. Adhering to industry guidelines ensures smooth cooperation and mutually beneficial outcomes for all parties involved.”

The Challenge

In the early stages, the rebate management process at Chemist Warehouse relied heavily on manual methods such as Excel spreadsheets and handwritten agreements stored in desk drawers. However, as the business grew, it became evident that this manual approach was not sustainable.  

Finocchiaro says, “We recognized the need for scalability and efficiency, so we embarked on a journey to modernize our rebate management system by transitioning from traditional spreadsheets to technology-driven solutions. This evolution was necessary to meet the demands of our expanding operations and ensure smoother, more streamlined processes.”

The Software

Why Enable?

Finocchiaro comments, “We selected Enable as our rebate management platform because it encompassed all the essential features we sought, effectively rendering traditional spreadsheets obsolete. With its comprehensive dashboards and robust reporting capabilities, Enable provided a streamlined solution that instilled confidence in both our suppliers and internal teams. Collaborating with a top-tier rebate management company like Enable was a logical choice, as it aligned perfectly with our goal of optimizing efficiency and ensuring clarity in our operations.”

Exceptional support

Finocchiaro comments, “The support provided by Enable has been truly exceptional. Transitioning to a new platform isn't a simple flick of a switch; it's a journey requiring careful change management. Moving from traditional methods to a modern platform involves adaptation, training, and guidance. Enable has been invaluable throughout this process, offering consistent support and guidance every step of the way. Their dedication and assistance have been instrumental in helping us navigate this transition smoothly and effectively.”  

Efficiency Gains

The benefits of Enable are primarily seen in the efficiency gains achieved using a modern platform. By leveraging this technology, Chemist Warehouse has experienced immediate results in how they conduct their business within the pharma industry.  

Finocchiaro explains, “Since implementing Enable, we've experienced noticeable efficiencies across the board. Tasks have become easier, processes more accountable, and accuracy has improved significantly. From a financial standpoint, the importance of maintaining integrity cannot be overstated.”

Partner Dashboard

Finocchiaro says, “One standout feature, particularly in my role, is the partner dashboard. This tool allows me to effortlessly track rebates and manage them within a single platform. I no longer need to rely on staff or reach out to various teams for updates; all the information I need is readily available, allowing me to take action promptly and efficiently.”

Improving Supplier Relationships

Finocchiaro tells us, “One significant advantage is the enhancement of our supplier relationships. By aligning closely with our suppliers and using the same tools and language, we foster a sense of confidence and collaboration. This alignment has proven to be invaluable in strengthening partnerships and driving mutual success.”

Doing Business Better Together

Moving forward, the Chemist Warehouse rebate strategy revolves around scaling their operations globally. This entails closer collaboration with suppliers, staff, finance and technology teams.  

Finocchiaro explains, “Our objective is to establish a seamless communication channel between our business and our suppliers, with Enable serving as the central tool for this purpose. This ensures that nothing is overlooked, all transactions are captured, validated, and audited, fostering consensus among all stakeholders. By identifying synergies and optimizing our business practices collectively, we aim to elevate our business to new heights.”