The supplier you choose affects more than price. It shapes how quickly you can restock, how consistent your products are, and how much time your staff spend chasing orders. This checklist helps aged care managers and procurement teams compare medical supplies suppliers in Australia on the things that matter day to day.

1. Range: can one supplier cover your core categories?

Most facilities buy from the same set of categories every month: continence products, wound care, gloves and PPE, personal care, and nutrition and hydration items. A supplier that covers most of these reduces the number of accounts, invoices and deliveries you manage. Check that the range includes the sizes and absorbency levels your residents use, not just a headline selection.

2. Stock availability and substitutes

• Is the product routinely in stock, and what happens when it is not?
• Does the supplier suggest an equivalent product, and can you approve it before it ships?
• Can you see availability when you order?

3. Delivery speed and cost

Ask for cut-off times, dispatch times and delivery costs, including any free-delivery threshold. A supplier that dispatches the same day when orders are placed before a set cut-off time can help when stock runs low unexpectedly.

4. Compliance and documentation

• Medical device status. Products such as gloves and wound dressings are regulated as medical devices in Australia, so ask for confirmation of Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) inclusion where it applies.
• Product information. Safety data sheets and manufacturer instructions should be easy to get.
• Consistency. Check that the supplier tells you in advance if a product is discontinued or changes.

5. Account terms and ordering

• Do they offer trade accounts with payment terms, such as 30 days?
• Can you save lists of regular items and reorder quickly?
• Can invoices be sent to the right people in your accounts team?
• Are quotes available for larger or contract purchases?

6. Price: look beyond the unit price

Compare cost per use rather than cost per box, include delivery, and watch for price changes. A slightly more expensive product that reduces leaks, waste or reorders can be cheaper overall.

7. Local support

An Australian-based team who know the products can help with substitutions, urgent orders and questions about sizing or specifications. Ask how to reach them and how quickly they respond.

Quick comparison checklist

Question to ask	Why it matters
Do you offer 30-day trade accounts?	Smooths cash flow and invoicing
What is your same-day dispatch cut-off?	Helps with urgent restocks
Do you stock our continence, wound care and PPE lines?	Fewer suppliers to manage
Can you confirm ARTG status and supply product documents?	Supports compliance
Can we save lists and reorder easily?	Saves staff time

Ordering for aged care from BIOFAST

BIOFAST is a Melbourne-based Australian supplier of continence products, wound care, PPE, personal care and aged care supplies. Aged care facilities can apply for a 30-day trade account (a completed credit application is required). Orders placed before 2pm normally ship the same day, delivery is free over $199 in metro areas, and customers can save lists of regular items to reorder. Read more on the aged care page, browse aged care supplies, or contact the sales team at sales@biofast.com.au or on 03 8905 4449.

Frequently asked questions

What should aged care providers look for in a medical supplies supplier?

A broad range covering core categories, reliable stock, fast delivery, compliance documentation, trade account terms and responsive local support.

Do medical supplies suppliers offer trade accounts for aged care facilities?

Many do. BIOFAST offers 30-day trade accounts to aged care facilities, subject to a completed credit application.

How can aged care facilities reduce the time spent on reordering?

Choose a supplier with saved lists or repeat orders, consolidate categories with fewer suppliers, and agree substitution rules in advance.

Where can aged care facilities buy continence, wound care and PPE supplies together?

BIOFAST supplies continence products, wound care, gloves and PPE and other aged care essentials from one Melbourne warehouse. Email sales@biofast.com.au to discuss your needs.