Are Foot Scanners Replacing Foot Pros?

Saluber Orthotics Can Help You Differentiate Your Business, and Let Your Expertise Shine Through

Most Americans will experience some type of foot pain in their lives, discomfort that can make it impossible to work, and difficult just to get around. Unfortunately, when we are in pain, it's human nature to want a quick fix; and one of the fastest growing marketing trends to capitalize on the "quick fix" mentality is the use of foot scanners to replace human expertise.  Consider one of the biggest brands in the market, Dr. Scholl's^®, which claims that with their "Custom Fit^TM" Kiosk consumers can step up to a computerized scanner that will immediately tell them exactly which Dr. Scholl's^® Custom Fit^TM orthotic will provide effective relief for their ailment.  In reality though, there is nothing "custom" about Dr. Scholl's^® Custom Fit^TM orthotics.  The products are prefabricated and loaded into the Dr. Scholl's^® display.  The machine then recommends 1 of 14 different off-the-shelf models of prefabricated 3/4 length (sulcus) inserts.   These 14 models cover all sizes, and all foot conditions.  This is fewer models than most service-oriented shoe retailers include in a size run of a single product.  (How is a 3/4 length insert going to address a metatarsal issue?)

From a marketing perspective, what Dr. Scholl's^® and other big brands have done with foot scanners has been very effective. Their scanners can be found prominently displayed at retail outlets across the country which has increased market awareness, the technology has legitimized general product merchandisers (like Walmart^® and Rite Aid^®) to undermine skilled foot care providers and charge relatively high prices for products that might otherwise sell for far less, the machines are interesting and keep clients engaged, and for some people the orthotic products do bring relief.

But, if you're a health care provider, pedorthist, or operate a true "sit & fit" shoe store, you know that quick fixes can often be short-lived, failing to address the real problem, and occasionally making things worse.  Foot ailments and the underlying anatomical pathology are complex, and your patients/clients vary broadly in terms of their lifestyles, expectations, and footwear compatibility with orthotics and insoles.  To provide the most optimal solution, you consider a variety of issues that go way beyond anything a simple foot scanning device can provide.  And then when it comes to providing solutions, you can bring an array of options to meet your patients/clients needs in terms of orthotic insoles, footwear, pricing, etc.  

Big Brands Can Help Bring in New Patients and Customers, Bonapeda helps you keep them.

With the Saluber line of orthotics (available from Bonapeda), you'll be able to provide your patients with an exclusive brand of exquisitely made prefabricated and customizable products, at a reasonable price. We have numerous options to address your patient's / client's specific issues, in sizes that range from Women's 4 - Men's 17, and including in extra wide sizes.  Saluber orthotics feature best-in-class materials and Italian workmanship.  In addition, Saluber products are not sold online in North America, so your office or store won't be a showroom for online sellers, and your patients/clients will come back to you to obtain replacements.

Contact Bonapeda Enterprises

Bonapeda™ Enterprises is the exclusive distributor for all Saluber® products in the United States. To learn more about how the Saluber line of orthotics can benefit your patients/clients, send us an e-mail or call us at 973-415-9090.

DR. SCHOLL'S is a trademark of Bayer HealthCare LLC, Pittsburgh, PA 15205.   “Walmart” is a registered trademarks of Walmart Stores Inc.   RITE AID is a trademark of Name Rite, L.L.C.   Bonapeda Enterprises LLC has no affiliation with Dr. Scoll's or Bayer Healthcare LLC., Walmart Stores Inc., or Rite Aid or Rite L.L.C.