If you’re shopping for a new car, there are tips you might follow to make sure you get the best price, top customer service, a quality engine and more. Since a car is one of the largest purchases you can make, these steps can help ensure that you get your perfect car. And while not everything you buy requires tips to streamline the process, there are certain products where industry-specific tips make it all the easier for you to get what you need. If your business is in need of medical-grade gas, then having information to help you get the service you need can make all the difference.

Here are seven tips to help you find the best medical-grade gas vendor:

 

1. Excellent Customer Service

Good customer service is important because it means you can get help from an actual person with knowledge (and a smile) when you need it. Whether you’re a large company, small business or an individual, make sure the vendor you choose is happy to provide you with the products you need, while supplying you with helpful information to ensure you’re successful.

 

2. On-Time Delivery

Your business runs on a tight schedule, and there’s no room for waiting. You want to make sure your supplier is able to meet your demand and schedule. Check to see whether the supplier allows you to schedule deliveries or set up automatic subscriptions so you can keep your business on track.

 

3. Safe Practices

When dealing with medical-grade gases, safe practices are of the utmost importance. If incorrectly used, handled or stored, gas can create dangerous hazards. Make sure your medical-grade gas supplier is handling their gases in line with safety and compliance measures. Inquire about cylinder handling, gas storage and management, and specialty equipment.

Man filling up a blue gas cylinder.

 

4. Affordable Products

Just within the Greater Los Angeles area, there are a handful of medical-grade gas suppliers, all with different price points for similar products. If you’re running a business, you likely want to keep your costs as low as possible. Check with potential suppliers to see if they can give you a quote for the gases you need within the budget you have.

 

5. Wide Selection of Gases and Products

Though you might start off with a need for one specific product, your scope and needs could grow as time goes on. From a variety of gases such as nitrogen and oxygen to a comprehensive range of equipment, expertise and services, be sure to choose the supplier that can grow with you and support your business.

 

6. Certification

Medical-grade gases must meet the highest standards of quality in order to be used in medical settings like hospitals, veterinary offices, surgery centers and more. Since these gases require such standards, suppliers need to comply with state and federal FDA regulations while following certain safeguards and specifications. Without a proper understanding of compliance codes, proper maintenance and the right equipment, medical-grade gases cannot perform successfully. Be sure to confirm with your supplier that they are properly certified and meet the industry standards.

technician with a checkboard in hand, checking a row of Oxygen tanks

 

7. Maintenance

When dealing with a product like medical-grade gases, it’s good to have a thorough understanding of what you’re getting, how to use it and what to do when something breaks. It’s important to know whether the technicians are certified to maintain gas systems, perform repairs and make sure everything’s working the way it should. Inquire about services such as preventive maintenance, inspections and certifications, repairs and installation.

 

With any important purchase, there is very little wiggle room. As businesses (and even as individuals), you want to get it right the first time to minimize downtime and stay on schedule. By considering these insider tips, consumers can better ensure that their medical-grade gas (from medical grade oxygen for veterinary offices and nitrous oxide for dental practices, to medical centers and businesses in the food industry) and suppliers will meet their needs.