So, today is Halloween, yet it seems that I enter Winter Wonderland the moment I walk into any major retailer. Why am I confronted by Frosty the Snowman when the leaves are still mid-change?
Here’s why: We’re told that many retailers don’t actually make a profit until the 4th quarter of the year, which is why the day after Thanksgiving is called “Black Friday.” A little annoying, yes, but I understand why retailers give us Christmas this early, it’s because customers want the best selection, and because IT SELLS!
The same is true in the world of dental equipment manufacturers. ’Tis the season as a small business owner, aka dentist, to talk to your accountant, forecast your fiscal year and determine what the estimated tax burden will be.
Dental equipment manufacturers know this as well, and thus have made the 4th quarter the time they roll out their best equipment promotions and deals as many dentists are making their purchasing decisions to take advantage of the Section 179 tax break. (See www.section179.org for details)
But just like Christmas shopping, you need to shop early for the best savings and selection. In a world of lean manufacturing and low on-hand inventory, most manufacturers produce equipment only when it’s ordered and thus production schedules are usually full by early December.
Section 179 states that equipment must be installed and in use to claim the tax benefit, so don’t wait until Christmas Eve to order a replacement dental chair as manufacturers and dealers won’t have the inventory or schedule openings to meet your need.
Another reason to at least place your order in the 4th quarter is to avoid common Jan. 1 manufacturer price increases.The cost of freight, materials, and labor continue to rise and dental equipment manufacturers annually raise prices to stay in business. Orders before 2020 can potentially save thousands of dollars.
Remember, you can simplify your year-end equipment shopping and check out the new www.WDAEquipmentSolutions.com website where you can shop anytime day or night and get immediate pricing on a wide variety of equipment. Service Technicians and Equipment Specialists are available to assist you in the best equipment choices for your needs and ensure a professional installation.
Take a word of advice from the team at WDA Equipment Solutions: Whether shopping for a Christmas tree or dental equipment on Christmas Eve, chances are you’ll be settling for a less than perfect option. But unlike the tree that hits the curb in January, that pink dental chair will be with you for a very long time.
