Cramer Decker rolls out Sidekick
By HME News Staff
Updated Wed October 31, 2007
Cramer Decker Medical has a new Sidekick, but company execs have high hopes that it will eventually become leader of the pack.
"We said, 'All right, competitive bidding is here; you can fight it all you want but at some point you have to accept it,'" said John Peterson, director of sales for the cylinder manufacturer. "You've got to look for other ways to make money and the best opportunity you have is in the retail market. That is where the Sidekick comes in. Here you have an opportunity to increase the dollars you are earning from your customers."
The new product's name says it all: SideKick Oxygen Cylinder Roller Bag Backpack. Cramer Decker designed it to carry any portable oxygen cylinder (M2, M4, M6, M7, ML6, M9, MD, MJD, even ME) and to be used as both a roller bag, backpack or shoulder bag. The Sidekick wholesales for $49.99 and retails for $99. It's so attractive, Peterson said, that rather than send a patient out the door with a standard old cart, they can upgrade them to the Sidekick and pocket a nice 50% margin. At least that's the plan. The one-size-fits-all feature should also help providers reduce their inventory and, in turn, preserve cash flow, Peterson said.The Sidekick has extra room for a wallet, water bottle or other items a patient might want to carry with him.
"It looks almost like a suitcase, and it conceals the cylinder so you are not advertising that you are on portable oxygen," Peterson said.
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