5 Reasons Ordering Medical Supplies Online Is a Waste of Time (If You Don’t Know This First)

July 24, 2025

Ordering medical supplies online sounds convenient. But for busy carers, aged care providers, or home health buyers it can be more stressful than helpful if you don’t know what to look for. Before you click “add to cart”, here are five critical things that could turn your online order into a complete waste of time (and money).

1. You Might Be Buying Unapproved Products

Many overseas sellers list products that aren’t registered with Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). That means:

They haven’t passed local safety standards
They may not be sterile, reliable, or tested
You might not even receive them—some items are seized by customs

Thousands of unapproved medical devices have been pulled from the Australian market in recent years for failing to meet safety requirements.

Pro tip: Always check that the product is TGA-approved and listed on the ARTG (Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods). Learn more at the Therapeutic Goods Administration website.

2. Shipping Delays Can Disrupt Care

Australia’s medical supply chain still faces challenges post-COVID. Disruptions, backorders, and out-of-stock items are common—especially for:

PPE and gloves
IV fluids and wound care
Sanitisers and disinfectants

Delays of even a few days can result in cancelled appointments, skipped treatments, or unnecessary stress especially in NDIS or aged care settings.

What to do: Choose Australian-based suppliers with local warehouses, real-time stock updates, and responsive support.

3. “Cheap Deals” Come With Hidden Costs

It’s easy to get lured in by low prices, especially on marketplaces or bulk-buy sites. But here’s the catch:

Many “cheap” medical supplies are poorly made, counterfeit, or expired
You’ll often pay extra for customs clearance, freight, and return postage
Low-quality gloves, pads, or ointments can cost more in the long run if they fail or cause reactions

Smart approach: Always compare the total cost, not just the price per item. And ask: Is this supplier trusted by Australian clinics or homes?

4. One Size Doesn’t Fit All (Literally)

We see this every week: someone orders gloves, only to realise they picked the wrong size or misunderstood the UOM (unit of measure). Common mistakes include:

Ordering “1” thinking it’s a box—not a single unit
Getting the wrong size bed pad or gloves
Buying consumables that don’t fit existing equipment

Avoid frustration: Double-check all dropdowns (size, quantity, etc.), understand the UOM, and confirm compatibility with your current systems.

5. No Returns, No Warranty, No Help

Here’s the fine print many people miss:

International suppliers often don’t honour Australian warranty laws
Returns may be impossible—or come with high restocking fees
If something breaks, you could be stuck with it (and the cost)

Even worse? You might not be able to get anyone on the phone.

What to do: Stick with Australian-based suppliers who offer clear return policies, local warranty coverage, and actual people you can speak to.

How to Avoid These Mistakes

Ordering medical supplies online isn’t bad. But doing it without the right checks? That’s where problems start.

Here’s a quick 5-point checklist to help:

✅ Step	What to Check
TGA Approval	Confirm the product is listed on the ARTG
Local Supplier	Choose Australian-based companies
Specs & UOM	Match sizes, quantities, and compatibility
Total Cost	Include shipping, GST, and duties
Support	Look for return policies, warranty, and phone support

Before You Hit 'Order' Again

At Total Care Essentials, we’ve heard it all from carers receiving the wrong gloves, to urgent items arriving two weeks late, to aged care homes stuck with unusable products.

That’s why we keep things simple: