FAQ
Q: How do I use Pharmaloco?
A: You can start by clicking on the "Search" tab in the Main Menu, or the "Start Supplier" search page in the middle of the home page. On the next page start selecting the criteria that applies to your search. Unless it is specifically stated, not checking any selection will mean that all selections are included. We take you through a few pages of selection criteria to help you fine-tune your search. You'll find the search process goes very quickly. On the left side of the page you'll find what criteria you have selected and how many companies meet these criteria. After all the selection criteria groups have been filled out you will be presented with a list of companies meeting your criteria. Click on any of these companies and you will be provided with company information, including a contact (when available). Pressing the back button on your browser will take you back to the previous page. We have a short video that takes you through the search process and offers some tips on getting the best results the first time.
Q: Do I need to register to use Pharmaloco?
A: No registration is required to search. You can get to your search right away, and there is no need to remember your user name and password the next time you use Pharmaloco. We may in the future consider a registration option for those people who wish to keep a copy of their searches. Registration is required for companies wishing to add or revise their company entries.
Q: Are my searches identifiable? Can I be identified?
A: We do not require cookies or any other type of identifiable information. We keep no record of individual searches. We do monitor what categories are most searched to better help us focus our future service developments.
Q: How is supplier company information sourced?
A: Whenever possible we ask supplier companies to provide the relevant information about their company and their services. When this is not possible Pharmaloco does its own research and provides the relevant information. In all cases we ask companies to review the listing for their company and confirm or correct the entry as possible. In all cases Pharmaloco reviews additions and corrections to ensure that the company information is relevant and appropriately balanced.
Q: What geographical regions does Pharmaloco cover?
A: We provide global coverage. At this point our most complete coverage is for the USA and Canada. We have good coverage of Europe, and are very actively expanding our list of suppliers in other territories. We currently include about 2,500 companies with more added weekly.
Q: I represent a supplier company, how can I include my company information? How can I correct/revise company information?
A: On the main page menu bar there is a tab for 'Add Your Service'. Click on this tab and then register or enter your user name and password to add your company or make changes. All entries and changes will become active after we have reviewed and approved the changes. This delay is to ensure that no malicious content is entered.
Q: What categories of suppliers does your search engine cover?
A: We are currently focused on companies supporting pharmaceutical research, development and manufacturing. A full list of supplier categories can be found by going to the first search page. We intend to expand this list in the future to include commercialization and corporate development type services. But, our focus at this time is making Pharmaloco the best search engine for finding research, development and manufacturing supplier/service providers.
Q: Why don't all companies have contact names and numbers?
A: This is an interesting question. Despite what you might think, many providers seem to think that reaching a real human being, particularly one that can help you with your supplier search, shouldn't be easy. Ever note how many company sites ask you to fill out this 'generic' email form to get information? Well, to answer the question, we include names and numbers whenever possible. When we don't have a name and number, and if the company won't make one available, we direct you to the general company phone number and wish you luck. It seems strange that someone in the business of selling services prefers to remain anonymous. We don't hide our contact information and can be reached at 760/479- 5782, email Pharmaloco@gmail.com. Ask for Jo (Josef Bossart to be more formal). If we aren't available please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Q: My search turns up one, two or no companies. What is wrong?
A: Well it's possible that there are only a couple of companies that meet your very specific criteria. It's also possible that some companies have not entered all their information. For example a company might have listed themselves as being able to provide inhalation formulation expertise, but not checked off whether that includes MDI, DPI and/or nebulization formulations. If you were to search for formulation companies that can provide inhalation services, including DPI expertise, the company would not show up. We recommend that you not define your criteria too tightly to start and see how many companies pop up. If the number is too large you may want to go back (the Back button on your browser) and tighten up your criteria to limit the number to something more manageable.
Q: What determines the order of company listing on the search results page?
A: We randomize the company listing, except for our sponsors. This ensures that a company called "AAA Quality" doesn't always pop up at the top of every search where it meets the search criteria. We understand that many people never bother to look past the first few companies. We think this 'levels the playing field' for all companies. We are planning to weight companies in the near future with higher weighting given to those companies that provide more complete information, and an actual human contact. There has to be some reward to for making the effort to provide potential customers with the best information possible.
Q: What is your business model?
A: We depend on corporate sponsorships to support our service. These sponsorships are visible in banner ads and in company listings. Sponsors are provided the opportunity to make available more detailed company information including presentations and white papers. Sponsor listings are subject to the same scrutiny as all company listings.
