The Hidden Cost Of Preferred Vendors

By Kalyan Obalampalli

We all crave comfort — it’s human nature.

In clinical trials, that comfort often shows up as preferred vendors. They’re familiar, already vetted, and simple to onboard. Choosing them feels safe, efficient, and predictable.

But here’s the truth: comfort comes with a cost — and not just a financial one. It can quietly limit innovation, diversity of thought, and performance. You risk missing out on fresh ideas, faster timelines, and partners who are truly aligned with your study’s goals.

That “preferred” vendor list? It wasn’t crafted for your protocol. It was built for administrative ease, not scientific excellence. It prioritizes speed over suitability, familiarity over flexibility.

And while ease may get you started faster, it doesn’t guarantee you’ll get better data, stronger execution, or more meaningful outcomes.

So the question isn’t just who’s approved — it’s who’s right for the science you’re trying to advance.