In the increasingly competitive construction sector, there
is a fine line between success and failure. One area that ensures the former
instead of the latter is your suppliers. Your projects are as good as the
materials you use in construction. As such, ascertain you choose the best
building material supplier to deliver high-quality and durable products.
However, selecting the right company can be daunting with so
many suppliers in the market. Here are six tips to make the process easier and
identify the right supplier for your business.
1. Look for a Broad Range of Products
A good building supplier stocks a broad range of products
and materials, ranging from flooring to doors and windows and roofing. This
way, he has all materials you need under one roof and saves you unnecessary
delays sourcing from different sellers.
While some products may be similar, they can serve different
purposes and vary in price and quality. A good supplier builds
a contractor's selectionrather than limiting it.
2. Consider Delivery Logistics
As a contractor, you understand that a slight delay in your
project can result in unhappy customers and financial losses. Therefore, you
must get all the necessary materials promptly to prevent delays.
When materials arrive too early, you may need to store them
- and incur storage costs. When they arrive late, they cause delays and mess up
your timeline. You want a supplier with flexible
delivery schedulesto deliver materials on time. Having a fleet of delivery
vehicles is an added advantage.
3. Check Sourcing Certification
Every building material supplier should adhere to
'responsible sourcing'. They should know how building materials are
manufactured and by who. You wouldn't want to be involved with a supplier who
sources his stone or other building materials from a manufacturer that uses
child labor and dangerous working conditions. Such a supplier can ruin your
reputation and lead to lawsuits and lost business. Therefore, ensure that your
supplier demonstrates responsible sourcing certification.
4. Prioritize What You Need
A knowledgeable supplier should always inquire about what
you are constructing before suggesting or selling any material to you. For
instance, while you may want to buy a bag of grout, the supplier should ask
about its application. Do you want to fix a crack, address a structural
deficit, or use it on a new project?
Find a supplier who will not just sell you materials but
also educate you on the available options and applications. Some building
material suppliers go the extra mile to offer workshops for construction
crews.
5. Look for a Readily Available Stock
Settle for a supplier with readily available stock at his
facilities. Also, the supplier should have an extensive network of locations
that can easily ship products to you when needed. It is best practice to avoid
suppliers who say they can get you supplies but don't have them at the moment.
Some suppliers keep costs down by avoiding storage costs.
They only order building materials when they have a ready client. While such a
supplier may give you a good deal and you save money, the cost and frustration
of delayed and canceled orders are much more.
Among the biggest challenges for contractors is choosing a
good building supplier to provide the required building materials. With so many
suppliers in the market, choosing a good one can be challenging. Fortunately,
the above tips can help you select a supplier who meets your unique needs, offers
quality materials at a competitive price, adheres to responsible sourcing, and
has readily available stock.
Do not take chances with building materials;
contact
Mikro Corporationfor quality
materials for all your ventures.
