A builder’s merchant is a type of business that supplies tradespeople with all of the materials they need.
There are some well-known and lesser-known builder’s merchants out there. However, they all work hard to make sure that they sell the goods that are needed by those in the building industry.
Starting a builder’s merchant business may not be easy. However, this article contains a few tips that can help.
Understand Existing Demand
Before you start out, understand how much demand there is for a builder’s merchant. When you do, you’ll have a good idea about which products you could stock.
Some builders will want to buy wall panels all of the time, others will want rubble or tools. Try to offer everyone everything they’ll need so they don’t buy from your competition.
Check Out Your Competition
Take a look at your competition and work out:
- What products they sell and how much they sell them for
- How much industry knowledge your competition has
- Whether there are sufficient parking spaces for vans
- Who buys their products
- What type of advice the staff give out
- Whether they offer delivery, cutting, and additional services
When you know a lot about your competition you might be able to offer something different. Look for a gap in the market and try to fill it.
Decide Who You Will Cater To
There are many possible people you could cater to. You could, for example, cater to builders, plumbers, roofers, electricians, joiners, plasterers, painters and decorators. It may also be worth considering catering to damp proofers and other specialist trades.
Consider What Extras You’ll Offer
Will you offer your customers free delivery, trade discounts, 30 days of credit and loyalty discounts? Consider offering these things as they can be attractive to many people.
Consider What You’ll Do Differently
A very good way to help your builder’s merchant business to succeed is to do something different.
You could, for example:
- Offer equipment hire if no one else does
- Offer a lot more industry knowledge than many of your competitors
- Give your customers a more personalised service
- Keep up to date with the latest industry trends
- Offer free hot drinks and a few snacks to every customer
- Offer talks about certain methods and techniques used in various trades
When you offer something different you’re more likely to attract customers.
Opt For A Useful Location
Ideally, your builder’s merchant business will be situated somewhere very useful. There should be plenty of passing traffic every day.
Your new location should be easy to find and there should be no parking restrictions. The easier it is for potential customers to find you, the more likely they are to turn up.
Starting a builder’s merchant business may not seem easy. However, the above tips can help to make the process a little easier. Use them today so you’re one step closer to opening a business you can be proud of.
