Five considerations when choosing a builders’ merchant

Many people overlook just how much of a difference a builders’ merchant can make. Some focus only on price or location, but there’s so much more to think about. How reliable is their stock? How helpful are the staff? Can you build a long-term working relationship with them? Here are our five considerations for you when choosing.

1. Build a Rapport

Building a strong relationship with your builders’ merchant is important. When the staff get to know you, they’ll be more likely to go out of their way for you by finding a better deal or tracking down hard-to-find products.

2. Check Stock and Lead Times

One of the biggest frustrations in construction is when a job gets delayed because materials aren’t available. Ask about their supply chain – where do they get their materials from, and how often do the deliveries come to them?

3. Compare Prices

Price shouldn’t be the only thing you look at. Prices can vary widely between suppliers, even for the same products. Before you settle on a merchant, take the time to compare quotes from a few different places. Look at the cost of both common materials and specialised items. You might be surprised at how much you can save just by shopping around.

If you’re thinking about getting more involved in the industry, it’s worth looking at builders merchants vacancies through a specialist site such as bmcareers.com/distributors-and-builders-merchants-vacancies. Working inside the business, even part time, can give you insider knowledge on pricing and deals, and may open doors for future opportunities.

4. Ask About Trade Accounts

Trade accounts can make your life a lot easier, especially if you buy from the same merchant regularly. When choosing a builders’ merchant, ask what their trade accounts include and whether there are any conditions to meet. Do they require a minimum spend? Is there a setup fee? Will you get access to special promotions or faster service?

5. Make Long-Term Decisions

Finally, think about the big picture. Don’t just think about what’s cheapest or closest. Instead, think about who you can trust.

Nina Brown