As a small construction business owner, you need supplies, but choosing the wrong supplier can have a massive toll on your income and reputation.
Finding suppliers at the most reasonable prices means your business can perform at an efficient standard. It’s crucial to find the middle ground between low-cost and quality materials to ensure your business’s success.
Here are seven tips for finding the best suppliers for your construction business.
Research Their Digital Presence Online
The world is now digital, so online is the most efficient way to find manufacturers and wholesalers. A quick Google search will give you a list of companies to research, but the ones at the top of your search list aren’t always the best option. Refine your searches by using different keywords (e.g. your location, the service you’re looking for, delivery options, etc.) to find options that best suit your requirements.
Another way to narrow down your search is to look at your prospective supplier’s social media accounts. Posting regularly is a great sign, as is including samples of their recent work and completed projects. This will allow you to judge both the type and quality of work being produced and if this suits your needs.
It’s also always a good idea to check for reviews on their Google listing and Facebook page as you’ll get better insight from people who have previously worked with them. Whether they have good, bad or mixed reviews, read over as many as you can to gauge if they’re trustworthy, reliable and are open to helping you resolve issues.
Meet Them Face To Face
As a small business owner, you’ll likely have other industry connections that you can rely on. Sometimes finding a quality supplier is as easy as asking a mate about where they got their last supply load from.
Construction conferences or seminars are also a good way to get an in-person idea of what a company does and how the staff carry themselves.
Affordability
Cost is a key consideration for any small business owner. You want your supplier to offer the best prices without lacking in quality. Competitively priced suppliers are an attractive option if you are focused on managing your finances.
A supplier will want your business, so don’t be afraid to negotiate for a better deal. It’s important to do your research and gather a range of quotes from various suppliers. This should give you an idea of the services available and their price.
Quality
Cheap does not always equate to the best value. You must always check the quality of the supplier’s materials. Failure to do so may result in extra costs for returns or refunds, which prevents your workers from completing the job. Buying poor quality goods will cost your company time, money and respect.
The materials you buy need to be right for the job, depending on what services your business offers.
Understand these components of a product before you buy:
- Physical properties (strength, durability, flexibility, etc.)
- Cost
- Aesthetic value
- Logistics
- Maintenance requirements
Your construction company must abide by the Building Code of Australia (BCA), so what materials you chose are crucial factors in the integrity and quality of any structures you build. Some materials will cost less than others, but your first and foremost priority is picking a material that will meet these safety standards.
Reliability
There are so many options for suppliers on the market. Before you ask for a quote, look at their proof of past work and read through any referrals the business has received. This is a good, quick way to get an idea of what kind of product the company provides.
Before agreeing to do business with a supplier, ask them to provide you with a copy of their insurance and their business license. Their insurance may cover you for workman’s compensation, errors and omissions, and professional liability insurance.
Having the right coverage may protect you from trouble down the road. Minimal or no insurance coverage means your company will absorb any losses. As a small business owner, inadequate insurance could be detrimental to your business.
Location
Cut down costs and speed up business processes wherever you can. The best way to do this is to reduce the distance your materials travel before they reach your site. If possible, use suppliers who are nearest to you as this will reduce travel time and lower freight costs.
It’s also worth investigating the shipping options available, as sometimes a distant supplier may provide more worth via bulk shipping. However, if you need items quickly, it’s better to go with a local option.
Know What You Need
There’s no promise that the first supplier you choose will be the right one for you. An important tip is to know when to leave a partnership. Your business is not required to stay with a supplier you’re not happy with. Things change in the business world, sometimes long-time partners change ownership or business structure and the quality of their product may drop. Your business is dependent on your decisions, so knowing when to step away is a valuable skill.
At E M Steel we don’t want to lock you into a contract. We prioritise making high-quality steel and want our product to do the talking for us. Trust a quality Queensland provider to set your business up for success. If you’re interested in our steel fabrication services, contact us today.
