When you are a contractor, every cent counts, and you certainly don’t want to be paying out any more than you need to be. If you end up purchasing expensive and sub-quality materials and supplies for a project, it could lead to difficulties with clients. It could also lead to substandard work and a miscalculation of costs. To avoid this, you need to be proactive and make sure that you get the best supplies at all times. However, where do you start the process, and where do you start the search?
Ask Other Contractors for Recommendations
Contractors and those in the trade will have experience with a number of businesses and companies, and they will be able to share the good and the bad reviews with you – if you just ask them. Getting feedback from other contractors and trade users is valuable because it can save you both time and money. When you are seeking recommendations, remember to use your own judgment too. If a business is constantly being slated or poorly reviewed, then avoid them at all costs (even if it costs you a bit more in the long run).
Think About the Type of Supplies You Need
After asking others for recommendations, you then have to think about just what supplies you will need and by when. When you are working on different projects, you will have different needs, and it is important that you have companies in mind for all of your needs and requirements. For example, when you need expanding sealants to help you with that roofing job, will you reach out to a specialist supplier. Or, will you go with a supplier that also sells other fixings and fasteners? Knowing what you need for a particular job will ensure that you use the right suppliers.
Use Reputable and Well-Known Companies
It goes without saying, but reputation really counts for a lot – especially in the building and contractor section. If a company or business does not have a particularly good reputation, or if it is not very well known by other tradespeople – then don’t risk using it. You want to focus on using companies that have been in business for a few years at least because these will be businesses that you can rely on, and that you can trust.
Get a Trade Account
You don’t want to pay any more than you need to do your supplies and equipment, and to ensure this doesn’t happen, you need to open a trade account as soon as possible. A trading account will give you great deals, and prices that may exclude sales tax. When you have a trade account, you have access to the latest offers, and possibly even the latest products. When you are signing up for a trade account, you usually only have to supply basic information about your business or company. So, remember, no financial details are used during trade account registration.
