There is an endless array of suppliers and vendors that can provide you with building materials online but it is critical that you consider multiple factors associated with online transactions and eCommerce purchases that may not be a concern if you are buying building materials from a physical store in person.
Ordering building materials online or otherwise is a huge investment and you need just the right vendor which will enable you to manage the entire project with as little inconvenience as possible.
1. Availability of the materials you want
You want a vendor who supplies the very materials that you need and one that has them available in stock. Visit Materials Market for a complete catalog of building materials for all your construction needs.
2. The reputation of the vendor
Work with a vendor whose reputation is beyond question.
Your contractor is likely the best person to advise you here and you can further research the company easily online. While a bad review here and there is not a reason not to work with a vendor the real red flag is an absence of a single negative review.
An excellent vendor is also likely to have been in the business for many years so their name may be one that you can recognize right off the bat.
3. How to verify the quality of materials
It would be preferable if the vendor you choose can provide you with samples of the products you want before you make an order. The samples will also serve as a tool for comparison once the products arrive.
This is one of the most troublesome issues with online purchases and when dealing with building materials, the cost and inconvenience of returning that much bulk because it does not match your order is a pain you don’t want to endure.
4. Distance and shipping costs
Consider carefully your distance from the vendor. The further you are from your chosen eCommerce store the higher your shipping costs.
The cost of delivery can at times be so high that it doubles or surpasses the cost of the materials you ordered. If the store is too far it would be better to find an alternative closer to you.
5. Competent customer care
Helpful customer care is the cornerstone of good business and any business that fails to invest in exemplary customer care is sure to go down eventually.
You will certainly run into matters that require interference and responsive customer service will make the overall experience easier. Vendors with helpful customer service are easy to find and online reviews are a great place to start.
Consistent negative feedback about non-responsive customer service is another red flag and you should steer clear of such stores.
6. Payment options they have
Look at the payment options that your supplier is offering and consider carefully how to proceed.
One of the best options is a Pay on Delivery agreement which allows you along with their attendant and your contractor to carefully inspect the materials at the point of delivery to ensure you are paying for what you ordered and that the materials have arrived in stellar condition.
Paying for your order before delivery is paying for goods you have not acquired and is a risky way of doing business online.
7. Cost of the materials
Building materials are a bulk purchase and will cost you a pretty penny. You need to carry out a comparison of prices to get the best value for your money.
You may find that it makes more sense financially to order different products from different stores altogether.
Conclusion
Online vendors have increased in number which is an advantage for you that you must milk as much as you can.
The huge number of vendors means that they are all competing for your business which will see them improve their quality of goods and services and enhance your customer experience to capture your attention.
Stores that cannot keep up have and will continue to exit the sector leaving consumers with only the best vendors and products to choose from.
Feel free to browse as much as you can for the best deal out there and take advantage of discounts, offers, promotions, and any other available perks.