The building products industry is very lucrative which is why many are going into it. However, not many are getting the kind of success they thought they would get. This shows that a proper understanding of the industry is required. Also, one must apply well-planned strategies to ensure growth. Therefore, this article will show you how to thrive in the building products industry.
Overview of the Building Products Industry
To thrive in any environment, you must first have an understanding of the environment you are in. Hence, this section shines light on the most important aspect of this business.
Suppliers and distributors are the engine of this industry and this is the category you belong to.
They are responsible for bringing the materials that construction companies like ADP Group make use of. Hence, basic building products such as stone, brick, cement, concrete, lumber, wood, wood paneling, roofing, insulation materials, gutter, etc. comes from this set of people.
The supply of the above raw materials forms the main market within the industry. Whereas, products like glass, fencing, and wire form the secondary market of the industry.
One thing you must practice is excellent stock control if you want to make profit in this business. This is especially so if you want to be involved as a distributor of materials. Visit https://www.eazystock.com/blog/6-inventory-control-techniques-for-stock-optimization/ to learn necessary inventory control techniques to optimize your stock.
You must also keep track of trends in the industry. The increase in global population, as well as urbanization, has led to certain challenges which we discuss next…
Challenges of the Building Products Industry
While there is a lot of profit to be made from the construction materials market, it is saddled with certain challenges. These challenges are the reasons why many distributors find it difficult to succeed as they desire.
Hence, we advise that you pay attention to these challenges discussed below…
1. Demand Pattern
The demand pattern for building materials is not constant. Rather it is dependent on seasons. What this means is that demand for these materials is high during the summer when outdoor construction can be easily carried out. Consequently, the demand during the winter is low because not much construction activity can be done.
Another factor that affects the demand pattern of building products is economical; and this has to do with interest rates. When interest rates are high, the mortgage cost goes up thereby causing investment in homes and buildings to decrease.
Hence, a distributor who doesn’t understand this pattern might be unnecessarily worried when demand is low due to season or high-interest rate. Therefore, with this understanding, a wise distributor won’t stock up supplies during such a period.
Keeping track of the season is easy as it is visible for all to see and it is cyclical. However, keeping track of economic factors requires proper tracking of any increase in interest rates. Hence, it is wise to get reliable and up-to-date information from those within the finance industry.
2. Demand Changes for Different Material Types
The preference for types of building products by consumers is also a major challenge for most distributors.
For example, a change in preference for flooring type by the people within an environment can be devastating for a supplier’s stock if it isn’t matching that preference. Hence, many distributors have ended up with supplies in the store that have gathered dust because they are no longer in trend.
And speaking of trend, technological advancement has also opened a new frontier for the building products business. Solar panels are being highly sought by consumers which distributors can key into.
Hence, a supplier must monitor such trends and keep in constant interaction with builders who are at the forefront and also in close contact with the consumers. Subscribing to online channels that give updates about new preferences can keep one soaring. You can visit buildstore.ie to learn more about such new developments in the building products industry.
There are also smart tools that can aid you in keeping abreast of future demand trajectories. You also need excellent inventory optimization that will ensure real-time control operation of your stock.
Certain tools can help you prevent the problem of overstocking using strategic analysis. Detailed analysis must be conducted at the end of every week and month to ensure the industry’s cyclical nature is well-managed. The data from the previous analysis will be helpful for the next procurement.
Detailed analysis and proper control system of stock will enable you to identify products that are emerging and declining. Giving you the right information to either stock up on such emerging products or stop procurement of declining products.
Tips on Increasing and Retaining Market Share
Pay careful attention to the following as it will give you the edge in this ever-competitive market…
1. Monitor Emerging and Declining Products
This is one of the ways to stay ahead of the pack. Proactive monitoring of materials that are on the rise and those that have fallen out of favor is a key to success.
Emerging materials are areas of new opportunities. Hence, even if you were not a supplier or distributor of such a product, having this information can cause you to expand your business reach.
Likewise, declining materials will give you the chance to cut back on investing in such. And you can then forecast to determine what new product can fill the vacuum of such a product.
Pro Tip: Many people are moving towards environmental-friendly materials. Therefore, stocking up on environmentally harmful materials isn’t wise gameplay.
2. Apply Real-time Data Management
Invest in inventory management software. It will aid you to keep track of previous sales, demand shifts, and trends. Hence, you get to save yourself from overstocking during quiet periods. And you are given the chance to focus your attention on products that are in high demand.
Conclusion
The information at your disposal ought to set you on the right track to increase and thrive in the building products industry. And we just can’t wait to read about your success story. Feel free to refer to us when you get to the top…
