Providing you know what to look out for before placing an order, buying building materials online is no longer risky.
Understand lead times
Don’t assume that because an item is listed as being in stock that it is available for immediate delivery. Trusted suppliers will clearly set out expected delivery timelines.
Check delivery policies
As most building materials are delivered via specialist vehicles, check how your order will be delivered and whether delivery is limited to certain postcodes.
Look at product specifications
Only purchase from suppliers who have clear specifications and descriptions for each product they sell. Always double check the details, including colours, sizes and precise product names.
Read online reviews
Reading online reviews can provide you with a wealth of valuable information, including how easy it is to communicate with the supplier. However, be aware of fake online reviews and read a range of opinions to inform your decision.
You could also look at specialist building and distribution career sites such as //bmcareers.com/distributors-and-builders-merchants-vacancies to see whether they’re advertising builders merchants jobs to understand whether they’re a reputable supplier.
Check how damage is dealt with
If you receive damaged items, it’s important to understand how it will be dealt with by the supplier. If you can’t find this information easily, it’s usually best to look elsewhere.
Ask questions
If you have any uncertainties before placing your order, get in touch with the supplier directly to ask questions. If you don’t receive timely answers, take this as a sign to move on to another supplier.
