Anyone work in the Lumber/construction material sales industry?

[WildCard]

I recently left my carpentry job to take a position as an inside sales man for a lumberyard. I was just wondering if anyone else out there happens to work in the same field. There is so much to learn regarding skus and all the different building materials and vendors. Anyways I was hoping to get some advice and/or and tips. I have one tip to contribute if you ever find yourself bidding decking. Determine the linear foot cost of the decking they want to purchase and then multiply that by 2.11 to give you a Square foot price. Helps speed things up when customers ask for quick rough numbers.

 

[Stephen B]

[size=13pt]Although we live in different continents, I will say hello. I work part time, mainly on weekends in a Timberyard [and sometimes in the related hardware store].

Weekends provide a mixture of customer types and experiences. Customers range from tradies doing weekend work [or on Sunday afternoon, getting supplies for Monday] through experienced DIY, to novices.

At least two customers over a weekend will be trying to contain an animal, usually a dog: at least one will be overcome with the sight of 50 metres of timber racks and when asked if I can help will reply "Ah, mm, yes er I am after some wood". Well that's a start!  [eek]

Every weekend you will also help design at least one of the following - duck or hen enclosure, skate board ramp, book shelf, deck or pergola. If only they would design their projects with measurements in multiples of 300mm, then there would be so much less wastage. "No Sir, I cannot sell you anything less than 1800 linear mm, and yes Sir, I can cut it for you, but you still have to pay for those 'little bitts'!"

But the best bit, apart from some jokes with fellow workers, are the personal dynamics of your customers, occaisional and regular. For example at opening on Saturday morning the keen are there ready for the weekend of action and maybe  back by 3pm either because they forgot something or are ready for Sunday; by 11am the sad arrive with a project dreamed up by a partner after they watched a lifestyle/renovation program the Friday night before.

And what is very certain, if any one is going to have EFPOS/Credit card problems they will most certainly be attempting payment just before or at closing time.

Have fun and enjoy.  Everything will soon fall into place. It has taken me 4 years so far and I am still learning. Customers teach you a lot.[smile]

[size=8pt][member=46238]WildCard[/member]

 

[Carl Prentiss]

I recently came out of retirement to work two days a week at such a business to supplement my tool fund. It didn't hurt that I also get to sell Festools. I find given the choice, I tend to stay away from the registers preferring to be on the floor putting out the freight and helping customers in the isles. I think I'm avoiding learning the lumber and sheet goods SKUs.  Your post hit me in the funny bone [member=19746]Untidy Shop[/member]

 

[Stephen B]

I recently came out of retirement to work two days a week at such a business to supplement my tool fund. It didn't hurt that I also get to sell Festools. I find given the choice, I tend to stay away from the registers preferring to be on the floor putting out the freight and helping customers in the isles. I think I'm avoiding learning the lumber and sheet goods SKUs.  Your post hit me in the funny bone [member=19746]Untidy Shop[/member]

So what are the fascinating things about Festool buyers Charlie? Surely there are some that you could dare to share on the FOG.  [smile]

We have just had the Queens Birthday Long Weekend here, [don't ask you UK members, we know its not her real birthday]. Anyway Saturday and Sunday were real slow, mixture of local Football and bad weather. Comes Monday, when the  long weekend in nearly over and suddenly we have a constant stream all day. Weather still bad, but no local Football. Can only put it down too -
"Darling, you said that you would do that THIS weekend."  [blink]  [eek]

[size=10pt]
[member=17954]Charlie Mac[/member]  [member=46238]WildCard[/member]

 

[Carl Prentiss]

So what are the fascinating things about Festool buyers Charlie? Surely there are some that you could dare to share on the FOG.
[size=10pt]
[member=17954]Charlie Mac[/member]  [member=46238]WildCard[/member]

The thing about Festool customers is they're rare. The majority have done their homework and know exactly what they want. While they're there, they may want to put their hands on a tool they have their eye on. Most see the prices and scoot to the Makita rack. I do my best to set them on the right path but try not to be overbearing.
  I know this week I need to find a spot to display an FS 2700 Guide Rail which is currently leaning against a stack of systainers where it can easily be knocked over. I think if I had my way, it wouldn't have been removed from the box. Then again I'm not trained in marketing.

 

[Stephen B]

So what are the fascinating things about Festool buyers Charlie? Surely there are some that you could dare to share on the FOG.
[size=10pt]
[member=17954]Charlie Mac[/member]  [member=46238]WildCard[/member]
[size=14pt]
Most see the prices and scoot to the Makita rack.

[size=13pt]
Where I work, unless tradies, most see the Makita Prices and head for the racks of lesser brands we don't mention here on the FOG.  [smile].

[size=8pt] [member=17954]Charlie Mac[/member]

 

[Stephen B]

[size=13pt]Just home after a meeting at work where we as staff were informed that a National Hardware Chain [if you are Aussie, think of 'B'] had taken over our Home Hardware store. This confirmed rumours around town for several months. Funny how customers at the Local Pub, or the Paint Rep new before we officially did!  [big grin]

I must say however that I was very impressed with what was offered and the attitude of the HR representative and State Manager. Best news was our current store manager continues forward. And brand new Uniforms next month and training.  [big grin] [big grin] [eek]

[size=8pt][member=13058]Kev[/member]

 

[Kev]

[size=13pt]Just home after a meeting at work where we as staff were informed that a National Hardware Chain [if you are Aussie, think of 'B'] had taken over our Home Hardware store. This confirmed rumours around town for several months. Funny how customers at the Local Pub, or the Paint Rep new before we officially did!  [big grin]

I must say however that I was very impressed with what was offered and the attitude of the HR representative and State Manager. Best news was our current store manager continues forward. And brand new Uniforms next month and training.  [big grin] [big grin] [eek]

[size=8pt][member=13058]Kev[/member]

I'll be interesting to see what happens to the product range!!

 

[Stephen B]

[size=13pt]Just home after a meeting at work where we as staff were informed that a National Hardware Chain [if you are Aussie, think of 'B'] had taken over our Home Hardware store. This confirmed rumours around town for several months. Funny how customers at the Local Pub, or the Paint Rep new before we officially did!  [big grin]

I must say however that I was very impressed with what was offered and the attitude of the HR representative and State Manager. Best news was our current store manager continues forward. And brand new Uniforms next month and training.  [big grin] [big grin] [eek]

[size=8pt][member=13058]Kev[/member]

I'll be interesting to see what happens to the product range!!

Yes and the prices. I know that based on some visits to my local Melbourne 'B' that at work 150km away, we more than match for price. However for the moment quite a few things, including services and goods unique to a country rather than city community will be remaining. I anticipate that in time, our stock range will increase, particularly in tools. Then of course there will be the 'Unique' to 'B' goods.  [smile]

[size=8pt][member=13058]Kev[/member]

 

[DB10]

I guess you'll be getting a good supply of red polo shirts to wear then!
Oh and they say a change is as good as a rest. So enjoy the rest and good luck.