As a plumber, you might think that buying from your local brick-and-mortar store is the best way to get your supplies. However, most veteran plumbers will tell you that buying your plumbing parts and supplies from an online retailer is almost always the better decision. There are several reasons why this is so.
1. Cheaper
Let’s face it, keeping your expenditures down is a cornerstone of any successful business. With that in mind, it makes sense that wanting to save on the replacement parts that you need during the course of your job is something that you are interested in. For a long time, many “old-school” plumbers avoided buying from online companies, but as they saw the potential savings they could take advantage of, then it really became a no-brainer. Not only will it be easier to shop around for the most affordable price, but you will also save time.
2. Better Selection
One thing that a brick-and-mortar store will never be able to compete with is the bigger selection that an online store can offer. This gives you, as a plumber, a much better opportunity to find what you are looking for. This can be especially useful if need parts that are for older fixtures or for those that are higher-end and imported. The main reason for the better selection is that the traditional store is limited to how large their building is. There generally is not enough space in the backroom to stock everything that a customer may desire. On the other hand, the online store can operate out of a warehouse, which is much less overhead in terms of rent than a storefront.
3. Convenient
Many longtime plumbers have stated just how much more convenient online shopping is than having to go to the actual physical store. For instance, if you are working on a customer’s plumbing, you can order exactly what you need right on the spot, not having to wait until the shop is open. They also have a wide variety of shipping options to choose from, which is helpful depending on the speed at which you need the part delivered.
4. Advice When You Need It
There may be a time when you run into a problem that you have never dealt with before. In cases such as this, you can rest easy knowing that most online plumbing parts retailers and wholesalers have experts on staff who can answer any question that you might have. So no matter what time of day or night it is, you can get the help you need when you need it. This allows you to finish a job right then and there if possible, so that you do not have to come back for additional work.
As you can see, there are many great reasons to buy online if you own a plumbing business. It can definitely be a great partnership for your company, especially if you qualify for bulk discounts or special prices for being a frequent customer. With access to a more reliable supply of parts, you can increase the amount of business you do which results in a more loyal customer base.
