Construction professionals are changing the way they purchase materials, with a new survey revealing that over 94% now purchase building materials online. Buying online is almost twice as popular as the traditional alternative, with 44% of respondents now saying that it is their preferred choice, while just 24% favour high street and commercial building merchants.
To get a picture of how construction professionals are buying materials and their motivations, research was commissioned by leading retailer, Construction Materials Online. The national study surveyed over 200 professionals from a variety of trades and business sizes. It found that over 80% of professionals had purchased building materials online in the past 12 months.
Almost three quarters (73%) of those surveyed stated that having access to an extensive choice of products was one of the greatest benefits when sourcing online. Two thirds (63%) appreciated the ease of buying specialist materials. Having the ability to compare prices and secure transactions were also strong advantages, as was the ability to buy quickly and on the move via smartphone.
Access to digital channels and handheld devices is also changing the way professionals research and compare materials, with nearly half of respondents (44%) stating that they use the internet ‘daily’ to research materials before purchasing. Two thirds (65%) of respondents admitted they head online to research building materials ‘a lot more’ now than they did five years ago.
Many of those visiting commercial builders’ merchant chains within the last year had experienced barriers, including more than half (57%) having experienced product stock shortages and a similarly high amount (55%) having witnessed product price rises in the last 12 months.
Adrian Saunders, Director of eCommerce Construction Materials Online, said: “The construction industry has firmly entered an era of connection, with technology radically changing the way materials are being sourced. The survey results provide us with fascinating insight as to how professionals are using the internet to purchase materials, reducing the reliance on traditional building merchants.
“With the rise of online trade retailers, construction professionals are no longer restricted by store opening times and can save valuable time by ordering everything needed for a project at the touch of a button, even via their smartphones. Usually offering far greater product selections, expert sales teams and competitive pricing, buying online is clearly now becoming the trusted choice for professionals – our own company growth is evidence of this.”
As one of the UK’s leading online suppliers of construction materials, Construction Materials Online is the parent company of three successful eCommerce brands, Roofing Superstore, Insulation Superstore and Drainage Superstore, stocking over 45,000 products. With strong relationships with some of the world’s leading suppliers, including VELUX, Dupont, Klober and ACO, and a customer focused approach, CMO has grown sales through its websites by 55% in the last 12 months.