How Tech is Transforming the Builder’s Merchant Market

The world of work has undergone significant change over recent years, and one of the driving forces behind this has been developments in technology. While the builder’s merchant market has faced challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, technology has been able to bridge some of the gaps left behind, leaving the field in a strong position. The pandemic meant that those operating in the builder’s merchant market were extremely busy, due to many people taking on DIY projects, or similar, during lockdowns – however, they were still presented with their own unique challenges.  

Tech Can Help Overcome Challenges Faced in the Builder’s Merchant Market 

The very makeup of the builder’s merchant market is changing, due to a number of contributing factors. Primarily, organisations within the field are having to counter the challenges they face and, often, are having to rely on technology to overcome these obstacles.  

Cost Uncertainty 

Builder's material costs are fluctuating, so how can tech help to keep this simple? Cloud-connected services are able to provide builder’s merchants with 24/7 access to commerce which, in turn, gifts businesses around the clock visibility, updates and information on their commercial operations. This means that, while many of the costs associated with running a builder’s merchant business can change, with Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions and Microsoft’s New Commerce Experience, there is one area of cost consistency and predictability, allowing organisations within the field to budget more accurately.  

Keeping Up with Demand 

As a builder’s merchant begins to grow, so too does the demand. While this may be a good thing, if a business is not equipped with the tools it needs to keep up with this increase in demand, soon things can become to unravel. This is where builder’s merchants are turning to the Cloud. As the Cloud provides a 24/7 connected environment, e-commerce is able to function uninterrupted. Not only can builder’s merchants invest in the Cloud to meet buyers’ demands, but it also enables businesses to keep track of, and adapt to, challenges within the industry. 

Skills Shortages  

As is the case in most industries, finding skilled labour presents a challenge. When this is paired with the rise in the cost of materials, builder’s merchants must utilise technology to ensure they are able to combat the skills shortage crisis. Cloud recruitment enables businesses within the sector to seek, hire and onboard skilled talent in a more efficient, effective and productive way. By leveraging technology, builder’s merchants can profit from a wider pool of talent from which to hire. 

Changing Consumer Behaviour 

As a result of technological developments, consumer behaviour has changed. To satisfy the ever-changing needs of consumers, builder’s merchants should leverage technology in their favour. The Cloud facilitates the Digital Customer Experience (DCE), meaning that customers have a consistent purchasing and support experience across all forms of communication. They are given the freedom to continue a transaction from one point of contact and can continue it on another. This enables freedom of purchasing choice and provides the consumer with an enjoyable consumer experience.  

Excenta: Paving the Path for the Builder’s Merchant Market 

At Excenta, we have experience of helping builder’s merchants take their businesses to the next level with our technology. To find out how we can help transform your business through tech, book a meeting with one of our experts, today.