7 Tips for Buying Roofing Supplies Online

By Heidi J. Ellsworth, RoofersCoffeeShop.com

Make your list and buy roofing supplies online

1.     Make your list

Whether it is your warehouse manager, office manager or you, keep a list of the important supplies that are used daily by you and your crews.  Keep the list current and have pre-determined re-order points so that you never run out of what you need.  We all know it will be right in the middle of that big job when you run out of blades and end up running to the store.  That experience is always more expensive and hurts productivity.

2.     Stock the warehouse

By buying in bulk from online sources you can stock the warehouse with the supplies you need so you never have to make those expensive last minute runs for tools or supplies.   For the crews it is a great time saver and stress reducer knowing that what they need is in the warehouse when they are loading the truck in the morning.  With current labor shortages, everything you can do to keep employees happy is a bonus.

3.     Quality first but understand value

By buying online in bulk, you can get the quality you want at the value you need.  Buying blades or knives last minute, one at a time, it is always more expensive and less productive.  By keeping the list and stocking the warehouse with quality, bulk purchased supplies online you are saving money and keeping safety and productivity first on the roof.

4.     Understand the life span of your tools and supplies

There are a number of tools and supplies that you use just a few times before you need to replace them. Since these are items purchased more often you need to find a place to buy them in bulk at a good price, without sacrificing quality.

5.     Know your supplies – blades, knives, caulking guns, chip brushes

It is not always about brand but it is about quality.  Safety and productivity depend on high quality tools and supplies to get the job done.  As you look at more disposable supplies, be sure to ask how they will perform.  Every online experience will have FAQs, reviews and a chance to ask questions, take advantage of the education and make sure you are getting what you want.

6.     Be aware of the clearance

There is always a clearance section.  When stocking the warehouse and keeping ahead of the curve in ordering, it leads to the great opportunity to take advantage of the clearance section.  Be sure to review the clearance supplies and, of course, confirm you need them.  By browsing the clearance section weekly, you can really save some money.

7.     Take advantage of free shipping

As you are putting together the list, be sure to work ahead so that your orders meet minimum requirements for free shipping.  It is worth it!