What to Look for When Choosing a Steel Merchant
When you're planning a project that requires steel, finding the right steel merchant is central to your success. Before signing any contracts, you need to investigate whether your merchant is reliable, how high their rejection rate is and whether they have adequate facilities for meeting your order's demands.
How reliable is your steel merchant?
If you want your production timetable to run to schedule, you need a reliable steel merchant. A dependable supplier will produce materials consistently, rather than requiring you to order six months in advance. A consistent production line means you can tweak your order or add to it as the project's requirements change, allowing you to move at speed and reach completion without losing money.
You may find that a larger steel merchant provides the reliability you need to complete your project. Larger steel merchants tend to have bigger reserves, so if you face a rejected batch, you have another supply to tap into.
Do they have the right certifications?
When a steel merchant receives accreditation from a third party, it meets an independent set of standards. For example, the Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steel Guidelines, which enforces safety testing measures and sets minimum standards. As a result, you know that your steel merchant is producing a quality product that you can depend on.
Are the steel sale prices reasonable?
Like with any product, you should shop around for prices that are reasonable. At the same time, remember that consistently asking for discounts or failing to pay bills will turn the supplier off, forcing you to look for someone new.
What is the rejection rate like?
No manufacturing process is flawless, but if your merchant's rejection rate is too high, you need to start looking elsewhere. When you receive your batch, make sure you check each part thoroughly. A part that's faulty can cause more damage than receiving no part at all, as it'll damage your equipment and other structures.
If you want to ensure a low rejection rate prior to receiving your first batch, consider asking for a tour so you can see the merchant's equipment. Equipment that's in a state of disrepair or that is out of date will lead to poor stock, which halts your project's progress and costs you more money in the long term.
Like with any purchase, spend some time looking at various steel sales and merchants. With a little research, you can create a relationship that propels your project's success.
