Builders' Merchant

Introduction

Builders' merchants sell trade goods in bulk to the construction industry, and retail goods to the general public. They deal with customers and suppliers, finance and stock records, and handle building materials. There are few vacancies for builders' merchants.

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Work Activities

Builders' merchants supply building craftspeople such as plumbers, builders, electricians etc, with the items that they need to do their jobs. They also sell these products to members of the public.

Builders' merchants differ from the large superstores that cater for do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts in the range of their stock and the expertise of their staff. Most builders' merchants specialise in particular types of supplies such as timber, electrical or bathrooms.

The trade is divided into two areas. The 'heavy side' covers sand, cement, bricks, ballast etc, and the 'light side' provides plumbing, sanitary ware, decorating equipment etc.

Work as a builders' merchant involves all the tasks done in general distribution. One major aspect of the work is ordering stock, both in bulk and for individual customers.

In large organisations, this is computerised and goods are automatically re-ordered when they fall below a certain level. In smaller firms, stock has to be counted manually and the related paperwork is also done by hand.

In either case, there is a great deal of clerical work which includes dealing with office equipment and office procedures. Also, there are often long discussions with suppliers about the right type and amount of stock needed. This side of the job may also mean doing some work in the warehouse, checking in items, storing and distributing them.

Builders' merchants have a lot of contact with customers, both from telephone enquiries and assisting people face-to-face. Much of this involves giving advice, not only on which goods to buy (such as the best type of tap to install or the correct kind of wood for a particular purpose) but also on which tools and fittings to use. In some cases they may travel out to the building firms to negotiate a deal.

Having advised the customer, builders' merchants then have to complete the selling process. This can vary from taking a few pence for a couple of nails, to handling cheques and credit cards for thousands of pounds. Apart from operating a till, it entails completing detailed receipts and invoices and often calculating value added tax (VAT) as well.

In addition to these duties, staff may occasionally help out in the yard, making up orders and loading/unloading products.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a builders' merchant, you'll need to be fit and healthy as you'll spend much of your time on your feet, and you may have to help with moving and lifting heavy goods and materials.

Depending on the sort of products being sold, the work may not be suitable if you have allergies to dust or have chest complaints. You may need to have normal colour vision.

It is important to be able to learn quickly, and to build up product knowledge. You also need to be confident when dealing with suppliers and customers, the majority of whom are experienced tradesmen/women seeking expert assistance.

A good standard of numeracy is vital since you'll have to make calculations, estimate both cost and quantity of goods and cope with large amounts of money. The office duties involved require a good standard of written and spoken English and familiarity with computers is in most cases essential.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Builders' merchant staff earn in the range of £220 - £270 a week, rising to £320. Higher earners make around £430 a week.

Staff usually work a basic 40-hour week, usually including Saturdays, with time off in the week in lieu. Early starts are common.

Employers throughout the UK are locally and nationally based builders' merchant companies.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have developed skills through working in the building trade, or by working as a warehouse assistant or builders' yard assistant. Some have skills in retail sales, customer service and handling cash.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

• 9% of people in occupations such as builders' merchant work part-time.
• 5% have flexible hours.

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