Builders’ merchant

Builders’ merchants sell trade goods in bulk to the construction industry, and retail goods to the general public. They deal with customers and suppliers, keep finance and stock records, and handle building materials.

Work activities

Builders’ merchants supply building craftspeople (such as plumbers, builders, landscape gardeners and electricians) 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 product knowledge 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 things like sand, cement, roofing products, timber, concrete blocks, bricks and ballast, and the light side provides plumbing, bathroom and kitchen fittings, power tools and decorating equipment, for example. Working 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 and 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 will also involve doing some work in the warehouse, checking in items, storing and distributing them.

Builders’ merchants have a lot of contact with customers. They deal with telephone enquiries and assist people face to face. Much of this involves giving advice on which goods to buy, such as the best type of tap to install or the correct kind of wood for a particular purpose. They also advise on which tools and fittings to use. Most builders’ merchants have access to a product database or website so that they can look up prices, technical specifications and health and safety information for customers. They might have to work out quantity and pricing estimates for large orders. 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 credit cards for purchases costing thousands of pounds. Apart from operating a till, builders’ merchants complete detailed receipts and invoices and often calculate value added tax (VAT). They often need to organise and check deliveries to the customer or to a building site, for example. In addition to these duties, staff occasionally help out in the yard, making up orders and loading or unloading products.

Personal qualities and skills

As a builders’ merchant, you should have:

A confident, professional approach when dealing with suppliers and customers. Many customers are experienced tradespeople expecting expert assistance.
A good standard of written and spoken English.
A working knowledge of IT (in particular the internet and databases).
A good standard of numeracy; you’ll have to make calculations, estimate both cost and quantity of goods and cope with large amounts of money.
The stamina to spend a long time standing and walking around and to do some lifting.

You will need to be able to:

Build up detailed product knowledge and keep up to date with new products, materials and technology.
Work well in a team.
Use your initiative to sort out problems for customers.
Learn quickly.

Depending on the sort of products being sold, the work might not be suitable if you have allergies to dust or have chest complaints.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Builders’ merchant staff earn in the range of £16,000 a year, rising to £30,000 a year with experience. Benefits could include profit-related bonuses.

Staff usually work 39-41 hours per week, usually including Saturdays, with time off in the week in lieu. Early starts are common.

Employers are local and national builders’ merchant companies. Opportunities for builders’ merchants occur in towns and cities throughout the UK, where they are often based on industrial estates.

What’s happening in this work area?

There have been many high-profile closures of DIY stores that sell to the public due to pressure from online sales and the rise of discount sellers. However, employment in Builder’s Merchants mirrors that of the construction industries, which is beginning to grow as demand for housing increases.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, on job boards and large employers’ websites, on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

You can enter this career by applying directly for vacancies with builders’ merchant companies. Some knowledge of the construction and building trade would be useful. Alternatively, you could begin a level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship in the role of trade supplier.

New entrants train in the workplace under the supervision of experienced staff. It might be possible to work towards relevant awards, certificates or diplomas in, for example:

Warehousing and storage.
Customer service.
Business and administration.
Team leading.
Management.

Most of the training takes place on-the-job, but there might be opportunities to attend short courses, such as sales, product knowledge, management and IT. Some product training can be done online through the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF).

Experienced staff might be able to progress into management positions after completing BMF management training courses or a diploma in merchant management, as well as a wide range of short courses.

Qualifications

A good general education is required. Most employers prefer applicants to have GCSEs in English and maths. Some might ask for other GCSEs at grades 9-4. Other work-related qualifications, such as an Edexcel (BTEC) level 2 First qualification, might be accepted for entry. To do an intermediate apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is 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.

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