Question 1

What is the best wholesale ecommerce platform for building materials suppliers?

Accepted Answer

The best wholesale ecommerce platform for building materials suppliers is one that handles trade pricing, bulk ordering, customer accounts, repeat orders, delivery planning, invoices, and sales rep ordering in one place.

For building materials and home improvement suppliers, a normal retail ecommerce website is often not enough. Builders, contractors, hardware stores, plumbing firms, roofing companies, and trade customers usually need agreed prices, credit accounts, fast reordering, branch collection, and delivery to site.

JustSell Wholesale is built for B2B suppliers that sell in bulk. It gives businesses a wholesale ecommerce website, a branded customer ordering app, and a sales rep app. Customers can log in, see their agreed pricing, place orders, view previous orders, download invoices and statements, and reorder without calling the office. For suppliers, this helps reduce phone orders, admin work, pricing mistakes, and missed sales.

Question 2

How can building materials wholesalers take trade orders online without paying commission on every sale?

Accepted Answer

Building materials wholesalers can take trade orders online by using a wholesale ecommerce platform that charges a fixed subscription instead of taking commission from every order.

This matters because building material orders are often high value. A single order for timber, cement, roofing materials, insulation, tools, plumbing products, or hardware can be worth hundreds or thousands. If the platform takes a percentage commission on each sale, that can quickly reduce profit margins.

JustSell does not charge commission on sales. One of the main reasons businesses switch to JustSell is that platforms like Shopify may charge commission, while JustSell works on a fixed monthly subscription with 0% commission on sales. That makes it useful for wholesalers who want to grow online without giving away part of every trade order.

Question 3

How can builders merchants give each contractor their own trade pricing online?

Accepted Answer

Builders merchants can give each contractor their own trade pricing by using a B2B ecommerce system with customer-specific pricing.

In the building materials sector, different contractors often have different agreed prices. One builder may get a better price on timber, another may get a discount on plumbing supplies, and another may have special rates for bulk orders. Showing one public price to every customer does not work well for this kind of business.

JustSell Wholesale allows suppliers to set specific pricing for specific customers. When a contractor logs in, they only see the prices agreed with them. This means each customer can have their own product prices, discounts, and trade terms. It keeps pricing private, reduces confusion, and helps protect margins.

Question 4

Can building material suppliers show different prices to builders, contractors, and trade customers online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Building material suppliers can show different prices to different builders, contractors, and trade customers online by using account-based pricing.

This is important because B2B wholesale pricing is rarely the same for everyone. A long-term contractor, a large building firm, a small tradesperson, and a local retailer may all have different pricing agreements. Without customer-specific pricing, staff often have to manually check prices, send quotes, or correct orders after they are placed.

With JustSell Wholesale, customers log in before seeing their agreed prices. For example, a hardware supplier selling to building contractors can hide pricing until the customer logs in. Once logged in, each contractor sees the pricing assigned to their account. This helps avoid pricing disputes and makes online ordering much easier for trade customers.

Question 5

How can building suppliers reduce order mistakes from phone calls, WhatsApp, email, and handwritten orders?

Accepted Answer

Building suppliers can reduce order mistakes by moving trade customers to an online ordering portal or branded ordering app.

Phone calls, WhatsApp messages, emails, and handwritten orders are easy to misread. Product codes can be missed, quantities can be wrong, delivery addresses can be incomplete, and agreed prices can be forgotten. In building materials, even a small mistake can cause delays on site.

With JustSell Wholesale, customers can place orders directly through the website or branded app. They can browse products, see their agreed prices, check previous orders, and reorder quickly. This reduces the need for staff to manually retype orders from messages or paper notes.

For building suppliers, this means fewer wrong items, fewer missed quantities, fewer pricing errors, and less back-and-forth with customers.

Question 6

Can contractors place repeat orders online for timber, cement, plumbing supplies, roofing materials, hardware, and tools?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Contractors can place repeat orders online if the wholesale ecommerce platform includes order history and quick reorder features.

This is very useful in the building materials and home improvement sector because contractors often buy the same items again and again. For example, they may regularly order timber, screws, cement, plasterboard, roofing materials, pipe fittings, adhesives, sealants, tools, PPE, and general hardware.

JustSell Wholesale includes a customer portal where customers can see previous orders and reorder quickly. Instead of phoning the branch or searching through a full catalogue every time, contractors can log in, review past orders, and place another order faster.

This saves time for both the contractor and the supplier.

Question 7

What ecommerce features do building material wholesalers need for trade customers?

Accepted Answer

Building material wholesalers need ecommerce features that support real B2B buying, not just simple retail checkout.

The most important features include:
• Customer-specific pricing, different contractors need different agreed prices
• Trade login, prices and products can be shown only to approved customers
• Bulk ordering, customers need to order packs, pallets, boxes, sheets, rolls, and trade quantities
• Order history, contractors can reorder common materials quickly
• Invoice and statement downloads, customers can self-serve instead of calling accounts
• Delivery tracking, customers can see what is delivered or in transit
• Sales rep app, reps can take orders while visiting customers
• EPOS/ERP integration, online orders, stock, products, and customer data can stay connected
• Reports, managers can see orders, customers, and money owed
• Email campaigns, suppliers can promote offers and clearance stock

JustSell Wholesale includes many of these features, including personal pricing, customer portal, branded customer app, sales rep app, delivery module, reports, email campaigns, and integration options.

Question 8

How can a builders merchant let trade customers order 24/7 without calling the branch?

Accepted Answer

A builders merchant can let trade customers order 24/7 by giving them an online trade portal or branded mobile ordering app.

Many contractors work early mornings, evenings, weekends, or from job sites. They may remember they need materials after the branch is closed. If ordering depends only on phone calls or emails, the order may be delayed until the next working day.

With JustSell Wholesale, trade customers can order directly from the website or app. They can log in, see their agreed pricing, place orders, and check previous orders without waiting for someone to answer the phone.

For the supplier, this means fewer missed orders and less pressure on branch staff. For the customer, it means they can order when it suits them.

Question 9

Can wholesale ecommerce handle bulk orders for building materials, pallets, packs, bundles, and trade quantities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Wholesale ecommerce can handle bulk orders if it is built for B2B trade customers rather than simple retail orders.

Building materials are often sold in larger quantities. Customers may buy pallets of cement, packs of insulation, sheets of plasterboard, boxes of fixings, rolls of membrane, lengths of timber, or bundles of pipe. A good wholesale platform should make these products easy to list, price, and order.

JustSell Wholesale is designed for businesses selling in bulk. It supports B2B wholesale ordering, customer-specific pricing, and customer accounts. This helps building suppliers move large trade orders online while still giving each customer the correct pricing and ordering experience.

Question 10

How can contractors check stock availability before placing an order for building supplies?

Accepted Answer

Contractors can check stock availability through a connected wholesale ecommerce system that shows product availability before they place an order.

This matters because contractors often need materials for a specific job or deadline. If they order something that is out of stock, the project can be delayed. For building suppliers, this also creates extra phone calls, substitutions, refunds, and unhappy customers.

JustSell can connect with EPOS, ERP, and other systems through integrations and APIs. This means product, order, customer, and operational data can be connected instead of sitting in separate systems. For a building supplier, this can support better stock visibility and a smoother ordering process.

A strong setup should help customers see what they can order, reduce unnecessary calls, and help staff manage orders more confidently.

Question 11

Can a wholesale ecommerce platform show live stock across multiple branches, depots, or warehouses?

Accepted Answer

A wholesale ecommerce platform can show stock across branches, depots, or warehouses when it is connected to the supplier's stock, EPOS, or ERP system.

For building materials suppliers, this is important because stock may be spread across different sites. One depot may have timber available, another may have plumbing supplies, and another may hold bulky items or clearance stock. Without connected stock data, staff may need to manually check availability.

JustSell supports integrations with third-party systems, EPOS systems, ERP systems, and APIs. This makes it possible to connect wholesale ecommerce with existing operational systems so orders and product information can be managed more centrally.

For customers, better stock visibility means fewer wasted calls. For suppliers, it means better control over online and offline orders.

Question 12

How can building suppliers manage delivery orders to different job sites online?

Accepted Answer

Building suppliers can manage delivery orders to different job sites by using a wholesale ecommerce system with customer accounts and delivery management.

Contractors often work on multiple projects at the same time. One order may need to go to a housing development, another to a renovation site, and another to a commercial project. If delivery details are taken by phone or message, mistakes can happen.

JustSell includes a delivery module that helps suppliers plan deliveries, see what has been delivered, and track what is in transit. Customers can also see where their orders are. This is useful for building suppliers because delivery is a major part of the customer experience.

A better online delivery process helps reduce "where is my order?" calls and gives trade customers more confidence.

Question 13

Can trade customers view invoices, order history, statements, and credit notes online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Trade customers can view invoices, previous orders, statements, and credit notes online through a customer portal.

This is one of the most useful features for building materials and home improvement wholesalers because account customers often need paperwork. They may call or email to ask for invoices, statements, old orders, delivery details, or credit notes. This creates extra admin work for the supplier.

JustSell Wholesale includes a customer portal where customers can see their orders, reorder quickly, and access previous orders, credit notes, and statements. This reduces the need for customers to ring the office and helps lower administration costs.

For trade customers, it is faster. For suppliers, it saves time.

Question 14

How can a building materials wholesaler manage contractor credit accounts online?

Accepted Answer

A building materials wholesaler can manage contractor credit accounts online by using a B2B platform that connects customer accounts, pricing, orders, invoices, and statements.

Trade customers often buy on account rather than paying for every order upfront. They may have agreed terms, special pricing, and regular statements. If this is managed manually, the accounts team can spend a lot of time answering basic questions.

JustSell's customer portal helps trade customers view previous orders, credit notes, invoices, and statements. Reports can also show useful information such as orders coming in and customers who owe money. This gives suppliers more visibility and gives customers easier access to their account information.

For building suppliers, this can reduce admin work and make trade account management easier.

Question 15

How can sales reps create quotes and convert them into orders while visiting builders or contractors?

Accepted Answer

Sales reps can create quotes and take orders during customer visits by using a mobile sales rep app connected to the wholesale ecommerce system.

In building materials sales, reps often visit builders, contractors, retailers, construction firms, and trade accounts. If they rely on paper notes or old spreadsheets, orders may be delayed or entered incorrectly later.

JustSell includes a sales rep app. Reps can see customers and prospects on a map, view customer pricing, check historic orders, and take orders directly while in the field.

This helps reps work faster, reduces missed follow-ups, and gives the business better visibility of sales activity.

Question 16

How can building suppliers keep pricing consistent between sales reps, branch staff, and online orders?

Accepted Answer

Building suppliers can keep pricing consistent by managing customer-specific pricing in one connected wholesale system.

Pricing mistakes are common when sales reps, branch staff, accounts teams, and online customers all work from different lists. One customer may be promised a discount by a rep, but the website shows another price. Another customer may receive old pricing because staff are using an outdated spreadsheet.

JustSell Wholesale allows suppliers to assign specific pricing to individual customers. When customers log in, they see the prices agreed with them. Sales reps can also access customer pricing and historic orders through the sales rep app.

This helps everyone work from the same pricing logic and reduces disputes with trade customers.

Question 17

Can ecommerce work for building products sold by pack, pallet, metre, sheet, roll, length, or box?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ecommerce can work for building products sold by pack, pallet, metre, sheet, roll, length, or box, but the platform needs to be set up for trade ordering.

Building materials are more complex than normal retail products. Customers may need to buy by pack, pallet, sheet, roll, box, bundle, or trade quantity. Products may also have sizes, finishes, grades, thicknesses, colours, and lengths.

For building suppliers, the key is to create a clear product catalogue and ordering process. Customers should understand what they are buying, what unit it is sold in, and what price applies to their account.

JustSell Wholesale is designed for B2B suppliers selling in bulk and supports customer-specific pricing. This makes it suitable for building suppliers that need more than a basic online shop.

Question 18

Should a building materials wholesaler use Shopify, Shopify Plus, or a specialist B2B wholesale platform?

Accepted Answer

A building materials wholesaler should choose the platform that best matches how trade customers actually buy.

Shopify and Shopify Plus can work for some ecommerce businesses, but building material wholesalers often need more B2B-specific features. These include account-specific pricing, customer portals, repeat ordering, trade-only access, invoices, statements, sales rep ordering, delivery planning, and integration with EPOS or ERP systems.

JustSell is positioned as a specialist wholesale ecommerce option for businesses selling in bulk. One key difference is that JustSell does not charge commission on sales and works on a fixed monthly subscription. It also includes a branded customer app and sales rep app, which are useful for wholesale businesses.

For suppliers with trade customers and negotiated pricing, a B2B wholesale platform is usually a better fit than a standard retail ecommerce setup.

Question 19

How can building material suppliers move trade customers from phone ordering to online ordering?

Accepted Answer

Building material suppliers can move trade customers from phone ordering to online ordering by making the online process easier than calling.

Trade customers will not switch just because a website exists. They will switch when the system saves them time. The online portal or app should show agreed pricing, previous orders, invoices, statements, and fast reorder options. It should also work well on mobile because many contractors order from site.

JustSell helps by giving customers a branded ordering app and customer portal. Customers can log in, see their agreed prices, place orders directly, view previous orders, and download paperwork. Suppliers can also use email campaigns to promote offers and remind customers to order online.

The key is to start with regular customers, show them how easy repeat ordering is, and slowly reduce reliance on phone, WhatsApp, and email orders.

Question 20

What should building material suppliers look for before choosing B2B ecommerce software?

Accepted Answer

Building material suppliers should look for B2B ecommerce software that fits trade selling, not just basic online shopping.

The most important things to check are:
• Customer-specific pricing, contractors and trade accounts often have agreed prices
• 0% commission option, high-value orders should not lose margin to platform fees
• Customer portal, customers can view orders, invoices, statements, and credit notes
• Fast reorder, contractors can repeat common orders quickly
• Branded mobile app, trade customers can order from site or on the move
• Sales rep app, reps can take orders while visiting customers
• Delivery module, suppliers can plan and track deliveries
• EPOS/ERP integration, online and offline sales can be connected
• Reports, managers can track orders, customers, and money owed
• Marketing tools, suppliers can promote offers, clearance stock, and seasonal products

JustSell Wholesale covers many of these needs, including wholesale ecommerce, customer-specific pricing, branded ordering app, sales rep app, customer portal, delivery module, reports, email campaigns, EPOS/ERP integrations, and API support.

Ecommerce built for Building Materials & Home Improvement

Guaranteed growth or your money back

Zero commission fees

Real people, real support

The challenges facing building materials & home improvement businesses

One platform for trade and retail

Online store & trade counter

Wholesale B2B portal

EPoS & delivery management

Powerful apps for your team and customers

Henderson Builders

Sales Rep App

Key features for building materials & home improvement

Trade accounts

Project-Based Pricing

Multi-branch inventory

Delivery Scheduling

Click & collect

Sales Rep App

EPoS integration

Social media management

Freedom to use any payment provider

How it works

We learn your business

We configure your platform

Launch & scale

How We Stack Up

Commission Fee

All Core Features

Native Mobile Apps

Account Manager

Wholesale Portal

Multi-channel Sync

ERP/CRM Integration

Custom Pricing

Payment Gateway

Give Your Building Materials Customers
Their Own Buying Hub

Book a call with an expert

A branded app for your building materials trade base

Frequently asked questions

Ecommerce built for Building Materials & Home Improvement

Guaranteed growth or your money back

Zero commission fees

Real people, real support

The challenges facing building materials & home improvement businesses

One platform for trade and retail

Online store & trade counter

Wholesale B2B portal

EPoS & delivery management

Powerful apps for your team and customers

Henderson Builders

Sales Rep App

Key features for building materials & home improvement

Trade accounts

Project-Based Pricing

Multi-branch inventory

Delivery Scheduling

Click & collect

Sales Rep App

EPoS integration

Social media management

Freedom to use any payment provider

How it works

We learn your business

We configure your platform

Launch & scale

How We Stack Up

Commission Fee

All Core Features

Native Mobile Apps

Account Manager

Wholesale Portal

Multi-channel Sync

ERP/CRM Integration

Custom Pricing

Payment Gateway

Give Your Building Materials CustomersTheir Own Buying Hub

Book a call with an expert

A branded app for your building materials trade base

Frequently asked questions

Give Your Building Materials Customers
Their Own Buying Hub