In this article, I want to give a shout-out to all of the shed builders who work hard to keep the shed industry growing and thriving.
As I’ve stated in previous articles, I believe that we all work together to make the shed industry what it is today. I recently visited one of my builder’s shops on a scorching hot day and witnessed just how hard these folks work!
As some of you know, I have been on the sales and marketing side of the shed industry for going on 26 years. I have a comfy office with heat and air conditioning, and my goal is to sell as many sheds as I can!
Very seldom have I really thought about what goes on at the builder’s shop once I send them the order. As I watched the builders at the shop, I marveled at just how efficiently they worked together. They were like a well-oiled machine.
Watching them really helped me to realize some of the big responsibilities shed builders have—from hiring and training laborers to the procurement of materials and trying to manage the ever-rising cost of goods.
Shed builders also invest big money in supplying inventory for display purposes.
Quality control is also a top priority for the shed builder in order to maintain consistency. Getting your builders to buy into the idea of attention to detail can be a challenge. Rushing to get the sheds built in order to meet delivery expectations can also lead to costly mistakes during construction. Neglecting quality can have a serious negative effect on both the branding and the bottom line for the shed builder.
I know that I probably left out quite a few things, so please forgive me.
I want to share a couple of things that we can do on the sales side of things that will greatly help shed builders eliminate mistakes and construct the shed that the customer really wants:
1. Fill out order forms and building diagrams correctly. When I am selling a shed, I really try my best to ensure that the details of the shed are clear. I draw a building diagram of where the customer would like the windows and doors. I also include other options that the customer orders such as lofts, transom windows, etc. I also double-check the colors along with pricing.
Early on in my career, I found out the hard way when I would rush through the paperwork. One time I was so excited about selling a 12 by 24 that I actually sold it at a 12 by 20 price. I have also mistakenly messed up the colors more times than I would like to remember because I didn’t pay closer attention to details.
Unfortunately, these mistakes cost me money and it cost the builder time and effort to make it right with the customer.
2. If the customer makes a change to their shed, let the shed builder know immediately. I recently had a lady that ordered a really nice lofted high barn with a pretty detailed building sketch of where she wanted her windows and doors placed. A week later, she stopped by my office and had completely changed her layout, including the pitch of the roof.
I wasted no time revising her paperwork and faxing it to my builder. I also called my builder to confirm the changes and to see if he had any questions. I encourage all of us to keep an open line of communication with our builders to reduce mistakes.
I have been so blessed over the years to work with some of the most talented and well-respected shed builders that truly care about the quality of product that they produce!
I want to personally say thanks to Bruce Yoder at Sunrise Barns, Roman Stoll at Rollin Mini Barns, Nevin at Hilltop Barns, and Mike Barton at Mikes Mini Barns. These builders are wonderful to work with and I can always count on them for quality craftsmanship, and for anything that I, or the customer, need.
Many keys play a role in helping make my/our shed sales business successful—none of which are more important than the shed builders and what they do for the industry.
I appreciate everything that they do and the absolutely essential role they play in the supply chain. Thank you!