E-commerce construction industry
Even in the construction industry, our expectations for how we conduct business have been fundamentally altered as a result of the accessibility and openness that the internet provides us in our everyday transactions. A 2019 consumer poll found that about 35% of contractors now anticipate doing all of their equipment rental business online. Top rental firms put a lot of effort into serving these clients. Some digital platforms for rental equipment, tools, and related services increased by 66% year over year.
However, some machinery rental businesses don't even support online transactions. A majority of contractors already have ties with a few rental companies and prefer to remain loyal to those companies. As a byproduct, a sizable portion of the income generated by these rental enterprises comes from returning clients. Therefore, rather than merely bringing in new business, e-commerce in the construction industry should be considered to maintain and strengthen current client connections.
Your buyers are from another generation
Did you know that B2B buyers are mostly millennials? But, why is that important? They prefer to do their research and make their purchases online. Millennials are said to conduct most of their buying online. And as more Boomer entrepreneurs transfer their roles to the next generation, the need for e-commerce in the building industry significantly increases. Everything about your company, including your website, customer reviews, and social media presence, should accurately represent your brand and be something to be proud of. Contractors must make sure the equipment they are purchasing or renting is of a high caliber, and comes from a reputable provider.
B2B buyers are more inclined to acquire a product or service if they have read reliable reviews about it. Trusting such services and suppliers is crucial since contractors depend on them to keep their construction companies running. And what better way to provide them with the information they need, than by creating an online e-commerce webshop?