By Aaron Stein, Merchandising Vice President, Plumbing at The Home Depot
Today, tech savviness is a job requirement just as much as having the right tools. It means complementing expert craftsmanship with cutting edge technology. This way, innovation extends beyond the jobsite to impact how you can run your business more effectively.
Mechanical contracting professionals can work smarter, not harder, by adopting tech-enabled benefits from home improvement partners. This keeps you focused on the task while simultaneously improving your business operations. Below are four simple ways to get the job done more efficiently by maximizing tech capabilities.
Mobile Apps
Mobile apps are a staple for mechanical contractors as they help simplify and streamline the management of almost every job you do. Some of the most relevant and helpful apps can establish documentation systems for subcontractors based on industry best practices, workflow management, costs, invoices and so much more.
Forrester, one of the top market research companies, recently noted The Home Depot’s mobile app as number one in retail – helping users in a number of ways like wayfinding, visual product selection, 360-degree product reviews and personalized guides. If you’re trying to visualize what an item will look like in the space, the app also offers an augmented reality feature with the ability to provide a 3D image of the part within your jobsite.
Another benefit to a mobile app is the ability to use the barcode finder to look up more detailed information on a product. The interconnected experience allows you to seamlessly shop both online and in-store on your terms. You can download the app for free to your iPhone, iPad or Android device.
Image Search
It happens. You’re at a jobsite and realize an important item, like specialty piping, needs to be replaced. You don’t know the product name or item number you specifically need. Instead of heading to the store hoping they have what you’re looking for, take advantage of an image locator, like the one on The Home Depot’s mobile app, that can help you find products fast.
By simply taking a picture of the item you need, it can determine the make of the part, the closest store it’s available for purchase, and the exact aisle and bay where it’s located within the store.
Time, as we all know, is money. Being able to quickly determine if a product is in stock before going to the store can save time and help keep projects on track.
B2B Websites
You can’t put a price on referrals, but attracting new business requires more than word-of-mouth recommendations. Having an intuitive, well-designed website is crucial when presenting your services to those doing independent research.
Successful sites are user-friendly, allowing potential customers to quickly and easily find basic information that will highlight your work and simplify their decision-making process. In addition, websites with the ability to process payments online make it easier for your customers to pay invoices at a much faster rate. This not only helps strengthen your client relationships, but also helps keep revenue flowing in a timely fashion.
Leading supply houses offer dedicated website experiences for their specialty trades customers. Offerings, such as those provided by The Home Depot Pro website, include:
· Business tools that help you track spending, previous purchases, quotes, and more to help you stay organized.
· Solutions that help you manage and grow your business with a robust assortment of solutions to increase efficiencies.
· Competitive pricing and personalized account management for qualified customers.
· Robust delivery options like same-day, next-day.
Connected Products
With technology constantly evolving and clients seeking to incorporate more into their spaces, having access to connected products is vital to ensure your business and clients remain up to speed. Whether it be a smart thermostat, plumbing valve, water heater or HVAC system, these products can make all the difference in a contractor-client relationship. Working with a partner that keeps their stock updated with the latest and greatest product innovations can allow mechanical contractors to offer their customers this same benefit.
Because these technologies are seemingly complex and often new to the market, some supply houses offer on-call experts to help with set-up support or to answer any questions. Having quick access to this expertise and array of products can enhance the selling points of your business, allowing you to lock in even more potential customers.
We live in a world powered by technology, so it stands to reason that mechanical contractors should be implementing best-in-class innovation to ensure businesses are run with the same efficiency and precision that goes into craftsmanship. While you may not be a tech expert, working with a supply partner can help you find the right tech tools to set your business apart today and in the future.
Aaron Stein is the Merchandising Vice President, Plumbing for The Home Depot. Over the past decade, he has served in a variety of merchandising roles with The Home Depot, including Director of Merchandising Strategy, Regional Merchandising Manager, Merchant for Lumber, Senior Merchant for Lighting, and most recently, Divisional Merchandising Manager for Plumbing.