Prices waffled in September, struggling to take hold of a seasonal demand that has yet, as of print, to materialize. Prices and popularity volleyed back and forth on various dimensions throughout the month as buyers remained conservative but yet reacted to the better deals that were offered, which were mostly from aggressive overtures from mills and traders who were anxious to move stock. As ample supplies, prompt deliveries and flat prices were prevalent, most dealers cherry-picked from local distribution for their immediate needs and weren’t too concerned about planning far ahead. As a result, distributors enjoyed most of the business that was to be had and were the largest segment of the market to feed orders to the mills. With the recent years’ worth of shortages and volatility still fresh in everyone’s minds, the current trade environment seems almost surreal for the average dealer, but it is not atypical for a normal September, which is often a month where more is said about upcoming business than done about it. Once the calendar flips to October however, we usually see a bounce in business, and it stands to reason that this year will likely be no different as there appears to be pent up business in our area. As it stands today, the market is continuing to move sideways, with gains virtually equaling losses week to week. If a sudden snap in business occurs, we may see gaps in inventories open wide enough at the dealer level to kickstart the market and, if that occurs, prices will more than likely climb. Until then, it’s status quo until, or if, a “building season” commences in October. Whether you did or didn’t buy it, or whether you bought it from someplace you wish you hadn’t, “Buyer’s Remorse” is a condition that afflicts all of us from time to time and it can be difficult for some of us to get over it, especially if we fell short of the potential deal that we could have realized.
As “comparison is the thief of joy” (coined by Teddy Roosevelt), it’s a fact that one can be 100% satisfied with their purchase or experience… until they realize that they could have had something better. Afterall, when you don’t know what you don’t know, ignorance really is bliss, isn’t it? Well, maybe, but what you don’t know can also cost you valuable money and time and, in any business, you have to be on top of your game in order to remain profitable. We often talk about being diligent in analyzing quotes, to make sure that they are “apples-to-apples”. Comparisons need to be done to ensure that products are comparable but you’re not just buying the product, you’re also “buying” the company. Depending upon who you choose to do business with may also depend on whether or not you enjoy the benefits that can provide critical yet hidden or intangible value or savings. As a service-oriented company, this is an area where we can really help you as our Shepley professionals, with their vast experience and industry knowledge, have the distinct ability and talent to save you money and time at every stage of your build. From our elite Estimating team throughout our Vertical Product Specialist sales group (masters of their product line, such as Engineered Wood, Andersen Windows and Doors, Interior Trim, Architectural Hardware and more), you can be assured that your quotes and orders, based upon their comprehensive take-off’s, are being processed with incomparable value by way of our accuracy, thoroughness, thoughtful insight and sense of urgency. In addition to providing you with the best products, our available services (along with our competitive prices) at every stage of the building process affords you the ability to conduct your project with the confidence that it’s accurate and complete. One cannot underestimate the value of experience, and for this deep bench of support from a company that only sells to contractors, we can assure you that doing business with Shepley will save you time and money on your project. If “comparison is the thief of joy”, save yourself the disappointment and don’t succumb to buyer’s remorse: use Shepley, the premier professional building material supplier that specializes in selling to the professionals.
There is a lot that is and has been changing our market in recent years, but the way we do business remains the same: we do what we say we’re going to do and will be there to support you all the way through your project. As you go about your increasingly busy days, don’t forget to turn to us to take some of the pressure off: we live for it! If you are unaware or not taking advantage of some of the services we can offer you, please be sure to speak with your salesperson as they will be happy to get you started. Thank you for your business!