A mobile app for materials procurement has been launched by Czech builder-turned-entrepreneur Luke Polach. Working in partnership with merchant stockists, Buildiro is said to solve the key challenge for busy tradespeople of knowing stock availability, thereby eliminating wasted time spent driving to merchants to source items.
Initially launching in London, the app reportedly solves inventory issues meaning that tradespeople can be more productive and merchants are able to build better customer relations with live online stock availability and potentially increase sales and attract and retain customers. So far, thousands of tradespeople have already been helped to source materials up to 30% faster on the first trial of the app earlier this year.
Polach says: “Not only do tradespeople need to save time and money in their search for supplies, but in the hyper-competitive materials-supply trade, builders’ merchants need innovative ways to attract current and potential customers to their stores. This app delivers just that. When merchants post their inventories to Buildiro, they are not only helping tradespeople source supplies faster, more cost-effectively and in a more environmentally-friendly way, they are also opening themselves up to new sales opportunities.”
Buildiro was trialled by several merchants, including Bradfords Building Supplies, JMD Building and DIY Supplies and Lakedale Power Tools. Commenting on the app, Lee Church of family-run supplier in Hailsham – JMD Building & DIY Supplies, said “I’ve been in the industry 20 years, and Buildiro is something that I knew the industry needed. “We won’t have people turning up wanting things and then being disappointed if we don’t have them. Because stock availability is already in the app, tradespeople know what we have and what they are coming in to collect.”
According to the company, reviews from tradespeople have also been positive with comments including: “It is the best app to find all the details on required tools and best pricing”; “Definitely on to a winner with this app. As this app grows it will become a vital tool for trades of all kinds”; “Amazing app as I work in a lot of different places and it’s very handy to help me find everything I need.”
Buildiro’s merchant-focused features include:
- Better data sharing. When a tradesperson searches for materials within the app, the algorithm records the product, location and time, so that data can be shared with participating merchants. Merchants can then analyse customers’ buying habits and need for materials, and so better serve their customers in the future through more targeted stocking and marketing.
- A click-and-collect payment option gives customers the ability to purchase over 500,000 products 24/7, even when the merchants’ trade counter is closed, helping merchants fulfil orders faster and more efficiently.
- E-invoicing. the app can be configured to generate a PDF sales receipt, which can be linked to any accounting software for ease of processing. This feature saves merchants’ time and helps their customers to seamlessly comply with the UK’s Making Tax Digital scheme.
- It also runs an incentive program for participating merchants. Every merchant that joins for free will receive a waiver on the first 100 sales they process. After this period, Buildiro will collect a small percentage of every sale to fund development of the app.
This exciting new app is now available from the Google Play and Apple app stores and is currently looking to expand its list of merchants.
On 10 October it will be hosting a launch event at Impact Hub King’s Cross for tradespeople and merchants. Click here for more information.
