Why speed matters when it comes to delivering building materials

Lack of trade availability and the need to keep the job moving means fast delivery of building materials is as important as ever. That’s why we have focused on same-day deliveries to help builders save time and stay onsite. And for builders, it’s a game-changer.

This month we spoke to builder Dean Coker from Coker’s Concepts and discussed his experience with our same-day delivery. Plus, we chatted with Bowens Operational Excellence Manager, Wayne Darcy and Bowens Ecommerce Manager, Yash Desai to understand what goes into fast delivery services from an operational perspective.

One of the complexities about working in regional areas of Victoria, is the limited timber and hardware stores.

Dean Coker from Coker’s Concepts says, “I’ve been working on a frame in San Remo recently and have needed multiple things same-day delivery to get out of a bind. With Cowes (Phillip Island) being the closest branch available we didn’t have the spare hours to buzz off there and back ourselves to pick things up.

“Time and time again Elise from Cheltenham has managed to get us out of a pickle with same-day delivery,” he adds.

“Time and time again Elise from Cheltenham has managed to get us out of a pickle with same-day delivery,” he adds.

Not having the time nor the spare trades to send off site to pick up materials is a common irritation we hear from builders. That’s why we have focused our efforts on working towards faster delivery times.

Bowens Operational Excellence Manager, Wayne Darcy, says:

“In the case of commercial job sites, it is not unusual for a team of tradies to arrive on site before a material list has been organised. Then the whips get cracking. We, as a business, need to be able to respond quickly – this separates us from the rest.”

“In the case of commercial job sites, it is not unusual for a team of tradies to arrive on site before a material list has been organised (…) We, as a business, need to be able to respond quickly – this separates us from the rest.”

Although it has not been openly advertised, same-day delivery is something Bowens has achieved for builders for many years.

“This is not new to Bowens. We have potentially been doing this since the inception of mobile phones or maybe even earlier. We’re quick on our feet and all staff have access to our daily and current workload at a glance,” Wayne says.

Proactive staff and a workload that can be shared across the store easily, ensures the business stays on top of deliveries. This also allows staff to increase the delivery loads to accommodate builders and trades that require products urgently.

“We organise our deliveries by area, so adding to a delivery run is an easy thing for us to accomplish. Our yards are ahead of the orders more than ever before, and we can accommodate ‘hot ones’,” Wayne adds.

However, Bowens store network does not only capture in-store or over the phone orders. Many of our orders come through our ecommerce website. It is a matter of ensuring that these orders are also fulfilled by stores.

Bowens ecommerce manager Yash Desai says;

“We make things happen – if that means our account manager drives out to site or the branch manager takes the Ute to deliver it themselves, we’ll get the order to you.”

“We make things happen – if that means our account manager drives out to site or the branch manager takes the Ute to deliver it themselves, we’ll get the order to you.”

A bowens staff carrying an item that has been ordered prior.

Stores are well prepared to cater for same-day deliveries across Melbourne. Although some stores will be at near capacity for deliveries when they open in the morning, Wayne says that each store knows exactly how many deliveries will bring them to that point. As a result, they act according to fill the gaps to maximise the runs.

When asked what the biggest benefit of same-day delivery is for builders, Wayne says, “Time and money savings. Not to mention the relationships and reputations this will forge for builders.” This is a key aspect for any builder, especially if they are working to a tight deadline.

“On one occasion when we had a frame inspection booked that day and were desperate for some Simpson Strong Tie screws. Bowens came to the rescue and we got the job done before the inspector arrived,“ Dean Coker says.

Same-day delivery is just one way to solve the issue of having to leave site for last-minute materials, especially products that are hard to transport and time-consuming to load. But as Yash explains, there are other options available.

“We offer 59-minute Uber deliveries for any item that fits in a box, servicing most of the Melbourne metropolitan region.” A service that has been extremely successful since its inception in September 2023.

“We offer 59-minute Uber deliveries for any item that fits in a box, servicing most of the Melbourne metropolitan region.”

Bowens also offers a Click + Collect service for pick-up only. Purchase your products online or over the phone and they’ll be ready for you to collect within the hour.

Not convinced same-day delivery can benefit your business? For more information about our delivery and shipping service, explore our frequently asked questions or read more on the blog “Introducing Bowens Same-Day Delivery.”

*Same-day delivery is not available on weekends and public holidays. Orders must be placed before 10am. Excludes Shepparton.

Bowens Same-Day Delivery: “We’re Quick on Our Feet.”

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