Bob Heidenreich
Bob Heidenreich, owner of The Deck Store, in Apple Valley, Minn., has been selling decking and home improvement projects for 30 years. Follow Bob on Twitter: @TheDeckStore.
A focus on e-commerce can strengthen your business during uncertain times
As lumberyards are adjusting to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, many are pivoting to online retail as a means of continuing to serve their local markets while practicing all of the safety guidelines established for essential service businesses.
How to staff your company for online sales
When I meet other lumberyard operators who know that I do a significant amount of my retail business over the internet, one of the first things they ask is how they can best hire the staff to get themselves set up for a similar operation.
Beginning tools for e-commerce
Many of us in the LBM industry are either former builders or are familiar enough with the building trades to know that you can’t build anything worthwhile without the proper tools.
Is online retail right for you?
While I have been writing a column for LBM Journal on decking for the past several years, this month’s column begins a new focus.
Beware of credit card disputes when selling online
Usually, there aren’t many problems when customers use credit cards. But, in this month’s column, I want to talk about credit card disputes.
Why I don’t offer store credit
One of the reasons I first founded The Deck Store years ago is because local lumberyards wanted me to use their in-house credit lines, and I preferred not to.
How manufacturers and dealers can partner in online retail
I think our industry is missing out on an opportunity for manufacturers in online retail, with product pickup at independent lumberyards.
Customer agreements can prevent negative online reviews
As the retail experience continues to evolve, so do customer expectations.
Product release schedules cause problems for dealers
While dealers are on the front lines selling products, the manufacturers and distributors are not in the same season as we are.
Get creative when faced with inventory shortages
I think a lot of decking materials dealers saw it coming, at least here in the upper Midwest. The economic outlook, the housing and...