Real Issues. Real Answers

The pandemic has thrown a wrench into the LBM distribution channel. Instead of relying on projected business and forecasts, dealers and distributors are unsure which products and materials to purchase and in what quantities, and how to strategically manage inventory levels.

Finding and hiring good people has been one of the top challenges facing LBM dealers for the past few years. Now, the coronavirus crisis has altered that challenge for many companies, from finding good people to keeping the good people we already have.

Nearly 1,000 LBM pros weighed in with how their company has responded to the pandemic.

This month's question came from a dealer in the Northeastern U.S., who’s unsure how much unsolicited help to offer his customers.

Competition is nothing new. But in today’s environment with widespread consolidation, competitors are often much bigger, better funded, and more sophisticated than ever before.

This month’s Real Issue. Real Answer. is inspired by a reader whose company is thinking of making its pricing non-negotiable.

It’s a fact that our industry has an aging workforce, and as our most senior team members retire, their experience and institutional knowledge retires...

This month's Real Issues survey question was suggested by a reader who is frustrated with purposeless visits by vendor reps.

For years, many LBM companies charged restocking fees on returned material. Why not? It takes time to return products to inventory, and time is money.

Turning away business is a big step. But sometimes, customers create situations where it makes the most sense for your company to refuse to sell to them.