Natural stones are materials found in nature and used for construction purposes. It is a broad term that includes stones like marble, granite, sandstone, and limestone. The usage of natural stone is not new, it has been used since ancient times, but the modern era has seen a significant increase in demand.
There are various reasons for this sudden popularity of natural stone. Firstly, with the increasing environmental awareness, people are now looking for eco-friendly materials and what can be more eco-friendly than typical construction materials.
Natural stone gives the house a classy and luxurious look, which is why more and more people are opting for it. These stones are also far more durable than man-made materials, so people are willing to invest extra money. As a result, the global market is estimated to be around $60 billion, with much more room to grow.
If you are interested in business and natural stones, then starting a natural stone supplier business can be a great option. Here are five ways to become a successful natural stone supplier:
Do Your Research
If you don’t know much about natural stones, you need to research them before starting the business. It’s a highly competitive market, and you need in-depth knowledge about the product. In addition, you should know about the different stones types, properties, and their uses. Here are some of the most common stones you should know about.
- Granite is one of the most popular stones used in countertops, flooring, and walls.
- Marble is a metamorphic rock used for centuries for sculptures and buildings.
- Sandstone is a sedimentary rock mainly used in construction projects like roads, bridges, etc.
- Limestone is another sedimentary rock formed from calcium carbonate deposits. It’s often used for walls and floors.
- Basalt is an igneous rock formed from cooled lava. It is commonly used in construction projects.
You should also know the stone quarrying process and how the stones are cut and transported. It’s also essential to know about the equipment used in the stone industry, as you will need to purchase or rent it for your business.
It is also essential to be aware of the latest trends in the industry. Only then you’ll be able to provide what customers want.
Sell The Right Stones
Once you’ve done your research, you should look for the most popular types of stones in your area and start stocking them. It’s essential to sell suitable stones as customers will not be interested in buying something they don’t need. You should also find out about the most common uses of natural stones in your area and stock those stones. For example, if you live in an area where granite countertops are popular, you should have a good supply of granite.
One natural stone that will always sell is stone veneers. These thin pieces of natural stone are used to create the illusion of an entire stone wall. They are prevalent in North America and are easy to transport and install. There are also pre-cast stone veneer sidings, common in many homes in the country. They are known to insulate homes well and are also easy to install. They also bring a beautiful and rustic look to any home. So make sure to sell these no matter what.
Get the Right Certification
Certain certification bodies provide certification to natural stone businesses. Getting these certifications will give you an edge over your competitors. The most common certification in the US is the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) Certification.
This certification is not mandatory but will show your customers that you are a reliable and trustworthy business. It will also help you get in touch with other industry members and stay up-to-date with the latest news.
Invest in Good Equipment
You must invest in good quality equipment to be a successful natural stone supplier. This includes things like trucks, cranes, and other machinery. You should also have a well-equipped workshop where you can store your stones and cut them to size.
Make sure to invest in the latest equipment as it will make your work easier and faster. It will also help you save money in the long run as you won’t have to replace your equipment often.
Build Good Relationships
In any business, building good relationships with your suppliers, customers, and employees is essential. This is especially true in the natural stone industry, as most transactions are offline.
You should build good relationships with your suppliers to get the best quality stones at the best prices. You should also develop good relationships with your customers so that they keep coming back to you. And finally, you should build good relationships with your employees to motivate them to work hard.
Selling natural stones is a niche in the construction business, but a profitable one at that. By following these tips, you can become a natural stone supplier and take up a piece of the multi-billion dollar pie.