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Published on 3/9/2018

Published by timharrison0064@gmail.com

What to look for in a rebar (steel reinforcing) supplier

So you're a concreter, builder or DIY'er....how do you choose a steel supplier

Eight out ten people choose a reo supplier based on price. And guess what? That's where all the problems start

Steel, rebar, reo and accessory supply is a complicated task fulfilled by a large number of players. Multinationals, medium sized corporates, small businesses and sole traders. Each participant on the playing field brings with them a particular skill set. So how do you choose who to buy your steel and accessories from for your next concreting project, and one's thereafter, if you're in the business of concreting? Here's a few handy hints to help you on your way.

1. Flexibility

Lead time on making cages and processing bar including elbows and L or Z bars is often over a week or even two weeks when it comes to the multi nationals. Often as a concreter or residential builder you need to move a bit faster than that. As much as you like to plan ahead it's not always possible. Engineering plans change, weather intervenes, other clients are pushing you and you've just got to get that job yesterday. Therefore you need to strike a balance and find a reo supplier you can build a relationship with. Someone who is honest and reasonable when it comes to pricing, yet willing to "fit you in" and push those cages and bent bars out when you really really need them! Remember though, don't abuse the privildge and extend the friendship, they can only bend so far.

2. Deliveries

You're a pod or two bags of 50/65 bar chairs short and you need them to pour at 8am. What do you do? You're supplier delivered yesterday and you haven't booked them in for a delivery today. It's a nightmare!

When you choose a reo supplier remember to consider the length of time taken to deliver to your job site. If its over 90 minutes you are in trouble, unless they have a back up plan for local deliveries. Often multi nationals and the large steel suppliers don't. Once again you may be well advised to source a medium sized supplier or even a local reo supplier who stocks everything you need onsite.

3. Scheduling and estimating

Whilst not all reo and accessory suppliers can schedule and estimate, it's of value to you if they can. "Take offs" of engineering and architectural plans save you time and money, and let you do what you do best, concrete and build.

4. A one stop shop

Many rebar and steel suppliers are now one stop shops for concreters. In other words thay can cut and bend bar, deliver reo and accessories to you on site, supply tools and form work, schedule and estimate, provide you with a company or business account, and even supply colour and other onsite essentials if required. This is of big advantage to you. Sourcing a large number of suppliers takes time and energy. If you had a separate supplier for all the things you required on site you could end up needing ten arms, 5 phones and an accounting degree to make even the smallest concreting job happen. Think carefully before choosing your mesh, bar and accessory supplier. It may be best to find a supplier that is a one stop shop for all your concreting needs.

5. Find someone who cares

Large steel and reo suppliers are utilised on big construction projects, infrastructure works and government jobs all over the land. Yet to them as a small outfit you are just a number. Come 40 days if you're account isn't paid you're struck off the list and sent to debt collector hell. If you change your quantities and lengths of bar it may take up to a month for them to find their way to your building site. And when you can get through to them on the phone you realise there are 10 bigger and more important jobs ahead of you.

You need to find a steel or reo supplier that suits your concreting needs. That can bend and flex to fit in with your schedule. But once again don't abuse their trust, and at times friendship. Remain loyal, pay your account on time, and give them as much lead time as you can.

So where do you find such a business to supply and deliver all your concreting needs when it comes to rebar, reo, steel and accessories?

Well here at concretebroker we have planty of great suppliers on our site. And if they aren't in your area, ask them who is, they'll be only too happy to help.

Lets check in with a few here :

EMCOSTEEL

EmcoSteel

Welcome to Emco. From processed reinforcing, mesh and accessories, tools and equipment. Emco really are the one-stop shop for all your concrete works. Reinforcing Sydney. Emco Steel is a cutting edge steel concrete reinforcement manufacturer, and a leading partner for concrete construction projects Sydney wide. Established in 2015, we are committed to providing the highest quality mesh and bar products, competitive pricing, reliable delivery, and superior service and support to residential builders and commercial.

REO PLUS PTY LTD

Reoplus

Reo Plus is a fresh company led by people with an abundance of experience in the reinforcing industry. We aim to offer the highest level of service to all of our customers regardless of job size or value. We are in the market to look after the small to meduim size concreters and builders. Our focus is on very high standards of customer service. Please feel free to give us a call at anytime or email plans through for quick estimates. We look forward to hearing from you.

BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SUPPLIES PTY LTD

buildingconstructionsupplies

Building & Construction Supplies (BCS) is a 100% Australian owned and operated business. Our core business is primarily reinforcing steel products, polystyrene waffle pods and all associated accessories that are required for the construction of any type of engineered footing and concrete slab design. We provide very competitive pricing, and strive for 100% customer satisfaction.

CONCRETE INDUSTRY SUPPLIES

ConstructionIndustrySupplies

Concrete Industry Supplies is your one stop shop for everything in the concrete industry. Thats right! Concrete formwork, concrete tools, steel reinforcing, fabricated steel, prefabricated steel and concrete accessories. They've got it all. Not to mention taking off plans and drawings for house and industrial slabs, what about estimating and scheduling as well, it's all there. If its cut and bent bar, a concrete helicopter, or just a trowel, your'e in the right place at Concrete Industry Supplies.

ALEXANDRA & YEA PREMIX

alexandraandyeapremix

We stock all reinforcing steel and accessories. We are proud leaders in our business. Our staff with years of experience aim to deliver your concrete with care.

COLOURCRETE CONCRETERS WAREHOUSE PTY LTD

ColourcreteConcretersWarehousePtyLtd

Colourcrete Concreters Warehouse is a Family Owned & Operated Business. With over 30 years in the building industry, and 15 years specialising in decorative surfaces, we live and breathe coloured concrete! Our focus and commitment to ?extreme customer service? has seen the Colourtone brand grow to one of the leaders in the industry.

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What to look for in a rebar (steel reinforcing) supplier

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