Author: gdado

Business owners deal a lot with their suppliers. Suppliers are a part of a business’s success, which is why it’s essential to establish good relationships with them. When you find reliable suppliers, you need to take care of them. 

But first, let’s talk about how suppliers impact your business. 

Suppliers Impact the Quality of Your Products or Services

Whether it’s a machine part, a basketful of ingredients, or a sack of garments, what your supplier brings to you will have a considerable effect on the quality of your products and services. Therefore, you need to seek a reliable supplier. 

Suppliers Affect Your Timeliness

If a supplier fails to deliver on time, it would have a domino effect on your business operations. You will be late on your deliveries as well. A supplier that provides a quick turnaround is one of the primary keys to minimise your inventory and to ensure that your clients’ needs are met on time. 

Suppliers Can Contribute to Your Product Developments

Are you developing a new product? Whatever product idea you may have, your suppliers have a significant contribution to it. 

These are some of the reasons suppliers play a significant role in businesses today. That is why you need to take the time and effort to build good relationships with your suppliers because they will be working alongside you.

Fostering Good Relationships With Suppliers

Here are some tips to help you cultivate good relationships with your suppliers: 

• Talk to them

If you only talk to your suppliers regarding business, then it’s time to change that. You need to reach out to your suppliers even if there’s no business involved. A simple “How are you?” or sending them some delicious pastries can go a long way relationship-wise. 

• View them as partners

Business owners tend to look at suppliers as vendors, which sets a perspective that hinders a potential relationship. It helps to consider suppliers as partners that you work with, as this mindset will help you optimise relationships.

• Share product forecasts with vendors

There are times when businesses fail to share their product forecasts with their suppliers. It then leaves suppliers in the dark. By sharing your product forecasts with your suppliers, you both get on the same page when it comes to the volume of commodities that you need over the next phase. 

• Always be honest

Honesty can do wonders for your relationships with suppliers. Should something go wrong, a business should easily reach out to the supplier and explain the situation. For example, if the quality of the merchandise is lower than expected, a business owner should not sweep this issue under the rug. They need to be upfront about it to their supplier. 

Conclusion

Suppliers play a significant role in your business operations, so make sure not to neglect them. Strive to find the best suppliers in your industry, and once you do, keep them by working on building good relationships for the long term. 

If you’re looking for suitable suppliers for your commodities, it’s easy to find one today, thanks to the wonders of the internet. Check out BLK Global today.

The commodity market is a marketplace where people trade all sorts of different things, mainly raw or primary products, such as wheat, oil, and gold. While the definition we’ve given you applies to all commodity markets, do note that they’re not trading the same things. 

How Commodity Markets Work

Prices in commodity markets are dependent on many factors, such as supply, costs to collect those items, and so on. Generally, it works like any other market, where people come to buy, sell, or trade.

One defining aspect of the commodity market, however, is that a buyer is given the ability to set a future price of a commodity, securing it in the present time. In other words, the buyer can secure a futures contract. For example, if an individual wants to purchase wheat at a specific price in the near future, he or she will pay that exact price no matter what when the seller delivers. It means that, whether the general cost of wheat rises or falls, the buyer is not necessarily affected by it after the agreed contract.

If you wanted to purchase a commodity like oil, you can set the price now on how much oil you want and when, and if both parties agree, you will pay the amount you specified when you receive it at a later date. Whether there is an ongoing economic event, forcing products to either shoot tremendously low or high, you’ll still pay the same amount on delivery date.

The Types of Commodity

While different commodity markets might be selling various commodities, they can all be placed either under these two categories: soft commodities and hard commodities.

Soft commodities are commodities that are usually unlimited and are not affected by factors relating to international politics that are usually influenced by geographical factors. Instead, the prices they come in are affected by the given conditions of the environment, such as weather or any other natural events. Soft commodities, then, include products relating to agriculture, such as barley, wheat, rice, and the likes. They also include livestock like chicken, pork, and beef.

On the other hand, hard commodities are limited in reserves and are affected by geopolitical factors. It means that, when there is an economic crisis or boom ongoing in the world’s general economics, the prices of these products will be affected profoundly. These products are also taken from the environment, utilising different procedures like mining, which, along with geopolitics, also affect the prices of these products. Out of these processes come the products, such as copper, rubber, gold, and oil.

Final Thoughts

Commodities are similar to other assets like bonds. The differentiating factor for commodities, then, is the fact that they’re tangible. That said, commodity markets are places where buyers and sellers can come together to buy, sell, and trade different products. At the same time, these markets give buyers and sellers the chance to set the pricing of the commodities.

If you’re looking to purchase commodities online in the UK, get in touch with us to see how we can help.

Commodity trading is said to be one of the oldest professions in the world. In the past, our ancient ancestors traded goods in a different light as compared to the commodity trading of today. These commodities included food and culinary types, such as spices, vegetables, and livestock. They also exchanged material products, such as gold, seashells, and natural stones. 

Eventually, the currency was developed through time. Today, we buy and sell commodities through the value of money. Additionally, over the past 20 years, the global commodities marketplace has evolved into what it is today — an aptly called ‘supercycle,’ which is the rise and fall of products relative to their prices.

In the following section, we’ll cover what the commodity market entails, and more about its commodity types, tradeable commodity categories, and trading standards.

Types of commodities

In a nutshell, commodities are sorted into two parts — hard and soft. While hard commodities pertain to natural resources, soft products refer to agricultural goods and livestock. Let’s take a look at each:

• Hard commodities: They are said to have a long-standing position in the economy. A perfect example of this is oil, which requires to be traded and exported to meet every country’s oil demand. 
• Soft commodities: They are more flexible as a product. Think about the likes of livestock and agricultural products because they are always in demand.

Ultimately, understanding the difference between hard and soft commodities can help you know which one is worth trading.

Categories of tradeable commodities

At this point, you now should have already been dealing with commodity trading. Nevertheless, it’s best to have a deeper understanding of what tradeable commodities include. Know that there are several specific categories of tradeable commodities, such as the following::

• Metals: These include gold, silver, platinum, and copper.
• Energy: These consist of crude oil, heating oil, natural gas, and gasoline.
• Livestock and meat: These are lean hogs, pork bellies, and live and feeder cattle.
• Agriculture: There are corn, soybeans, wheat, rice, cocoa, coffee, cotton, and sugar.

Knowing these categories gives you a basic understanding of what trading entails and what specific category you would like to invest in.

Commodity trading standards

If you want to successfully engage in trading commodities, every trader is required to abide by the rules and regulations that are set in place for commodity trading. An excellent example is how the government regulates safety standards in the food-manufacturing industry. Of course, you would want to trade in agricultural products and trade livestock that aren’t sick.

Ultimately, know that each country has its own set of laws and regulations, as far as trading commodities are concerned. For this reason, familiarize yourself with them before setting out on any investment plans.

Final words

The global commodity marketplace has drastically evolved over the years, which is why it cannot be denied that there are many complexities in the commodity industry. If you run a business or deal with trading commodities, you will have to dedicate a large part of your life to understanding its complexities, complying with the standards, and keeping up with the changing demands of the industry so that you can thrive and succeed.

BLK Global is specialized in online commodities, raw materials, and industrial supplies. If you are a manufacturing business, a wholesaler, or a retailer looking to optimize your supply chain, contact us today to see how we can help!

Pursuing a construction project can be quite costly. There’s just a lot of things to consider financially—labour cost and materials primarily. While you want to have a successful construction project, you’ll do what it takes to save up on the overall cost. One effective way to do so is to reduce the cost of building materials. It’s possible to save money on building materials; you just need to execute the right financial tactics. That said, here are five tips on how you can save up money when buying construction materials.

1. Purchase materials in bulk

There’s a huge advantage in purchasing materials in bulk or wholesale. Manufacturers can give you a much lower price as compared to buying in small quantities or purchasing from single retailers. 

First, single retailers require you to buy a minimum quantity for a discount, but that’s not the case with wholesalers. Second, it’s more practical to buy most materials in bulk than split them, which can incur other miscellaneous expenses. That said, sort the materials into separate sections and estimate the cost for each. From there, assess which ones are available in wholesale and which ones aren’t.

2. Invest in easy-to-install materials

Investing in easy-to-install materials will help you save money, time, and labour. You won’t have to shell out a considerable amount of money for the extensive labour services performed. For instance, consider various electrical products that are easy to install, such as electrical outlets, light switches, electrical boxes, electrical conduits, and motor controls. However, make sure you buy simple yet quality materials, so as not to have issues in the future.

3. Opt for prefabricated materials

Know that prefabrication is the assembly of different parts of the building at the manufacturing unit. The parts are then transported to the actual construction site for the entire assembly. It’s best to choose these custom-made parts of a building for various reasons. For one, modular construction is a lot more affordable than traditional construction. Two, it requires less time and reduces the labour cost. Overall, you can save money on construction financing, raw materials, and labour.

4. Negotiate with a network of suppliers

It’s best to deal with a network of trusted suppliers for a handful of reasons. For one, you won’t be shortchanged in terms of the quality of materials being supplied. Two, these suppliers can provide you discounts as their much-valued clients. All you have to do is to negotiate for the material costs and even ask for free delivery. In most cases, they will comply with the request, but you have to ask.

5. Set out good payment terms

Establishing good credit with suppliers can make all the difference when purchasing materials. It’s best to apply for credit terms with your material suppliers. Some suppliers provide forms of trade credit where you are bound to pay within 15, 30, or 60 days after the materials are delivered. Such payment terms can be a good idea, depending on what works for you. Who knows? The same suppliers may even offer discounts that will help you save money.

Final words

It won’t hurt your construction project if you know how to reduce the cost of buying your building materials. As long as you don’t compromise the quality of the materials being purchased, then you’re on the right track. 

That said, consider the five practical tips outlined above—buy materials in bulk, go for easy installation, opt for prefabricated materials, negotiate with suppliers, and set out payment terms. All these will ensure cost reduction and a successful construction project.

If you’re looking for a building materials supplier in the UK, get in touch with us to see how we can help.

More fuel companies have emerged in the UK to compete in the tight oil and gas industry. Today, price is no longer the only factor that customers must look for. An ideal fuel supplier must be competitive in terms of services as well. 

Fuel companies have different strengths and weaknesses. While others offer the cheapest deals on the market, some companies focus more on renewable energy and corporate social responsibility. Every customer has different needs as well. 

To find the fuel supplier that best fits one’s needs, here are the top three tips in choosing the right one.

Consider the company’s prices compared to the market rates

Finding a good deal means checking for the best prices on the market. Most consumers select their suppliers with pricing in mind. It is best to make a price comparison template to plot the market rate of different fuel companies. One way to do this is to check each company site. You can also check a price comparison website that reflects energy prices within one page. 

Check the reputation of the fuel company

A reliable fuel supplier must have proven experience and expertise in their line of business. It is not enough to have low prices alone. Instead, they must be known for providing excellent customer service and timely delivery of products or services, as well. It is also helpful to see the mission and vision of the company, as well as its brand value. 

While looking up their brand, try to read about their corporate social responsibility efforts that enrich the community. Aside from being professional, a good company must also be known for humanely running their companies.

Look for a fuel company that offers public transparency

Before switching to another fuel supplier, it is best to check if the new supplier has public transparency. Every customer has the right to know all relevant information about the company. Understanding this relevant information aims to protect consumer rights. Customers must be wary of companies that are too secretive with their data. 

Some of the necessary information that suppliers must disclose are the total contract price, terms, or mode of payment. The company must also advise the customer in advance regarding what happens in case of contract termination and if there are corresponding termination fees. 

Conclusion

Research and groundwork go a long way in helping the customer make more educated decisions. However, looking for the right fuel supplier is quite overwhelming, considering that there are many companies to choose from. Luckily, there are online platforms that provide a concise summary of each company. 

BLK Global is a leading online marketplace that offers a wide selection of raw materials and industrial supplies. It is an online avenue that aims to connect buyers, sellers, and shippers around the world. It is a place where customers have the chance to search, filter, and choose the materials that they need, as well as compare their market prices. 

If you’re looking for the most convenient and reliable platform where one can find the perfect fuel supplier, connect with BLK Global today. We’re happy to help.

Purchasing the required materials in construction is constant and necessary. You have the option to either buy items consistently or do so one time by bulk. 

Buying materials in bulk come with some perks. Bulk purchase of construction materials can be all the more beneficial to contractors with multiple ongoing projects having the same product requirements. As long as you have a viable plan and strategy set in place, a high-volume purchase can do your business good than harm.

At this juncture, you might be wondering: How can a bulk purchase of construction materials be advantageous for your business? Keep on reading to find out.

1. Cost-saving

There are many expenses involved in construction, and the required materials alone can be quite costly. Consider as well the other expenses that come with the material purchase, such as the shipping and disposal costs. The more you purchase regularly, the more you’ll have to shell out money. As a business, you’ll do what it takes to save up—and bulk purchase is such a viable solution. By buying in bulk, you can actually get discounts and reduce costs on other miscellaneous expenses, such as delivery expenses.

2. Increased productivity

There’s definitely downtime when materials aren’t readily available for construction. In some instances, you would run out of resources and would have to request for materials to be brought at the construction site. The waiting time can impact productive hours significantly. On the other hand, a bulk purchase can ensure that you have enough materials for construction. As long as they are safely stored, then your workers can quickly have access to the materials and readily use them for construction.

3. Material consistency

There’s a considerable difference between materials bought from various suppliers and bulk purchase of materials coming from only one source. The first option can lead to inconsistent materials in terms of quality, volume, and even application. On the other hand, a bulk purchase can ensure the consistency of your materials, which can impact your construction positively. When it comes to the construction business, consistency is key. 

4. Timely job completion

In construction, there’s typically a specific timeline to follow, and a completion date is usually set. The least you would want to happen is to have delays in the entire construction process. As mentioned above, downtime is a possibility with a lack of resources and materials. When this often occurs, then the job completion may be delayed or extended. When you resort to bulk purchase, you can ensure the availability of materials. As a result, you can expect your workers to deliver on time.

When contractors deliberately plan and decide on the schedule, volume, and all other concerns associated with the material purchase, then buying in bulk can be extremely beneficial for your business. 

As explained above, a bulk purchase can lead to cost-saving, productivity, material consistency, and efficiency. With these valuable benefits, your company gains time, saves money, and sets your business apart from the competition.

If you’re looking for building materials supplier in the UK, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.

When it comes to finding a good building materials supplier, there are a few signals you should be looking out for. These indications will make it easier for you to determine if the one you’re working with is the right one for the job. In this article, we’ll go over those signs so that you may more easily spot them and make the best choice the first time. Let’s get started!

The importance of working with a good supplier

Before we discuss the identifying characteristics of a good building materials supplier, let’s go over why it’s so important to work with a supplier you can rely on. Basically, it boils down to three main points:

1. A good supplier will help you save money. By working with a high-quality supplier, you can lessen the risk of having to redo a project due to faulty materials. This professional’s help can also lead you to better-priced deals that can help lower overall costs.

2. A good supplier will help you avoid delays. Working with a supplier that isn’t as experienced or lacks certain expertise can mean that your construction project might have to be postponed. This can wreak havoc any schedules and plans that have already been set.

3. A good supplier can help guarantee that your reputation stays intact. Perhaps most importantly, a supplier you can trust can mean the difference between a failed project and a successful one. Your clients will be much happier if you can deliver on your promises. One of the ways to ensure that is by sourcing your materials from someone you can depend on.

What a good building materials supplier looks like

The next question to ask is: How do you tell a good supplier from a bad one? Well, there are some sure signs that you should look out for.

1. They openly communicate and are easy to reach. A good supplier should be easy to talk to. That means they’re able to respond to your questions within a reasonable amount of time. Reliable suppliers also don’t go missing without any warning.

2. They are prepared to address all your concerns. Real professionals should have a wealth of experience and knowledge to apply when they encounter the technical specifications that are required for your construction project. If your supplier doesn’t sound confident in what they say and can’t provide the expertise to back it up, then you might want to consider working with someone else.

3. Their materials arrive on time and in good condition. When working with a good supplier, the last thing you should have to worry about is whether or not your building materials will arrive at the agreed time and in the best possible condition. They should also be able to immediately inform you of any unexpected problems that might be of concern.

4. They are considerate and reasonable. If your supplier is too pushy or aggressive and refuses to compromise on any subject, this might be a sign that they are more concerned about their interests than yours. There’s no doubt about it—this is a red flag that should tell you to take your business elsewhere.

5. They have all the right equipment. Finally, a good way to tell if your supplier is one you can rely on is to find out if they have all the necessary tools required to complete the job.

Keep these points in mind the next time you go looking for a building materials supplier to work with. Remember—there’s plenty on the line for you and your business. Although it may take more time and effort, making sure you choose a supplier that you can trust will be worth it!

If you’re looking for a good building materials supplier in the UK, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

Whether you’re installing a roof for your new home or giving your existing one a makeover, knowing the right materials to choose for your construction project is crucial. While there are many options available in the market, metal roofs remain to be one of the most popular choices due to its sustainability, durability, and minimal maintenance. 

Consequently, finding the right metal supplier is critical to your operation. However, forming a trusted relationship with the right supplier can be a tricky prospect. For instance, it can be challenging to find a quality metal set at a reasonable price tag. With the right research, you can see the bigger picture and have an idea of what to expect.

To that end, our tips below should help you narrow down your search and find a supplier for your project.

Tip #1: Know Your Project

Whether you’re looking to install metal roofing, build sliders, jewellery, or more,  it’s crucial to know what kind of metal you need for the project. This will help you identify the supplier that best aligns with your blueprint, allowing you to conduct consistent transactions. 

Tip #2: Determine Your Price Point

Your metal suppliers are critical to your project, as the raw materials you acquire from them will be your source of revenue. With that in mind, the price that you pay to purchase the set of metal from a prospective supplier impacts your bottom line. For that reason, it’s crucial to agree on a price point with your supplier that will enable you to hit your goals for the project. 

Tip #3: Ensure Reliable Customer Service

Problems can arise when your supplier is hard to contact for any pressing questions you may have throughout your transaction. To that end, be sure to choose a supplier with impeccable customer service to ensure that your needs for raw materials are addressed promptly. 

Tip #4: Choose a Partner That Knows Your Project

The price point isn’t the only aspect that can make or mar your decision. Another crucial factor is a keen understanding of your product or project, which is necessary for gathering any more information you may need in the process.

This means that a metal supplier that has a solid command over their raw materials will have confidence in the quality and performance of their merchandise. Not only will this help you with any clarifications you may require in the future, but when working with a supplier, knowing the ropes of your metals can also provide peace of mind. 

Those looking for large quantities of stainless steel for wholesale prices, for instance, need to look for suppliers that understand the material, size, and quality of products they need.

Tip #4: Search the Web

The worldwide web is a vast digital landscape that houses thousands of businesses, including suppliers of every type, scale, and variety. You can easily find a list of potential prospects by looking them up on your local search engine, though adding a zip code to your search will help you identify a shortlist of local suppliers promptly. 

In Conclusion

When starting a construction project that involves metal, it’s essential to choose the right type and quality of your raw materials by finding the right metal supplier. Partnering with a reliable supplier may be challenging as the manufacturing industry skyrockets every year, but the guide above should help you narrow down your choices and lead you to good deals near for your project. 

If you’re looking for a metal supplier in the UK to purchase a wide range of products from, get in touch or take a look at our selection today!

Clinkers are often regarded as a staple in the construction industry. They play an integral role in ensuring that every structure that is built with cement is compositionally sound. That said, clinkers are vital for building dependable and long-lasting structures. 

To better understand what a clinker actually is and why it’s so important in the first place, let’s go everything you need to know about it:

What is clinker?

Clinker is a type of nodular material that is produced throughout the kilning stage during the cement production process. It is used as a binder in most, if not all, cement products. 

Generally, the lumps or nodules of clinker are visually similar to that of pebbles, with the exception that they fall anywhere between three to 25 millimetres in diameter and are dark grey in colour. The binding material is produced by heating both limestone and clay up to the point of liquefaction (which is anywhere between 1400°C and 1500°C) in a rotary kiln. When it is added to gypsum to control the setting properties of cement and reinforce compressive strength and ground finely, clinker produces a higher-grade cement. 

When it comes to storage, clinker can be housed in dry conditions for extended periods of time without posing any risk to its quality. Thanks to the ease of storage, the integrity of material quality, and the wide range of benefits that clinker has, it is traded all over the world and utilized by cement manufacturers when their raw material supplies are scarce. 

What is a clinker composed of?

Inspecting the composition of clinker can be done in one of two different approaches, namely: mineralogical analysis through the use of petrographic microscopy or x-ray diffraction analysis through chemical analysis. The latter option, more often than not, is chosen because of its ability to accurately determine the composition of clinker, mainly through x-ray fluorescence spectrometry. 

A clinker is comprised of four main components, namely:

1. Alite: approximately tricalcium silicate (typically about 65 per cent of the total)
2. Belite: approximately dicalcium silicate (typically about 15 per cent of the total)
3. Aluminate: approximately tricalcium aluminate (typically about seven per cent of the total)
4. Ferrite: approximately tetracalcium aluminoferrite (typically about eight per cent of the total)

The various types of clinker

Clinker comes in various types that are suited for a wide array of purposes and can be easily dichotomized according to its material composition. Each type of clinker also varies depending on what type of cement it is produced for as a means to adhere to specific tendencies or properties that are within the cement itself. Here are a few common types of clinker:

• Sulfate-resistant clinker: This type of clinker contains 76 per cent alite, 5 per cent belite, two per cent tricalcium aluminate, 16 per cent tetracalcium aluminoferrite, and one per cent free calcium oxide. It is worth noting, however, that its production has taken a downturn in recent years, so it may be quite scarce.
• Low-heat clinker: On the other hand, low-heat clinker contains 29 per cent, 54 per cent, two per cent tricalcium aluminate and 15 percent tetracalcium aluminoferrite. Just like sulfate-resistant clinker, low-heat clinker is scarce because it is no longer produced as a result of modern alternatives. 
• White clinker: White clinker contains 76 per cent alite, 15 per cent belite, seven per cent tricalcium aluminate, no tetracalcium aluminoferrite, and two per cent free lime—but this composition can also vary widely. This particular type of clinker gets its namesake from the fact that it produces white cement, which is essentially used for aesthetic purposes. 

Final words

Clinker has been proven to play an essential part in upholding the structural integrity of any structure that is composed of or partly uses concrete. 

If you want to reinforce your structures with high-quality examples of clinker, get in touch with BLK Commodities today to see how we can help!