I will sell building materials to anyone who needs them. How to open a building materials store. How to make money selling construction products from third-party companies

Trade is considered the domain of budding entrepreneurs. “This is the simplest and therefore the most widespread type of small business,” says sociologist Arkady Semenov from Moscow. - Take, for example, building materials store. According to random surveys, where would you start your business, from the list of ten proposed ideas, many gave preference to selling goods for the repair and decoration of apartments. It turned out that this is even more interesting than a car service or.”

And in fact, almost all people, with very rare exceptions, in one way or another at least once in their lives bought wallpaper for their apartment, screws for fasteners, taps for plumbing. Moreover, due to the constant bustle and queues, one gets the impression that almost all stores of this profile are successful. Is this really so and what needs to be done to open a successful retail outlet with repair goods, we decided to find out.

Optimists and pessimists

Judging by the information and discussions on the RuNet, the topic of owning a building materials store is popular. Here are some posts worth checking out:

“...I would like to hear the opinion of knowledgeable people: how profitable is it to open a building materials store?” - forum member Bulavka is interested.
“If there is an opportunity, then there is nothing to even think about, open up, develop, prosper! This type of business will always be in demand,” another forum participant, shahter78, is convinced.
“I’ve been in the subject for a long time,” a certain Dmitry Ivanovich doubts. - There are enough problems, the most important of which is the attractive price. I don’t know how to achieve it. Repairmen are cunning people. They are looking for something inexpensive. Moles dig the ground. If you raise the price a little, your customers will blow away like the wind. And trading cheaper than competitors is at a loss.”

Economist experts, in particular Mira Kolomiytseva, who specializes in small business, considers the last statement a kind of cry from the heart. “Numerous publications on the topic of “owning your own building materials store” have nothing to do with reality,” she says. - For example, some authors link starting amounts to retail space, saying these are key indicators. Abstract figures are given, the observance of which supposedly guarantees the success of the undertaking. In particular, 500 thousand rubles are needed as working capital for a point of 100 square meters. Meanwhile, this disorients budding entrepreneurs.”

According to Kolomiytseva, people have the false impression of a quiet business that will generate income in any case. Meanwhile, the store should be “correctly configured” in terms of assortment with taking into account the prices of the nearest wholesale distributors.

We are talking about a kind of road map that should be drawn up before the start. “Buyers don’t like the narrow specialization of a building materials store,” says Valery Andreev, a businessman from Rostov-on-Don. - As a rule, they come with a list, according to which they buy. Therefore, the assortment should be as thoughtful as possible. I know one entrepreneur who, in a large chain building materials supermarket, stood at the cash register and quietly took into account who, what and how much was buying.”

In this assortment, on the one hand, duplicate items should be excluded, since unnecessary items are expensive to service. On the other hand, transport and storage costs are optimized. “It is necessary to establish a clear system of interaction with distributors,” advises Anna Smirnova, director of a small building materials store. - Good personal relationships are important here. In this case, it may be possible to access the changing price lists of wholesalers via the Internet.”

Expense arithmetic

Anna Smirnova, based on personal experience, says that the store should have convenient transport accessibility. This could be a residential area, or even an industrial zone, or an area along the main entrance and exit from a city or village. “Renovation of premises may be the most budgetary, but you will have to fork out for equipment,” Arkady Semenov is sure. “It’s psychologically important for people to buy in a familiar work environment, and certainly not in a barn.”

Therefore, it is necessary to install specialized shelving up to 3 meters high and 1 meter wide, as well as several glass display cabinets that can be locked with a key. You will probably need a turnstile for buyers, a packing table and about ten chrome-plated carts for purchased building materials.

Of course, each store should have its own business project, but basic indicators should still be taken into account. We present them in a simplified table.

Cost items for opening a store

Position Amount, rub. Note
Working capital 5-7 thousand per sq. m of area But not less than 600 thousand rubles
Trade equipment (racks, display cases) 2-3 thousand per sq. m of area -
Rent and salary 2-3 thousand per sq. m of area 1 manager per 50 sq. m

To summarize, we can say that opening a building materials store will require a businessman to detailed planning and strict implementation of the plan. Experts believe that the “break-even point” will be passed within a year from the moment of opening, while the profitability of the business should be at least 15%.

In recent years, the population of our country has been actively building and no less actively renovating new and old apartments. Many cities are now experiencing a construction boom. And that’s why everyone needs building materials. Selling materials and other components needed for construction and renovation is a profitable business. Many entrepreneurs have understood this, which is why there are many stores with a similar focus. But there are still unoccupied niches and attractive opportunities in this business. Let's look at how to open a building materials store.

Store format

Building materials and accompanying product names are sold in different ways. In construction markets, small stalls, warehouse stores, construction supermarkets and regular hardware stores. Before starting this business, you need to understand what types of construction stores exist. And which of these types suits your capabilities. Or maybe you’ll study what’s out there and come up with something of your own. So, the conditional division of construction stores:

  1. Small shops, from 20 to 50 sq.m. plus a warehouse of approximately the same area. Such a store usually presents one or two groups of goods, with 30 or more items. For example, wallpaper. Or paint. Or floor coverings. Along with the main group of products, related products can be sold. For example, wallpaper and wallpaper glue of several types, suitable for the types of wallpaper present in the store’s assortment.
  2. Larger stores, up to 200 sq.m. total area, the area of ​​the sales area in this case can be 100-120 sq.m. Such a store may offer several dozen product groups. There may be wallpaper, paint, several types of flooring, plumbing, boards, and pipes. The total number of product articles can reach 5-6 thousand items.
  3. Large construction stores with a sales area of ​​1000 sq.m. and extensive storage facilities. Such a store usually has at least ten departments, where you can find almost everything you might need for repairs and construction. Product groups number in the hundreds, and names in the thousands.
  4. Store-warehouse. There is no division into warehouses and sales areas. The goods are presented to customers in the volumes and quantities that are available in the store. On average, the size of such complex trading enterprises ranges from 2000 to 3000 sq.m. But there are also small warehouse stores that sell goods of one or two directions.

Required Documentation

First you need to register in the Unified State Register as a legal entity. After this, you can receive a certificate of registration with the tax authorities.

Typically, owners of construction stores choose one of two legal forms of doing business - (IP) or (LLC). Individual entrepreneur is convenient if you do not have a very large store and you are its sole owner. An LLC is usually used for larger businesses and when there are co-founders.

You will need to choose a tax system. This choice may depend on local laws, and laws may vary from region to region.

A convenient tax is UTII (UTII), in most regions of the country all retail enterprises, which include a building materials store, fall under it.

If your city does not provide UTII for this type of activity, then you can choose the simplified tax system -. This tax is 6% if the object of taxation is income, and 15% if the object of taxation is income reduced by the amount of expenses.

Since 2014, a new taxation system, patent, has been introduced. It consists in acquiring a patent for each type of activity. This taxation system is only possible for individual entrepreneurs.

You should receive a notification from Goskomstat that your enterprise has been assigned codes according to OKVED (the All-Russian Cadastre of Economic Activities) that correspond to your business activity.

In addition, you will need to obtain permission from the following authorities:

  • City Administration.
  • Chamber of Commerce.
  • Fire inspection.
  • Traffic police (when organizing parking).

Shop space

Criteria for choosing a location for a building materials store:

  • Proximity to a busy highway with a constant flow of cars.
  • Area of ​​new buildings.
  • On a large construction market.
  • Close to stores of a similar focus that do not duplicate your store.
  • In the area of ​​the industrial zone of the city - there you can find suitable premises at a favorable price.
  • The premises must be in a non-residential area, so firefighters will not allow the sale of flammable substances, which make up a significant part of the assortment of a hardware store, in a residential area.
  • There must be ample guarded free parking next to the store.
  • Convenient access roads should lead to the store.
  • For a large warehouse store selling large quantities of bulky goods, it is desirable to have access railway tracks.
  • The store must comply with the requirements of the SES and fire inspection for the conditions of storage and sale of goods.

The next question that needs to be decided: rent or buy the premises? Owning a premises is, of course, convenient, but it requires a large investment that will not be returned soon.

Therefore, if you already have your own suitable premises, great. This will solve a lot of problems. If there is no premises, and you do not have substantial initial capital, then it is better to rent a store premises. Perhaps it will be a lease with a subsequent purchase if your store is doing well and you have a stable high income.

Shop equipment

The set of equipment is standard and simple and includes:

  • Single-sided racks attached to the walls for displaying goods.
  • Double-sided shelving, which is located in the central part of the hall.
  • Showcase cabinets with glass doors for placing small-sized goods.
  • Showcase counters for some departments of the store.
  • Retail nets for hanging suspended goods.
  • Fasteners and hooks for placing goods on the walls.
  • Packing table.
  • Cash register, one or more.
  • Trolleys and shopping baskets.

Product range

You should choose the groups of products that should be in your store after considering the following questions:

  • Store size. If you have a large supermarket, you will be able to have a wide and varied assortment. If your store is small in size, then you need to choose one direction.
  • Availability of similar stores in your city or area. If you want to sell flooring, make sure there is no similar store nearby.
  • Buyers' needs. Study the construction goods market, find out what is in short supply and what goods are in abundance.

In any case, your store should have a wide range of products. The modern buyer is spoiled by the abundance of goods and is unlikely to return to a store with a meager assortment. If the space does not allow you to display a large amount of goods, you can also work from catalogs, to order.

Let's list the standard product groups for a building materials store:

Suppliers

You can search for suppliers in person by visiting all wholesale centers in the city, or via the Internet. The first method is convenient because it is easier to agree on conditions through personal contact, the second is because you don’t have to go or drive anywhere, you just need to look through the catalogs of the companies you need and compare prices.

Don't limit yourself to suppliers that have a presence in your city, especially if your city is small. Look for suppliers in nearby major cities. This is usually more profitable.

Often large bases deliver goods to neighboring cities for free for large enough orders. In many cases, you can not only submit a request for a product, but also enter into an agreement with the supplier via the Internet.

Store employees

To open a hardware store and ensure its prosperity, you must find experienced employees. Your store should be managed by a person who has worked in this field for several years. After all, the range of goods, contacts with suppliers, and personnel management depend on it.

Sales consultants must have all the information about the product; in addition, they must understand the construction and repair process itself in order to give advice or consultation. If your store has several departments, then each should have at least one consultant who thoroughly understands the products of this department.

In addition to sales consultants and management personnel, you will need cashiers, cleaners, a warehouse manager and loaders.

Remuneration for store employees should be stimulating: salary and bonus, the size of which depends on the quality of work and the quantity of goods sold. With this approach, employees work most efficiently.

Business plan for a building materials store

Opening a small building materials store with an area of ​​about one hundred square meters, according to experienced entrepreneurs working in this business, costs 300–400 thousand rubles.

The average turnover per month is 200,000 rubles. This is with a trade markup on goods of 20-30%.

Most of the turnover goes to payments to suppliers (about 70%). That is, 60,000 rubles remain. You also need to pay salaries and taxes. There will be a very small amount left.

Therefore, opening a small store is profitable only if you have the opportunity to purchase goods inexpensively from suppliers and make a markup on it in the store of more than 30%. In addition, you need to agree with suppliers on the delivery of all goods without prepayment, for sale. And one more thing – the premises. If the rental price is high, your business may become unprofitable.

Conclusion: opening a small-format building materials store is profitable if you have inexpensive premises (preferably one that you own) and favorable working conditions with suppliers.

Opening of a store with an area of ​​about 200 sq.m. will require an amount of 1.5 million rubles, including the full cost of payment for the goods. Monthly turnover is 800-900 thousand rubles, net profit after taxes is 50-60 thousand per month.

Supermarket of building materials, occupying 1500-2000 sq.m. will require investments of 8-10 million rubles. The turnover of such a store is approximately 3 million rubles per month, and the net profit is about 150,000 rubles.

This trading option is the most profitable for the business owner and the most convenient for the client, because he can purchase all the main and related products for repairs in one place.

Promotion of a building materials store

Since competition in this business is high, and the location of the store may not always be successful from a marketing point of view - such stores are often located on the outskirts of the city or in industrial zones - advertising becomes of paramount importance.

By the time the store opens, you need to prepare advertisements in the local press, and, if possible, on radio and television. You can also install advertising posters and banners on the streets of the city, informing about the opening of a new store, its advantages and discounts for first customers.

Be sure to start your website on the Internet, because now they are looking for everything they might need. The website must be made with high quality, it must attract attention, give an idea of ​​your product range and prices. It should contain information about your work hours, options for delivery of building materials, and your contact numbers. Don't forget to update it regularly.

Another effective form of advertising is cooperation with repair and construction companies and teams. They will bring their clients to you and purchase materials from you if you give them the opportunity to receive discounts or percentages on the sales of new clients attracted.

You can attract sales representatives who will offer your product to companies involved in interior design, renovation and construction. This way you can find profitable regular customers who will purchase large quantities of goods from you.

Be sure to issue discount cards, simple or cumulative, to regular customers. Don't forget to run promotions when new types of products appear. Invite design consultants or builders to participate in these promotions. Organize online and SMS distribution of news from your store to regular customers.

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In any locality in Russia there is and will always be a need for the construction of facilities for various purposes. And over time they deteriorate and require repairs. This means that we cannot do without construction and finishing materials in our lives. Hence the conclusion - the sale of such goods is a popular and profitable business.

Reconomica Today I will share with you, dear readers, the experience of a successful entrepreneur who combined the production of building materials with the sale of not only his own, but also similar products from other companies.

The main tool for the development of this business was the organization of an office to receive orders from consumers for similar goods. You will learn about the positive and negative aspects, the benefits received and the prospects of the specified business.

Greetings. My name is Mark. I am 37 years old. I'm from Astrakhan. Now I am selling tiles, tiles, decorative mosaics and many other related products for construction, renovation and interior decoration.

I don’t have a store, but an office for receiving orders. Trade turnover ranges from one and a half to two million rubles per month, from March to November inclusive.

Sales begin with the onset of the construction season and until its end. I’ll briefly tell you how I came to this type of activity.

My first steps in the construction business

It all started with the production of paving slabs; I organized this business in 2014.

Production of paving slabs.

Things weren't going well with production. There was only enough money to rent premises, pay staff and pay taxes.

At first I worked with virtually no profit. There were orders constantly, but it was almost impossible to make money on them.

There was a need to increase production volumes and reach serious clients. This step required huge investments in production. There were no such opportunities.

Choosing the direction of further development of the business

The further path of business development was vague. It was necessary to either urgently decide something or stop business activities.

How the idea came

An acquaintance of mine worked at that time in a managerial position in a manufacturing company that specialized in the manufacture of bricks and concrete products. He suggested ways for further development.

Finding ways to promote your business

I thought that production was built first, and then the goods produced were sold, and the business flourished. Maybe this happens on paper, in fantastic business plans, but not in reality. First, you need to trade someone else’s goods and replenish your customer base, and when stable demand arises, you can open your own production if it is profitable.

Opening without market knowledge and experience is a path to failure.

Proof of this is the many small businesses that opened and closed, accumulating large debts.

First mistakes

I was like that too. I read an amateurish business plan on some social network. Everything seemed easy and simple. But in fact, he had almost said goodbye to the invested money and was ready to sell his car to pay off the accumulated debts.

Business is a science and a way of life. This craft can be mastered. The main thing is to set the goal correctly and find a short path to it.

Initially I wanted to try something I was unfamiliar with. Business does not tolerate amateurism. Especially in the manufacturing sector. It took a long and difficult time to get out of the current situation. It’s very good that I found an experienced person who told me what to do next.

Stages of opening and developing a sales office

Choosing a retail location and its purpose

Even if there is no one to sit there, the sales office should be in order to:

  • receive clients;
  • present products;
  • conclude contracts.

Conditions for renting premises

There was free space on the territory where I rented the production workshop. Its area was 150 m², the rental cost was 15 thousand rubles. per month, without utilities. The total amount of payments was approximately 18 thousand rubles. per month. I reluctantly took this step.

Equipping the office with everything you need

For full-fledged trading you will need:

  • furniture;
  • racks;
  • computer;
  • Printer;
  • various stationery items.

I spent 70 thousand rubles on furnishings and equipment for the office.

The furniture was the cheapest. The printer was also included in this price; the computer had to be brought from home. The retail space was large, but there were no other options.

Setting up a full-fledged office is expensive.

Later, the space of this office became insufficient.

Methods for displaying products on the sales floor

The first thing I did was exhibit my products. Since there was a lot of space, I laid out the paving slabs in all sorts of ways. He combined two and even four different colors of tiles of the same model, which could be laid in different color schemes.

Showing samples of paving slabs is a necessary sales attribute.

Thus, I could not show my products in a workshop environment.

Expansion of the range of building materials

So I became a representative of a mini-factory for the production of building materials.

In the sales area, he displayed the bricks they had made, and placed catalogs of the rest of the products, which, due to their large dimensions, could not be placed in the office.

Display of samples of bricks and other products in the sales office.

I placed samples of floor slabs and foundation blocks near the gates of my workshop.

Product promotion activities

The next question concerned information support for trade - marketing.

The office was located on the roadway. The administration allowed advertising banners to be placed on the building. I made two banners measuring 1 by 4 meters to hang on different sides of the building. Their cost was 8 thousand rubles.

And they also made a remote stand, which was located in front of the entrance to the building. Its price was 2 thousand rubles.

From 4 thousand to 7 thousand rubles were spent on promoting products in Avito, newspapers, making leaflets and business cards. per month.

How to make money selling construction products from third-party companies

As a result of the increased demand for their products and the inability to satisfy the needs of consumers with the available production capacities, it was necessary to urgently make some decision.

Reasons for turning to other manufacturers

There was no money to expand production, and I didn’t really want to increase it.

In the warm season, it was still possible to pay rent, but in winter, when there are almost no orders and the production premises need to be heated, the cost of rent was significantly more affordable.

The solution was to negotiate the sale of tiles from other manufacturers .

My advantages when choosing a partner

In the modern market, the problem of any manufacturer is the sale of products. In such an environment, with fierce competition, manufacturers who do not have their own sales channels become hostage to sellers.

If I have a good client, then the company provides a minimum wholesale price for the products.

A commodity producer always has a need for funds - these are debts on wages, rent, debts for supplied raw materials, or a person simply has a loan from a bank.

The manufacturer is always happy to sell, even with minimal markup on the product. I took advantage of this situation.

Very often he earned more from sales than the manufacturer.

Positive changes in business provide impetus for further growth

When organizing any business, constant movement forward is necessary. Otherwise - stagnation.

Significant progress in trade after the conclusion of the partnership agreement

Finding a manufacturer to collaborate with turned out to be easy. An agreement was signed with him. The list of products presented far exceeded my product output. A quarter of the room was occupied by an exhibition of their products.

I started searching for suppliers who could provide exhibition samples, stands, catalogs and other promotional products for free.

Finding new ways to increase sales

And a certain style of work in such auctions also emerged. It was necessary for the manufacturer or wholesaler whose products I represent to release the goods from the warehouse at the sales price in their office.

Not everyone agreed to such cooperation, but still there were entrepreneurs who wanted to expand. They also had conditions - if I represent their assortment, then I no longer work with anyone.

Samples of reinforced concrete products in an open area.

Optimization of retail space

The trading floor began to fill with samples of various goods. Then he divided the trading zones. On the production site he placed the largest specimens - reinforced concrete products.

Roofing samples.

They were joined by samples of timber, roofing, mesh, metal products - everything related to construction.

Samples of rolled metal.

I divided the office space into three parts - an office and two halls. The first hall served to display products for construction and landscaping, the second hall presented materials for finishing rooms and bathrooms.

Sales area with samples of finishing materials.

I filled empty spaces in the trading floors with goods that fit the theme. For example, the sales floor was replenished with two stands - one with LED lighting, the second representing manufacturers of swimming pools for personal plots, saunas, and baths.

Temporary setbacks are inevitable

Not all positions were profitable. Some goods or services were never sold. For example, I have never accepted an order to make a pool or fountain. Mosaics for bathrooms sold very poorly and took up a lot of space, but bright and beautiful stands with such samples had a positive influence on buyers.

Not everything is on sale, but some products create a good atmosphere on the sales floor.

How much does trade in construction materials bring?

I’ll tell you briefly about the profit received from the sale of construction and finishing materials.

Amounts of allowances for goods

I marked up the goods sold by 10 to 30%. The highest markup is for paving slabs and building materials.

Tiles, porcelain tiles, tiles and countertops made of natural stone also work well. The average markup was 20%.

What does income depend on?

If the turnover passing through my office amounted to 1 million rubles, then I have approximately 200 thousand rubles left in profit.

From there, taxes, deductions, rent, advertising expenses and the salary of the seller and accountant are deducted.

Half of this amount remains. If at the height of the season you manage to sell 2–3 million rubles, then the costs are the same, and the profit increases. I wrote my turnover above. It’s not difficult to calculate how much the business brings me in net.

But don’t forget that January and February are months with almost no revenue. However, money must be paid for rent, and employees of the enterprise must be paid wages. And for this you need to work hard during the busy season.

My trading method

Some, after reading the article, may think that I am an ordinary speculator, and buyers do not receive anything when purchasing goods through my sales office. If that were the case, then customers wouldn't come here.

Consulting customers on products

I made a point of advising consumers regarding the characteristics of the building materials they purchased. In addition, he did not accept low-quality goods for sale.

Consumers did not need to run after sellers and beg for illiterate advice about the product I was selling, since I knew everything and could answer clients’ questions.

Application of the software

He also mastered computer 3D modeling, and made room renovation projects for free, calculating the materials used.

For example, the program calculated the quantity of tiles for a bathroom accurately, and customers did not have to purchase extra material, such as tiles and glue.

Design service

My salesperson also provided design services and helped buyers decide on colors, sizes, and finishing options.

It's very hard work.

An impeccable reputation of a businessman is an important component of a successful business.

Another advantage is reputation. In three years of work I have not let anyone down, so wholesale consumers have established business relationships with me.

It would seem that construction companies can go to manufacturing plants themselves and purchase goods in large quantities.

But, apparently, there are problems that prevent such actions.

When words do not differ from deeds, this is a reputation that also pays off.

Our reader Vlad Petrov sent us his story about how he developed a wholesale business related to the sale of building materials and soil. We pass the microphone to him.

The story began in 2013. I was constantly thinking of all sorts of business ideas, even though I was working in a factory at the time. Apparently, Robert Kiyosaki's books had a very strong influence on me. I was not going to give up, I tried various projects, but it was all frivolous, I quickly got bored, and I again switched to searching for a new “secret of success.”

These ideas sat in my head, from time to time I discussed them with various acquaintances. My next idea was to start decorating the premises - hire craftsmen and take orders. Although, I have never dealt with this area - I just thought that this idea was understandable, which means it was easier to implement.

And then one day I met my friend, whom I had not seen for several months. We talked about this and that, and I suggested that he start this kind of business. He told me that he himself doesn’t really understand this process and doesn’t want to get involved with it. But instead, he suggested that I go into cargo transportation, something that he does himself.

I knew that he was carrying some kind of soil, but I never asked him what it was. He immediately outlined his activities and invited us to join. I didn’t immediately decide to take such a step, but the idea sank into my soul.

At first, I started connecting to this business in my free time - in the evenings I posted ads on the Internet on free boards and called construction companies from DoubleGis.

Of course, big money could not come with this approach - in order to earn money properly, you need to be properly immersed in activities. Therefore, after some time, I again plunged into the factory routine, abandoned the search for clients and worked as usual.

I read the correct words in a couple of books from different business coaches: until a person desperately needs to earn money, he will not lift a finger. I don’t know how it is for anyone, but this was just my case.

I still couldn’t find a girl with whom I would like to build a serious relationship - I met people left and right - on the street, in parks and in general companies, but it didn’t work out, even if you cracked. But one fine day I finally found such a girl and was about to get married.

But the salary at the factory would definitely not be enough to provide for a family. So I called my friend and asked if his offer was still valid. He said yes. Thus began a new stage in my life.

We started working in the winter, every day I came to the apartment that my friend was renting, they called clients, placed advertisements, sometimes, overcoming fear, I went to construction sites, talked with foremen, and contacted suppliers.

The first two months, of course, were a bit difficult - there were a lot of calls, there was little use, I, as a rule, heard the same thing - “call back in the spring” or “send a commercial offer by mail.”

Well, this was not a reason to give up - I set a goal to work here for at least six months so that I could talk about something. And I really didn’t want to go back to the factory.

Closer to February, the situation began to improve - the first, thin stream of clients began to flow. I have already earned money for February 26 thousand rubles- more than at the factory. “Well, not bad for the winter month,” I thought. Eh, I wish I knew what would happen in March...

March turned out to be hot - applications poured in like from a cornucopia - people responded to my commercial offers, called through advertisements, some even bought something on the spot - during my first call to them.

When at the end of March I calculated how much I earned, the figure turned out to be interesting - 111 thousand. 7 times more than at the factory - not bad, right?

Of course, not all months were so successful, but still, on average, my income increased 4 times compared to last year - and this is just the beginning. It was a pleasant feeling when I negotiated for a long time, agreed on the price with everyone, and at the end, cars with sand were flying to the construction site all day long.

Analyzing my year of work in such a business, I came to the conclusion that the main method of recruiting a customer base is cold calling. Competition in such a business is not bad, so directors of companies and suppliers rarely sit down on the phone and look for who will bring them crushed stone - there is already a queue of companies ready to transport materials to them.

Tours of construction sites are also very useful - I once went to a construction site and asked the foreman for the number of the deputy director of the development company. They mainly rent out premises and rarely build, so I would not find such a company in a catalog of construction companies. And for this site alone, we brought them about 1,500 tons of sand and crushed stone, and removed 1,000 cubic meters of soil and construction waste from them. Therefore, detours cannot be neglected.

However, advertisements also cannot be discounted - not only are there private traders who bring in more than 5,000 rubles from one transaction, but construction companies still sometimes call. This happens when they need some kind of scarce product - used road slabs or soil, or when the object is located far outside the city, and the spread of prices for delivery to that address can be very large - it makes sense to compare suppliers.

So, based on the advertisements, I found 3 large clients; one was supplied with about 800 tons of sand and crushed stone over the course of a year, and a couple more were supplied with soil and crushed stone. Therefore, use all the working methods of finding clients and don’t discount anything.

Not long ago, a thought occurred to me - why not help others and help people earn the same money as me?