In the fast-paced and competitive building supply industry, the quoting and ordering experience is no longer just a back-office process—it’s a critical touchpoint in the customer journey. As contractors, developers, and procurement teams expect Amazon-level speed and accuracy, building material distributors must embrace new technologies and customer-centric strategies to meet and exceed those expectations.
Here are the top trends shaping how distributors are creating a smoother quoting and ordering experience in 2025:
- Instant, Configurable Quoting Tools
Manual quote building is being replaced by smart, automated systems. In 2025, more distributors are implementing real-time quoting platforms that factor in:
Customer-specific pricing
Tiered volume discounts
Freight estimates
Inventory availability
These systems allow reps—and even customers through self-service portals—to generate fast, accurate, and professionally formatted quotes within minutes.
Trend Insight: Tools with built-in configurators are growing in popularity, allowing users to select compatible accessories, finishes, or sizes while receiving immediate pricing updates.
- Omnichannel Ordering Capabilities
Buyers now expect a consistent experience whether they place orders online, through a sales rep, via email, or at a branch. In 2025, the most successful distributors are enabling true omnichannel ordering, where every quote, order, and delivery update syncs across all touchpoints.
Trend Insight: Integration between eCommerce platforms, mobile apps, in-person POS, and ERP systems is driving seamless transitions from quote to order, regardless of where the interaction starts.
- Predictive Ordering with AI and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence is now helping distributors anticipate what customers will need next. Based on past projects, buying patterns, and lead times, AI-driven systems can:
Pre-fill quotes with relevant SKUs
Suggest bundled items
Offer reorder reminders during peak construction seasons
Why It Matters: This not only speeds up the process but also adds value for the customer by making their procurement more proactive and efficient.
- Customer Self-Service Portals with Dynamic Features
Self-service is no longer limited to checking order status. In 2025, B2B portals are empowering contractors to:
Create and save quotes
Edit their orders before fulfillment
Track delivery schedules with live updates
Download product documentation or certifications
Trend Insight: Portals now offer project-based dashboards, helping contractors manage multiple jobs and quote multiple material sets at once.
- Integration of Logistics and Delivery Scheduling
Quoting and ordering doesn’t stop at product selection—it extends to delivery. Distributors are now integrating last-mile logistics tools directly into the ordering process, giving customers the ability to:
Select preferred delivery windows
Get real-time ETAs
Receive alerts on drop-offs or delays
Why It Matters: A clear, predictable delivery experience reduces jobsite downtime and increases customer confidence in your brand.
- Digital Collaboration Between Sales and Operations
A smooth experience for customers depends on a well-aligned internal process. In 2025, technology is enabling real-time collaboration between sales, purchasing, and dispatch teams through shared platforms, removing bottlenecks and speeding up approvals.
Example: A sales rep builds a quote in CRM, and operations sees it immediately to confirm stock or suggest substitutions—cutting lead times significantly.
- Mobile Quoting and Ordering on the Jobsite
Sales reps and customers alike are now leveraging mobile apps that support full quoting and ordering functionality. On a jobsite, a contractor can:
Scan barcodes
Check current pricing
Submit or adjust an order
Request immediate support
Why It Matters: Mobile capability accelerates decision-making and prevents costly project delays caused by product miscommunication.
- Enhanced Personalization with CRM Integration
In 2025, CRM systems are deeply connected to quoting and ordering platforms, offering a tailored experience based on:
Customer type (e.g., contractor, remodeler, architect)
Project type or location
Historical purchases
This ensures the customer receives more relevant recommendations, pricing, and support—all of which contribute to a faster, smoother experience.
Conclusion
In 2025, the quoting and ordering experience is a key differentiator in the building supply industry. Distributors that embrace automation, personalization, mobility, and integration are not only meeting customer expectations—they’re raising the bar. By investing in these trends, your business will not only win more sales but also earn the loyalty of customers who value speed, simplicity, and precision at every step of the process.
