Trade

The trade in construction materials, products and tools is the very core of the market USP has specialised in for several decades. The broad array of channels and parties through which these products move from manufacturers to the professionals that use them, include general, material and specialist wholesalers, but also hardware and DIY stores.

Over the past years we have seen new players, like pure online shops, enter the market, and new channels like direct selling by manufacturers open up, but also the disruptive impact of the e-commerce trend on the field of B2B trade of construction materials and tools. In this ever-evolving and hugely competitive field of trade, knowledge of trends, purchase channels and customer attitudes, preferences and journeys is invaluable. And that is what we trade in: the knowledge of the market and trade channels you need to successfully bring your products to market and stay ahead of the competition. Below you will find examples of clients we have worked with before and the types of studies we frequently conduct.

Clients we have worked for:

We help our clients with various types of researches

Customer satisfaction

Would you like to increase your turnover by improving customer satisfaction in the construction, installation and home improvement sector? USP conducts customer satisfaction research in these markets to help you succeed. Enhanced customer experience and customer satisfaction is a key factor that helps a brand stand out and grow its market share.

Branding

The more distinct your brand is, the more valuable it will be. Being distinct is not that easy when in the field of construction, installation and home improvement. However, professionals tend to stick with their favourite brands. All our branding studies come down to one common goal: increasing long-term profitability by introducing, maintaining or growing your brand in a competitive landscape.

Customer journey

Any marketer needs to know where and when to converse with his customer. Until not too long ago, customer engagement strategies in the construction, installation, and home improvement industries were pretty traditional and straightforward; (1.) the manufacturer is supplying the wholesaler and (2.) the wholesaler is supplying the professional applicator. A rather easy journey map to draw up.

Segmentation

Customer segmentation can help to better understand the unmet needs of your customers. With the technical products from the construction and installation industry, marketing managers sometimes find it difficult to decide what features and benefits to communicate.

Market exploration

Perhaps you plan to enter a new market with your product or service? In that case, you need to understand exactly what is going on in that market. What are the trends and developments in that market, and who are the most important players. We use a range of methods to identify the market characteristics, such as market size, segmentation, distribution hubs, key media, market developments and sector culture.

Product development

Are your product and service portfolios still competitive within the market? Keeping up with continuous developments like digitalisation or sustainability are extremely important. Product research is vital in the entire product life cycle.

Monitor research

Learn about the standard monitor research reports we have available on Trade.

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European Architectural Barometer

Each quarter, USP’s prediction model forecasts future building volumes in eight European countries. Alongside forecasting volumes, we use architects’ insights to study key trends like BIM, prefab, changes in DMU, the changing role of architects, etc. Knowing where, how and when these trends become relevant is the key market intelligence necessary for sound strategic decision making.

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Contractor Monitor

The main aims of this research are to give construction product manufacturers a good understanding of European contractors (who they are, what they do, how they behave) and the main trends in the construction market.

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European Mechanical Installation Monitor

This monitor provides a very reliable picture of the condition of the HVAC installation market. Our clients use this monitor to keep track of the developments in the market and to improve their strategies. What is the best way to reach HVAC installers? Should you use push marketing or also pull marketing? And what do they think about the future of the HVAC installer?

Latest news in Trade

Dirk Hoogenboom

Feb 22, 2023

Contractors Anticipate Decrease in Prefab Usage Despite Labour Shortages and Digitalisation Trends

Over the past years, we have seen the use of prefabricated elements in building construction grow throughout the European construction market. The growth of...

Jeroen de Gruijl

15 February 2023

Insights

Learn about insights we have available on subjects related to Trade

Sustainability / Circularity

Labour shortage

Outlooks / Forecasts

Prefab

Contact us

For more information about our expertise and research on trade please contact the responsible partner below.
We look forward to helping you.

Contact our expert:

Dirk Hoogenboom

Contact our expert:

Trade

Clients we have worked for: