Research by Van Vault has highlighted that tradespeople still prefer buying equipment in the merchants rather than online.
The recent survey – covering a number of trades, including builders, electricians, plumbers and carpenters – showed that when buying secure storage solutions for their van, the preferred choice is to purchase in-store.
Although the overall value of internet retail sales has steadily increased, tradespeople seem to be going against the trade, with merchants being their first choice.
Van Vault based its independent research on 300 interviews with tradespeople, revealing that 41 per cent of participants prefer to buy secure storage solutions in-store from a local or specialist retailer, with 38 per cent opting to purchase goods from national brands.
When it comes to buying secure storage – which is driven by a wide range of issues from replacement to theft, and from needing extra storage to getting a new van – the trades will do their research online first before making a visit to a store.
Online research is done to look for product information, but then the tradespeople surveyed said they want to actually see the product before parting with any money.
Deborah Hunt, marketing manager at Van Vault, adds “Merchants have a vital role to play when it comes to providing customers with advice. Our report found that 38 per cent of tradespeople rely on merchants / stores for recommendations and information and one in four seek expert advice from a member of staff.”