How to Run a Stress-Free Floor Sanding Business: Lessons from Ben’s Story

Let’s start with a tale of two approaches to running a floor sanding business. Meet Ben, the owner of Ben’s Floor Sanding in Manchester. Ben runs a tight ship. He has three technicians, a lockup unit, and a storeroom with neatly sorted stock. Ben keeps a small amount of buffer stock, rotating it regularly so he always knows what he has available. When a last-minute job comes in, Ben is ready. He places his orders every two weeks, ensuring his stock is always topped up. His business runs smoothly, without the stress of last-minute scrambles.

But it wasn’t always this way for Ben. Growing up, he watched his dad run the business—now Ben’s own. As a young lad, Ben saw the stress his dad was under. His dad was disorganised, ordering stock two or three times a week, always at the last minute. He often blamed the suppliers for delays, even though it was clear the suppliers didn’t control the courier companies. Despite being advised not to order at the last minute, Ben’s dad never quite got around to putting up shelves or keeping a reserve of stock.

Ben learned from these experiences. He decided to do things differently. He installed a small shed next to his lockup for secure deliveries, equipped with a doorbell camera so he could check when deliveries arrived, especially in winter when items shouldn’t be left out in the cold. Ben also goes the extra mile to build good relationships with his courier drivers. Once a month, he leaves a small thank-you gift—a four-pack of beers—to show his appreciation. He knows the driver’s name and even has his mobile number, allowing him to check in directly when needed.

Ben places a large order every two weeks, several days before he needs the stock. This way, he has enough buffer stock to cover any unexpected jobs. Throughout the week, Ben adds items to his preferred supplier’s online store basket, so when it’s time to order, everything is ready, reducing the risk of forgetting anything. He also makes sure all deliveries go to his unit to minimize the chance of missed deliveries rather than sending them to job sites.

Ben keeps his online account details up to date, ensuring all addresses are correct. He holds monthly team meetings to gather feedback from his technicians and discuss stock and any issues that arise. Six weeks ago, Ben’s team pointed out they had a lot of stock in the van, allowing Ben to adjust his orders and save money.

Lastly, Ben regularly communicates with his suppliers. For any big or special jobs, he lets them know in advance what he might need to order. This proactive approach ensures that if a product runs low, Ben is less affected by shortages.

Now, It’s Your Turn to Take Control

You don’t have to live with the stress of running out of stock or scrambling at the last minute. Take a page out of Ben’s book:

1. Organize Your Stock: Set up shelving, keep buffer stock, and rotate it regularly.
2. Plan Ahead: Place orders well before you need the stock. Add items to your basket as you go.
3. Build Relationships: Get to know your courier drivers and show appreciation. A small gesture goes a long way.
4. Centralise Deliveries: Avoid job site deliveries. Keep everything consistent by using one location.
5. Keep Communication Open: Talk with your team and suppliers. Stay proactive and plan for future needs.

Make a commitment to yourself today. Spend an hour this week organizing your stock, updating your accounts, and planning your next order. It’s not just about avoiding stress; it’s about creating a smoother, more profitable business. Remember, every minute saved is a minute you can have to spend doing what matters most to you.

Get started now—your future self will thank you!

Action List for Better Stock Management

1. Set Up Your Storage Space:
   • Organise your stock area with shelves for easy access.
   • Label shelves clearly for different types of stock (e.g., finishes, abrasives).
   • Set aside space for buffer stock to handle last-minute jobs.
2. Audit Your Current Stock:
   • Discard expired or unused products and repair any broken equipment.
   • Make a list of preferred products and ensure these are always in stock.
3. Optimise Your Ordering Process:
   • Place larger orders every two weeks instead of frequent small orders.
   • Use an online shopping basket to add items throughout the week, making it easier to place orders regularly.
4. Update Your Account Information:
   • Ensure you have only one account with each supplier.
   • Update delivery addresses and add a mobile number for easier communication with couriers.
   • Delete outdated addresses from your account to avoid errors.
5. Build Good Relationships with Your Courier Drivers:
   • Leave a small thank-you note and gift for your delivery driver to build rapport.
   • Try to get the courier driver’s mobile number to easily communicate about deliveries.
   • Be aware of your driver’s schedule, especially around holidays or leave, to plan orders accordingly.
6. Centralise Deliveries:
   • Have all stock delivered to a consistent address, like your main business location, to reduce missed deliveries.
   • Avoid delivering to job sites where accessibility may be an issue.
7. Prepare for Unexpected Situations:
   • Install a small, insulated shed or storage area for safe deliveries when you are not available.
   • Consider adding a doorbell camera to monitor deliveries remotely.
8. Communicate with Your Team:
   • Hold meetings with your team often to discuss stock levels and gather feedback.
   • Set up a communication channel, like a WhatsApp group, to keep everyone informed about stock status.
9. Stay in Touch with Your Suppliers:
   • Communicate any large or special orders well in advance to ensure availability.
   • Maintain a good relationship with your suppliers for better service and support.
10. Review and Adjust Regularly:
    • Revisit your stock management process periodically to identify areas for improvement.
    • Adjust your strategies based on feedback you get from your team and your own observations.

By following this action list, you can improve stock management, reduce stress, and run a more efficient and successful floor sanding business.