Steel merchants are traders who buy and sell steel and allied products. They may be both dealers in steel products and also steel fabricators. When you’re looking for a steel supplier, how do you know what to look for?
Quality
The most important thing is to look for a steel supplier who can deliver industry-leading steel product made to Australian standards. You don't want to have your manufacturing or construction project delayed due to quality control problems or defective products. Always look for a supplier who can guarantee steel which has been produced with stringent quality management systems and testing procedures, and which meets one or more of the appropriate quality standards.
Steel products should be inspected and tested to comply with one or more of the following standards:
• Quality Management Systems AS/NZS ISO 9001
• NATA accredited test facilities to ISO/IEC 17025
• Structural – AS/NZS 1163 Structural steel hollow sections
• Precision - AS1450
• ALLGAL standard AS4750 Electro - galvanised (zinc) coating on ferrous hollows and open sections
• Low pressure water/gas pipe - to AS1074 and ASTM A 53/A 53M tubes and tubulars for standard service
• Fire Sprinkler pipe CSIRO ActivFire approved to comply with FAS 119/120 and AS4118.2.1
• Oil and Gas linepipe API Specification 5L
• Casing & Tubing - API 5CT and AS1396 Steel water bore casing
Pricing
Look for steel products that are competitively priced. If pricing appears too good to be true, then you're probably looking at a substandard product. Always approach a bargain with caution and make sure that the product in question has met the appropriate testing requirements.
Customer service
Always look for a steel supplier with a good customer service mindset and track record. Look for someone with the reputation of following through on their supply and delivery commitments, as you don't want to deal with a supplier who could let you down. Look for a steel merchant who tries the hardest to provide you with clear and accurate information and helps you minimise any red tape.
Product range
Look for a supplier with a large product range, a business that will be able to meet all your steel and metal supply needs. Ideally, your steel merchant will be able to supply RHS, SHS, and CHS structural tubular steel, hot rolled structural steel, piping and varied fencing, roofing and building accessories. Many steel merchants will be able to measure, quote and fabricate to order.
Distribution and delivery
A good steel merchant can deliver to any location you need. Steel fabricators and distributors will have distribution centres in most states and major cities or be supported by local distributors and resellers in Australia.
Innovation and technical ability
A good steel merchant or fabricator isn’t just a sales outlet but a valuable business partner. Smart businesses are constantly working to improve their product range to meet and anticipate industry advances and customer needs. Look for a supplier who has the innovative mindset and technical know-how to deliver the newest and best steel products to you.
Industry word of mouth is a great way to find a good steel merchant, so ask around or look online to find a supplier that will suit your needs.