How To Use Technology To Sell Better: A Guide For Contractors And Distributors

Submitted by SmartBuild Systems

In the construction industry, successful selling goes beyond offering the lowest price. For contractors and distributors, that means providing value, earning trust, and delivering an outstanding customer experience…it also means technology is no longer a “nice-to-have”; it’s a must-have tool for driving sales and staying ahead.

SmartBuild Systems provides cutting-edge tools designed to help you engage clients, close deals faster, and ultimately grow your business. In this guide, we’ll explore how features like live design sessions, 3D modeling, and automated bid generation can give you a competitive edge.

1. Engage Clients with Live Design Sessions

In traditional sales processes, clients often receive static plans or quotes, leaving them with little insight into what their final project will look like. This lack of visualization can create uncertainty—and uncertain clients are less likely to commit.

With SmartBuild’s live design sessions, you can involve clients in the design process in real time. Here’s how it enhances the sales experience:

Real-time customization

Sit down with your client (or meet virtually) and design their project together. Clients can request changes on the spot—whether it’s adjusting dimensions, adding windows, or selecting materials—and see the results instantly.

Increased trust

By involving clients in the design process, you demonstrate transparency and professionalism, which builds trust and increases the likelihood of closing the deal.

Faster decision-making

Clients who can visualize their projects are more confident in their choices, leading to quicker approvals and reduced sales cycles.

Pro Tip: Use SmartBuild’s 3D modeling feature during live design sessions to give clients a realistic view of their project, from framing details to exterior finishes.

2. Impress Clients with 3D Modeling

A picture is worth a thousand words, but a 3D model is worth even more when it comes to selling construction projects. SmartBuild’s real-time 3D modeling tool lets you create highly detailed, interactive models that showcase every aspect of a building.

Benefits of using 3D modeling to drive sales:

• Clients can see exactly what their project will look like, eliminating misunderstandings and reducing revisions.

• You can quickly modify designs to match client preferences, whether it’s changing materials, adjusting layouts, or adding features like porches or lean-tos.

• Offering 3D models elevates your sales pitch and positions your business as a modern, technology-driven company.

By providing a clear visual representation of the project, you help clients feel more confident in their investment—and a confident client is a committed client.

3. Streamline the Sales Process with Automated Bids

Time is money, especially in the fast-paced world of construction. Preparing bids manually can be time-consuming and prone to errors, which slows down the sales process and leaves room for competitors to swoop in.

SmartBuild’s automated bid generation tool simplifies this process:

• Generate accurate, professional bids in minutes, not hours.

• Automated takeoffs ensure that material lists and pricing are precise, reducing costly errors.

• With standardized bids, you maintain a consistent and professional image across all client interactions.

Faster, more accurate bids mean you can respond to client inquiries quicker, giving you a competitive advantage and increasing your chances of winning the job.

4. Build Long-Term Relationships with Client-Focused Tools

Beyond closing individual deals, SmartBuild’s technology helps you nurture long-term client relationships. By providing a seamless, transparent experience throughout the sales process, you establish trust and credibility that keeps clients coming back.

Key client-focused features include:

• Version control: Keep track of design changes and share updated plans with clients effortlessly.

• Custom reports: Generate detailed reports that break down project components, giving clients a clear understanding of costs and timelines.

• Post-sale support: With SmartBuild, it’s easy to revisit previous projects and make modifications, ensuring long-term client satisfaction.

5. Differentiate Yourself in a Crowded Market

In a market where many contractors and distributors still rely on outdated methods, using SmartBuild’s advanced technology tools can set you apart.

Here’s how:

• Faster designs, bids, and project updates mean you can serve more clients in less time.

• Offering live design sessions, 3D models, and automated bids positions you as a forward-thinking, professional partner.

• Engaged clients who feel involved in the process are more likely to recommend your services to others.

By adopting technology like SmartBuild, you don’t just sell better—you sell smarter.

Final Thoughts: Using Technology to Drive Sales Success

Incorporating technology into your sales process provides a superior experience that builds trust, accelerates decision-making, and drives long-term growth.

SmartBuild’s tools, from live design sessions to automated bids, are designed to help contractors and distributors engage clients, close deals faster, and stand out in a crowded market.

Ready to transform your sales process and win more business? Click here to learn more about SmartBuild’s tools.

About SmartBuild Systems

SmartBuild Systems offers a complete design system for metal buildings, post-frame buildings, carports, porches, wrap-arounds, barndominiums, interior layouts, metal roofing and reroofing. Simple for anyone to use, this web-based software quickly generates a 3D model, material lists, pricing, proposals, and construction documents for almost any building, floor plan, carport, or roof. SmartBuild can feed its framing requirements automatically to roll forming machinery that is offered by its sister company, International Steel Framing, to produce all the cold formed steel material.

Roofing Passport is a fully automated roofing software platform for estimating and ordering that puts contractors in command of the bidding process. Applicable for residential and commercial roofs - new and existing construction - Roofing Passport’s database gives contractors complete control over inventory, pricing, and takeoff processes for all roofing materials, including metal.

For more information, visit https://smartbuildsystems.com.