In the past good grade, fair tally, and decent service would satisfy most customers. But nearing the turn of the century, we find these things are not enough to be the leader in our industry. Today the “presentation” of the product and company, are the criteria companies and judged by. How does our company compare with our competition in product presentation, quality, and motivation of personnel, delivery service, fliers and catalogs, etc…… do we excel or are we a “me to” company?

The rules are simple for a well merchandised product, but the repetition of proper mind set or discipline seems to be the tough issue. Several rules for a good presentation of our products are as follows:

  1. Never, Never walk on surfaced lumber, sheetstock, or mouldings.
  2. The best face of the board must always face up. When lumber is surfaced, the persons tailing the planer are responsible for merchandising the best face up.
  3. Lumber packages should be square on one end and square on both edges. There should be a uniformity of al lumber package widths.
  4. Never band lumber or sheetstock packages with only one band…..always use two or more, as required.
  5. When top layer of lumber does not fully cover the package cut “cleats” to square the package.
  6. Always use corner protectors with coversheets on all sheetstock packages.
  7. Always use corner protectors on all surfaced lumber.
  8. If straight-line-ripped-one-edge (SLR1E), the straight edge must be face out on all edge boards. These lumber packages must be handled with care (like plywood) to avoid damage to the ripped edge.
  9. If lumber is not (SLR1E), edge boards must have knotty and waney edges facing the inside of the package.
  10. Best appearing boards should be on the bottom two layers, and the top two layers. Why? If a customer does not have a forklift, the bottom two layers will look as good as the two top
    layers after unloading. The customer has a good impression of the product when he begins cutting boards, and the last boards in the package are just as nice as the lumber he first cut.
  11. Three (3) lumber separators (cross-outs, 4×4’s) must be utilized on all packs of lumber and sheetstock. This includes warehouse storage and our delivery trucks. All separators must also align vertically and should be the same thickness. A sag in a package of lumber or sheetstock can cause a permanent set.
  12. Particle board, MDF, hardboard, and melamine should have a minimum of four (4) cross-outs to separate packages…… and five (5) is better…… especially on 1/2″ and thinner panels.
  13. Cover sheets must be utilized in the warehouse and on deliveries of broken packages (less than factory packs) of sheetstock. Generally full units are protected by the manufacturer with cover sheets.
  14. Our warehouse must be clean and orderly at all times. Used strappings and dunnage should be promptly put in the trash.
  15. Tallies of lumber, footage and piece count, should be written on the pick slip and kept in file should a customer challenge our count.

 

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