Meeting Customer & Project Needs Using MasterFormat™ Categories

Subscribers of BuildSite quickly learn that finding the right product for the job is as easy as completing a Product or Manufacturer name search. That works very well in most situations, but BuildSite offers an alternative called Category Search that can suggest alternative products that may be in-stock, have a better price, or be from a preferred manufacturer.

Category Search provides real value by identifying product alternatives - or redirecting a request for an unavailable item. When a customer requests a product that you don't typically stock, use BuildSite to complete a Product Search to better understand that item's characteristics. Then, using Category Search, identify alternatives to suggest, turning a no-sale into a stock-sale.

Much less used that other types of searches, BuildSite's powerful Category Search is based on CSI MasterFormat™*. Having extended the MasterFormat™ Categories, BuildSite makes it easier to quickly get into the "right neighborhood" of products. Where MasterFormat™ provides for Category 07920: Joint Sealant, BuildSite has identified 13 specific types of Joint Sealants. By further dividing those into related sub-categories such as 07920.A for Joint Sealant - Backer Rods, and 07920.B for Joint Sealant - Caulking, your search is narrowed quickly. Much like a keyword search, Category Search helps when a specific product name isn't known or specified.

Category Search is another powerful tool offered by BuildSite, allowing you to meet customers' needs, increase sales and get the right products for every job.

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*The numbers and titles used for the organization of the product and technical information in the BuildSite Services are from MasterFormat™ (1995 edition). MasterFormat™ is produced jointly by The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI); (800) 689-2900, and Construction Specifications Canada (CSC); (416) 777-2198, and used with permission of the publisher (CSI), copyright 1997. For those interested in a more in-depth explanation of MasterFormat™ and its use in the construction industry, contact the publisher.