Customer service at the heart of Ecodek and Robert Price partnership

Robert Price puts its customers first, both with product quality, range and the service they provide. They’re our kind of partner! Recently we caught up with Rob Crumpler, Branch Manager, Brecon to find out why Robert Price chose Ecodek as a supplier, and how the two companies have created a successful working partnership based on trust and knowledge.

Please can you provide a brief history of Robert Price?

Established in 1847, Robert Price is now the largest independent builders’ merchant in Southeast Wales. The Group includes 23 Robert Price branded branches, plus sister companies Gower Timber and Tudors in Hereford. We offer an array of products, all supported by specialist industry knowledge. As a long-standing family-run business, we pride ourselves on offering professional customer service with a personal touch. As such, when it comes to choosing suppliers, we look for companies with the same customer centric ethos – companies just like Ecodek.

Please can you describe the relationship between Robert Price and Ecodek?

To ensure we provide our customers with the right product at the right time. We need suppliers we can trust. This does not simply mean delivering products on time – which is obviously a key requirement, we look to work with companies that can offer more, such as specialist knowledge, and high levels of customer service. This is what we have found in Ecodek.

Not only does Ecodek offer a unique product with its beautiful Wood Polymer Composite decking boards, but it also provides the highest level of service – they have become a partner to us, rather than simply a supplier.

Do you have ‘Decking Specialists’ in your branches?

Whilst we don’t have nominated “decking specialists” in branch, all our staff are well trained and familiar with the product. If they have any queries or need specialist guidance, the team at Ecodek are quick to respond to any enquiries. Their knowledge of the product is second to none, they assist us to work with our customers to find a decking solution that works for their individual project.

Is sustainability important to customers?

In recent years, we have seen sustainability rise in importance when it comes to customer purchasing decisions. Customers want to know how a product is made, what it contains, and what can be done with it at the end of its life. Ecodek decking boards are made from 95% recycled and sustainably sourced materials and are 100% recyclable. This ensures we can offer a fully sustainable solution for all projects.

What current customer trends are you seeing in your branches around outdoor living?

During the Covid pandemic we were forced to spend more time at home and in our gardens. The result of this is more homeowners enjoying entertaining at home rather than going out. This has led to a rise in garden renovations and the addition of features such as home bars and outdoor kitchens.

We believe this trend will continue and particularly the use of decking in new and innovative ways. For example, being used for creating a garden bar, a platform for an outdoor oven, seating, and fencing.

And what are your plans for the future?

Going forward, we’re confident our relationship with Ecodek will continue to grow, and together we can provide Robert Price customers with the high–quality products and outstanding customer service they have come to expect.