The Super Bowl is just around the corner and while coaches are finalizing their game-day strategies, it’s the perfect time for home builders to huddle up and refine their own winning game plan for material purchasing.
Because let’s be honest: in this industry, securing the right materials at the right price is just as crucial as a quarterback calling the right play. A fumbled supply order or an unexpected price hike can cost you big time.
So, let’s break down your material purchasing game plan like a championship-winning football team.

First quarter: Scouting the competition (market research and supplier relationships)
Just like a coach studies the competition before a big game, you need to analyze the market and understand pricing trends. Take the time to research supplier costs, material availability and potential disruptions. Building strong relationships with your vendors (and joining a group purchasing organization like CBUSA) ensures you’re not left scrambling when demand spikes or supply chain issues arise.
Pro tip: Develop a “depth chart” of suppliers. If your go-to vendor runs out of materials, have a reliable backup option ready to step in. As a member of CBUSA, you have a team to help you with this process.
Second quarter: Calling the right play (strategic bulk purchasing)
A great team doesn’t just wing it – they execute plays with precision. The same goes for your purchasing strategy. Bulk ordering materials not only locks in better pricing but also ensures product availability when you need it most. With CBUSA’s group purchasing power, you gain access to competitive pricing and exclusive deals that give you a serious advantage.
Pro tip: Place bulk orders well in advance, especially for high-demand items like lumber, windows and appliances. This allows you to avoid the dreaded last-minute scramble (or worse, paying premium prices).
Halftime: Reviewing the playbook (assessing your purchasing process)
The best teams make adjustments at halftime. Take a moment to review your purchasing strategy. Are you consistently over-ordering? Are certain materials eating up your budget? Are there ways you could be saving on material costs? Analyze past projects to identify patterns and inefficiencies. Use technology like Buildertrend to track expenses and streamline your purchasing process.
Pro tip: Treat your financials like game film – study past projects to improve future efficiency and profitability.
Third quarter: Controlling the clock (just-in-time vs. just-in-case purchasing)
Time management is a huge factor in football and construction. Some builders prefer a “just-in-time” approach to keep inventory lean, while others take a “just-in-case” approach to avoid delays. Finding the right balance is key.
· Just-in-time: Reduces storage costs but requires reliable suppliers and fast delivery.
· Just-in-case: Ensures materials are always on hand but can tie up capital and space.
Pro tip: Combine both strategies based on lead times, project timelines and material volatility. Stockpile critical items while ordering less-volatile materials on demand.

Fourth quarter: The two-minute drill (handling unexpected challenges)
No matter how well you plan, surprises happen – delayed shipments, price spikes or sudden material shortages. The best builders, like the best quarterbacks, stay cool under pressure and have contingency plans in place.
- Negotiate contracts early to lock in pricing where possible.
- Lean on CBUSA to gain insights on market trends and supplier reliability.
- Communicate with your team so project managers and site supervisors are always in the loop on material availability and lead times.
Pro tip: Have a “hurry-up offense” for when things go wrong – whether that’s a secondary supplier list, alternative materials or emergency budget reserves.
Post-game recap: Learning from wins and losses
After the Super Bowl, teams review film and learn from their performance. You should do the same. What worked well in your purchasing strategy? Where did you encounter setbacks? Adjust and refine your process to make next season (or next quarter) even more profitable.
Final play: Join CBUSA and build like a champion
Winning teams don’t do it alone and neither should you. CBUSA connects home builders with top-tier suppliers, exclusive pricing and a network of industry professionals who help each other succeed. If you’re serious about taking your material purchasing game to the next level, now’s the time to join the team.
Ready to dominate your next build? Let’s talk strategy – reach out to our team to learn more about becoming a member.