With the rising cost of electricity and increasing raw material prices, overall expenses have surpassed standard thresholds, leading to a steady decline in hardware profits. Many hardware vendors have recognized the severity of this issue and are now actively seeking new markets for sustainable growth. As a result, third-tier cities have emerged as a strategic choice, offering a safer environment amid market instability.
The shift in market focus has increasingly directed attention toward third-tier cities. Over the past five years, the development of professional hardware markets has gradually moved from first- and second-tier cities to smaller urban centers, expanding from economically developed regions to less developed ones. While first- and second-tier cities have seen heavy investment and rapid upgrades, their large scale and wide influence make it challenging for third-tier cities to restructure their own markets independently.
Despite the presence of numerous household building materials markets in major cities, many lack professionalism and distinct business models, often operating as general-purpose stores. This has led to intense competition and hindered industry growth. Recently, traditional hardware stores have faced operational challenges, including product quality issues and poor after-sales service. However, with consolidation, brand stores have started to emerge in both big and mid-sized cities, signaling a trend that is now extending to third-tier areas. This shift indicates the rise of a more sophisticated and comprehensive sales system, laying a solid foundation for hardware development in these emerging markets.
Local companies in third-tier cities are gaining momentum, despite lacking the polished branding of larger competitors. Their agility and adaptability have allowed them to thrive in the hardware market without the fierce competition seen in bigger cities. These businesses are not only surviving but also attracting attention from mainstream players, creating opportunities for growth and expansion.
Market restructuring is favoring third-tier cities. Unlike other construction materials, the hardware industry covers a vast range of products—from screws to locks, pipes to steel. While first- and second-tier cities have well-established and mature hardware markets, third-tier cities are still in the early stages of development. As these cities grow, more hardware businesses are finding their way onto the right path, exploring multiple channels for expansion. However, many small and medium-sized enterprises still rely on outdated methods, limiting their ability to reach new customers. In the digital age, online marketing is becoming essential, yet many smaller businesses have yet to embrace it. This closed approach leads to missed opportunities and weak resilience against market fluctuations.
The global financial crisis has had a significant impact on China's export-driven hardware industry, causing sharp declines in orders and operational difficulties. Both first- and second-tier cities, as well as third-tier cities, are feeling the pressure. Many businesses are turning inward, shifting their focus to the domestic market. However, transitioning from international to domestic sales is no easy task. Consumer preferences, aesthetics, and values differ significantly between foreign and domestic markets, making it difficult to establish a stable business model. Brand recognition is especially crucial in first- and second-tier cities, where foreign buyers prioritize cost and quality. In contrast, domestic consumers are more brand-conscious, focusing on value, style, and overall cost-effectiveness.
Moreover, China’s uneven economic growth has resulted in varying levels of consumer demand. First- and second-tier cities have higher spending power, while third-tier cities lag behind. This imbalance creates an opportunity for hardware exporters looking to tap into the domestic market. The rise of third-tier cities presents a promising outlook for companies seeking to expand their reach and find new footholds.
As the country continues to invest in the development of third-tier cities, the hardware and building materials sector is witnessing a growing trend. With more consumers from first- and second-tier cities relocating, demand for hardware and construction products in third-tier cities is expected to rise, leading to a more mature and stable market. Hardware merchants should seize this opportunity, establish a strong presence in these emerging markets, and build a solid foundation for future growth.
Sandwich Panel
What are the methods for judging the pros and cons of sandwich panel?
The material of the sandwich panel directly affects the later use. Sandwich panels are the main building materials for Prefabricated House and Steel Structure Warehouse. If you want to choose high-quality panels, you must have an understanding of their basic quality. There are many types of boards on the market, and their core materials, steel plates, adhesives, etc. are different, and the quality will also be affected. So how to judge its pros and cons?
check edge
Because the sandwich panel has several layers, it is difficult to judge its internal quality from the surface. Therefore, it is still necessary to observe its exposed edges first, and it is necessary to pay attention to whether its cross-section is clean and ensure that it is tight. If there are problems such as graying and impurities, then there must be problems in quality, so it is still necessary to do a good job of cross-sectional inspection.
Tap to hear the sound
If it is a relatively good board, you can simply tap it with your fingers. If the sound is a crisp metallic sound, then it is a relatively good board. The fire rating of the Rock Wool Sandwich Panel is Class A, and the fire rating of the polyurethane sandwich panel and Eps Sandwich Panel is B1.
Note the thickness
The thickness of the sandwich panel directly affects the long-term use in the later period. It is necessary to observe the substrate, peritoneum, etc., especially the thickness and quality of the coating, which we cannot ignore. It is necessary to choose a plate with a relatively thick coating and guaranteed quality. Generally, the thickness of the substrate should be about 0.4-0.8MM. If you see the real thing, you should also measure it. The thickness of the finished product is 50mm, 75mm, 100mm, 150mm. The bulk density of the core material is also an important link that affects the quality.
certificate
In fact, as long as it can cooperate with regular manufacturers, the plates sold by the manufacturers need to go through various inspections, and the quality must meet the regulations. Therefore, when purchasing, you can directly check whether it has a certificate of conformity. If you choose a plate from a regular manufacturer, you can not only enjoy a preferential price for direct sales from the manufacturer, but also enjoy good after-sales service.
Now there are many manufacturers supplying plates, and the market quotations and quality of each manufacturer are also different, so it is still necessary to do a good job of quality comparison and price measurement. It is suggested that when purchasing sandwich panels, one must pay attention to its specific quality, and compare the quality of the actual products in order to select high-quality panels.
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Henan Jinming Metal Material Co., Ltd. , https://www.jinminghouse.com