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What do Timber Merchants do?

Timber merchants are professionals in business who engage in the production, cultivation and selling of different types of timber and lumber. The retailer may specialize in particular aspects of the wood business, for instance, the purchase and sale of reclaimed lumber or more concerned in the preparation and harvesting of timber which is then sold to a third party that sells the product to private customers. In the majority of cases, the successful timber dealer has an array of knowledge along with formal knowledge and training which allows them to handle every aspect of the wood business.

The science behind forest studies and forestry is essential for every timber trader. This is especially the case if the seller cultivates large areas of forest for regular harvesting and planting again. The retailer will be aware of the length of time required for new plantations to mature and also what is needed to provide proper care during the growing season and the best way to harvest the wood to the best benefit.

Typically, timber dealers who manage their private growing areas have facilities to cut the wood to sell. Although many believe that the work of a lumberjack and the traditional sawmill are a thing of the past but both are active and alive within the realm of wood. Lumberjacks belong to the teams that take logs and harvest them and then transport them to the mills which are where the logs are cut into planking or other shapes as per the customer’s orders. After the lumber is made, it’s transported to retail stores or buyers or other third parties who trade in the timber.

Timber traders may also focus on the purchase of premium planks and wood that can be salvaged from buildings which are scheduled to be demolished. Usually, the seller has specific specifications that the timber reclaimed must be able to meet. But, it’s often possible to buy the reclaimed lumber at the right price and then sell the timber for a large profit. In this situation the wood seller does not need to manage harvesting and creating new lumber. Instead, all tasks associated with preparing the reclaimed lumber that is for sale could be outsourced to a third party, and then shipped direct to the buyers.

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Similar to any enterprise, dealers have to comply with the local regulations and laws to be able to conduct business. This includes securing required business licenses, obtaining the bonds and insurance that are required and ensuring that your financial statements of company conform to the requirements of local and national authorities. If the business operates internationally additional regulations may be in place.