How do I find timber suppliers as a new dealer?

Supplier sourcing strategies: (1) Attend trade shows (Timber Expo, Holz Basel, Ligna) to meet mills directly; (2) Join the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) for supplier directories and introductions; (3) Contact sawmills in Scandinavia, Baltic States, and Central Europe directly (most have English-speaking export departments); (4) Work with established import agents who consolidate orders from multiple mills; (5) Visit supplier countries — mill visits build relationships and demonstrate commitment; (6) Start with one or two reliable suppliers and expand as volume grows. New dealers typically begin with agent-sourced timber and transition to direct mill relationships as volumes justify minimum order quantities (typically 40–80 m³ per species/grade/dimension).

Supplier sourcing strategies: (1) Attend trade shows (Timber Expo, Holz Basel, Ligna) to meet mills directly; (2) Join the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) for supplier directories and introductions; (3) Contact sawmills in Scandinavia, Baltic States, and Central Europe directly (most have English-speaking export departments); (4) Work with established import agents who consolidate orders from multiple mills; (5) Visit supplier countries — mill visits build relationships and demonstrate commitment; (6) Start with one or two reliable suppliers and expand as volume grows. New dealers typically begin with agent-sourced timber and transition to direct mill relationships as volumes justify minimum order quantities (typically 40–80 m³ per species/grade/dimension).

Why this matters

This question relates to How to Become a Timber Dealer: Starting a Distribution Business, which covers the broader topic in detail. Understanding this specific aspect helps architects, builders, and timber dealers make informed specification decisions.

For full context and additional technical detail, see our comprehensive guide:

→ How to Become a Timber Dealer: Starting a Distribution Business

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About this answer

This answer is part of the PuurModulair Knowledge Base — comprehensive timber specification guidance for architects, builders, and dealers across the UK, EU, and Scandinavia.