Building Trust Through Transparency
The reality: trust isn’t built on talk — it’s built on visibility
Every supplier knows the feeling.
A builder calls chasing a quote you’ve already sent. Someone follows up about a delivery that’s on the way, but no one can see it. The job site’s waiting, everyone’s frustrated, and you’re left playing phone tag instead of getting work done.
That’s not a communication problem — it’s a visibility problem.
In today’s building industry, trust doesn’t come from how many calls you return or how fast you reply. It comes from how clearly you communicate what’s happening, and how easy you make it for builders to see the information they need.
That’s where supplier transparency becomes a real advantage.
“Transparency removes friction,” says Toby Loft, BuiltGrid Co-Founder. “When suppliers give builders visibility into their workflows, it builds confidence on both sides. That confidence leads to stronger, more predictable partnerships.”
The hidden cost of poor communication
When supplier communication breaks down, it’s rarely one big event. It’s small gaps that multiply: missing updates, quote confusion, mismatched lead times.
A recent McKinsey & Company report found that poor communication and lack of visibility cause up to 30% of lost productivity in construction supply chains. Builders end up chasing updates and making decisions with incomplete information — and suppliers wear the blame.
For suppliers, that lack of clarity erodes builder trust. It can make even reliable businesses look unreliable. The problem isn’t the people, it’s the process — disconnected systems that don’t keep everyone on the same page.
From supply chains to connected networks
Transparency isn’t just about sharing information. It’s about building connected networks where builders, suppliers, and trades can plan and deliver better together.
Traditional supply chains rely on handoffs and manual updates. Connected networks share visibility from end to end — everyone sees the same data, in real time.
That’s how trust scales.
When builders and suppliers work in the same connected environment, they don’t have to question what’s happening. They can see it. And that visibility drives accountability, performance, and mutual respect.
Transparency as a growth strategy
Suppliers who embrace transparency find it changes how builders see them. Instead of being just another vendor, they become a partner who helps builders manage risk, plan accurately, and deliver jobs on time.
Transparent suppliers:
- Share accurate information about lead times, pricing, and product availability
Communicate early when constraints or delays arise
Use connected systems that give builders live visibility of quotes and orders
That openness doesn’t just build trust — it reduces wasted effort. Fewer follow-up calls, fewer misunderstandings, and far less time lost to email ping-pong.
“The best supplier relationships we see are the ones where both sides can see what’s happening,” says Loft. “That visibility creates accountability. And accountability builds trust.”
How BuiltGrid enables supplier transparency
BuiltGrid is designed around the principle of transparency — connecting builders, suppliers, and trades in one shared view.
Suppliers who use BuiltGrid don’t just tell builders they’re transparent, they prove it. Every quote, update, and order is visible and trackable in one place. Builders know what’s happening, suppliers stay in control, and everyone saves time.
With BuiltGrid, suppliers gain:
- Real-time visibility into requests, responses, and project activity
- Simplified communication with builders — no lost emails or duplicate quotes
- Performance insights that highlight opportunities to improve responsiveness and win rates
One BuiltGrid supplier put it simply:
“We stopped playing phone tag with builders. Now they can see our quote status and ETA at a glance — and we’re getting invited to more jobs because of it.”
That’s supplier transparency in action.
Practical ways to show transparency today
Building trust doesn’t need a complete systems overhaul. Small changes make a big difference when they create consistency and clarity.
- Acknowledge requests fast. Even if you can’t quote straight away, confirm receipt and give an ETA.
- Be upfront about lead times. Builders can work around constraints — they can’t work around surprises.
- Use consistent templates. Make quotes and communications easy to read and compare.
- Keep information current. Update pricing and availability regularly to avoid friction.
- Centralise communication. Use connected platforms like BuiltGrid to keep everything in one place.
Each of these actions signals professionalism, reliability, and trustworthiness — qualities that make suppliers stand out.
The business value of transparency
Suppliers who prioritise transparency see measurable benefits:
- Fewer disputes and follow-ups
- Stronger builder relationships and repeat business
- Smoother project delivery through better coordination
- Enhanced reputation as a trusted, proactive partner
As Loft says, “The more visibility you provide, the more control you keep. Builders trust suppliers who make their jobs easier, not harder.”
See how transparency builds trust in practice
Supplier transparency isn’t just a value — it’s a growth strategy. It strengthens communication, builds confidence, and sets the foundation for lasting business relationships.