The design, materials, economics and viability of the fencing industry all create an impression on you as a consumer.

What would you like to see or buy that you think is missing from the industry or marketing of fencing and gates?

Auswest is open on Facebook for your feedback.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Auswest-Fencing-and-Wrought-Iron/172154269489694

Is it to add value? To fill the gap and neaten up the front? To keep the dog or kids in? Make the best of a small budget?

I am the third generation in a family business in the fencing industry. Wow its true that it’s survival of the fittest and to survive a species must adapt. It is tough out there for business and consumers alike. Traditional fencing you may think of as asbestos and wrought iron are fast becoming things of the past.  So what are the products you have available and what can you rely on? The marketplace has changed in the last few years pretty dramatically and this is why I reckon.

1. Residential property sizes are reducing and the need to span longer distances with the strongest materials has reduced. Commercial properties are looking for low maintenance options. 2. Financial instability from the GFC > flat markets > downsizing of business > outsourcing of labour > lack of discretionary spend. 3. Wider choice of products in a wider market place at reasonable prices > convenience and low cost of standardised mass produced materials available in superstores > qualities of new products to suit low maintenance applications and ease of installation, making them available to more consumers to install themselves. 4. Mobile and transient populations which directly reduces the need for expensive, durable and long life products.

Let’s not forget the big number 5. The environment. Timber was a pretty good option. These days the industry has put out pvc that looks like timber, aluminium that looks like timber and reduced prices to attract you away from using unsustainable resources and high priced long lifed products.

Consider your family, environment, budget and investment. There’s products out there for everyone and all budgets these days.