Family-owned timber and hardware business Bowens has inked an innovative new deal with Uber Direct that sees hardware items delivered to work sites and homes in under 90 minutes for a $10 flat fee.

Builders, tradespeople, and weekend ‘do-it-yourselfers' (DIY) can access the new service by selecting  Uber Direct as the delivery method at checkout via bowens.com.au. Orders weighing under 20  kilograms can be delivered within a 15 kilometre radius of any Bowens store, an offer that currently  covers 650 Victorian postcodes.

Master Builders Association (Victoria) estimates the state has more than 127,000 building firms,  meaning the new service has the potential to save the state’s builders money and time. 

One Victorian builder, Sam Currucan of Definitive Built has trialled the service and says it has saved  his team time and money through increased efficiency, which means his builds are completed  quicker and to even higher standard.

“Given the nature of our projects and the inevitable variables, it’s not uncommon to require  hardware, fixings and other sundries at short notice to keep work moving,” Mr Currucan said. 

“Previously we’d send a team member down to our nearest hardware store to collect the items, but  now we can keep our full team on-site, continuing to work away whilst the items are delivered.

“The service means less downtime on site and less over-ordering materials. I estimate the service  would save my company more than $4,000 each year.”

Director and Chief Investment Officer at Bowens, Andy Bowen, said as builders look for new ways to  save time and money on site, partnerships such as this demonstrate his company’s commitment to  helping Australian builders build better. 

“We know this partnership with Uber Direct will be a game-changer for builders. It’s all about staying  ahead of what our core customers need and innovating in ways that save them time and money.

“We recognise the sector is under pressure in the face of rising costs and labour shortages, so  delivering orders with minimal onsite disruption, at fixed low prices, without them needing to leave  the job site is another step forward for our industry that we’re proud to be leading.” 

General Manager Uber Direct ANZ, Duncan Petit said, “Uber has spent a decade helping move  people and objects through cities. We’ve perfected getting wraps and cold brews in a few clicks,  there's no reason Aussies shouldn’t be able to get rivets and screws in the same frictionless way.  We’re delighted to be able to power rapid retail from store to site with Bowens and are thrilled by  how positive the reception has been to builders and DIY-ers looking to spend more time on the tools  and less time in their truck or wandering aisles.”

Packed by Bowens and delivered by Uber Direct, Bowens’ customers can track their order via a live  tracking link sent from Uber Direct.

Delivery via Uber Direct is available for all Bowens customers, not just professional trades, via  bowens.com.au, with over 50,000 products for building, maintenance and DIY currently available  online.

Bowens also delivers direct to over 850 sites each day, for same day and scheduled deliveries.

For more information visit bowens.com.au.