What it means
A contractor places an order by phone, email or online, and the distributor pulls it and sets it aside for pickup. The contractor — or someone from their crew — collects it at the branch, usually from a will-call counter or area. Distributors often publish will-call hours, which may differ from general counter hours.
Will-call is popular because it’s fast: an order can often be ready within hours, and a crew can collect it on the way to the job. It depends on the branch knowing what’s in stock, having the order ready when promised and making pickup quick.
An example: a foreman calls the branch at 7 a.m. for fittings and wire needed that afternoon. The order is pulled and staged at will-call, and a crew member picks it up at lunchtime on the way to the job.
Why it matters
- For contractors, will-call keeps jobs moving without waiting for a delivery.
- For distributors, fast, reliable will-call is a reason contractors choose one branch over another — and clear will-call hours online help contractors find and use it.