Where do I start? First it is a very cutthroat business. I know that represents a pretty broad brush but homework is key here.
I have been selling and erecting metal buildings for about ten years and have worked with many suppliers. I think the key to success is dealing with a local contractor that puts up buildings on a regular basis. A lot of internet suppliers are brokers and will farm out your building to a manufacturer and not give you any service after the sale. A local guy can show you similar buildings to what you want and show you options in person.
Start asking around for recomendations and when the same names start coming up you will know who to talk to.
Try to find a contractor that does turnkey buildings so you won't be acting as the general contractor.
Know as much as you can about what you want before you start asking for numbers. Such as length, width, height, pitch, windows, walk doors, garage doors, overhangs, gutters, insulation, heating and cooling, plumbing, electrical, interior partitions, etc.
Be very up front about your budget right away so nobody is wasting their time estimating something you can't afford.
There are a lot more things that will enter into the equation but with the right contractor you should be in good hands.
