B&Q vs Wholesaler vs Online

[BigSi]

Had a rush job this morning to replace a smashed MK masterseal double socket for a customer. The customer wanted the same put back in, so had to drive to the only wholesaler open Saturday morning to get one. Didn’t have an account with them, so paid cash (had some discount too).

Anyway, did the job and the customer was happy. In the afternoon, I went to B&Q with my farther to help collect a shed. Whilst he was collecting his order, I decided to go and have a laugh at the prices of B&Q’s electrical range. Only I wasn’t laughing when I saw the price of there MK masterseal double socket. It was £3 cheaper than I had just paid for at the electrical wholesaler!!!

Normally I just accept that the price (inc so called discount), from the wholesaler (inc those who I have accounts with), are tailored for us professionals in the trade. Now either B&Q have dropped their prices, or the I’m being ripped of by the wholesalers!

Decided to check some prices with some online retailers, and the same socket is almost £16 cheaper (free delivery over £50 I think). Seriously wondering if I should get all my materials now from B&Q and the online retailers!!!

 

[mogga]

thats probably true for High volume stuff but will BnQ order that silly wee bit u need or stock sdw t lamps ??

 

[acat]

I used to use a wholesaler it pays however to shop around and I have now found one that makes even B&Q expensive not to mention personal service free delivery no minimum charge etc etc the fact that the owner lives only a couple of miles from me has nothing to do with it and of course the fact I know where he lives


Chris

 

[Crosswire]

Had a job to replace single sockets with doubles in a council flat . To avoid replacing backboxes I put in those single-to-double converter thingies. My wholesaler charged me about £7 a piece. I bought about 10 or so.

Saw them in the Screwfix catalogue for £3 each the next day .

 

[mogga]

its Horses for courses

 

[MNR]

I have a look at b&q befor only because they are near enough next to eachother. It really does shock me sometimes.

 

[eddielarge]

basically if B&Q or the online wholesalers are cheaper you need to change your wholesalers quickly,, one rule never use an wholesalers that you have not got an account with unless your desperate as they target public to make their profit,,,

what wholesalers do u use what did u pay, tlc are £27.95 and thats a public price

 

[petegibbons]

I'm in the process of opening an electrical wholesalers in the North West to run alongside my business and save me paying 25k a month on wholesale bills to CEF, Newey & Eyre, Edmunson etc.

I'm aiming at the small contractors, once I open, I'll let you know and se eif I can do anything for you.

 

[jase]

i find toolstation cheaper than screwfix on some things and when it comes to back boxes, drylining boxes and bog standard whites plastic sockets and switches i find that the Wickes "tradepacks" are cheap as chips

 

[Phil]

b&q are cheaper for some bits but there range is lets say limited. and the price they charge for conduit bits are not too cheap. the remote light switch and remote from my wholesalers was £15 cheaper than them.

 

[BigSi]

Does anybody use ElectricFix (I think that's what its called)?

 

[eddielarge]

Does anybody use ElectricFix (I think that's what its called)?

surely places like toolstation , screwfix and B&Q are there to get us out of trouble if they are near by when we need them.

but all wholesalers i know with the ecception of CEF will always beat these prices if you open an account , and you get free delivery saving u time and even more money.

 

[alexg]

Plan ahead
Stocks
Buy online... Tlc, qvs, gilec etc
pass on the savings or pocket the difference

 

[pennywise]

Screwfix and B&Q are all part of the Kingfisher group they're all one and the same, just think of Screwfix as B&Q's mail order division

Kingfisher plc

 

[bugsy]

I always check online prices then get my wholesaler to quote against these - works everytime