Sparky's Tools- Everything under one roof- possible?

Trusty Crow

Trusty Crow

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I'm sidestepping from another trade into Electrical work to wire up some new builds that I'm doing, having just qualified , and need to buy £3000 of equipment, including test meters, SDS drills, wall chasers etc. I'm wondering if there is a supplier that will literally do everything, as I can claim the VAT back only if I buy it all from same supplier at at the same time ( bacause I'm 'flat rate' VAT, not the ordinary kind- so I can only claim back purchases over 2k in this way )

I took a look at CEF but they don't have things like SDS drills and Wall chasers, as far as I can tell- I'm thinking of trying Builder Depot for all of it- is there anywhere else that anyone would recommend?

Thanks.
 
Ah yes, Screwfix, just looking now, they seem to have most of it including the obscure Electrical stuff. Good call- and there's one at the end of my street!
 
For a one stop experience, I second Electrifix. Apply on screwfix with details of your electrical qualifications (or scheme membership number) and you'll receive a membership tag. Take this to your local store, or place an order online for delivery or collection at your store and you'll generally receive improved pricing.

To be fair even their standard pricing isn't too bad.

Edit - the only downfall is you'll be lining an executive's pocket to fund his 3rd holiday home! If you purchase from a local wholesaler, chances are your £3k will put dinner on the table for a while longer, and they'll be more likely to meet you on price discounts
 
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CEF will get you everything on your list, I don't understand why you are struggling tbh.

If CEF cannot supply you a SDS drill my nobs a kipper.
 
LeeH said:
CEF will get you everything on your list, I don't understand why you are struggling tbh.

If CEF cannot supply you a SDS drill my nobs a kipper.
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I would never buy tools at CEF. The place is far too expensive, and anywhere where I have to haggle to avoid getting ripped off is not getting my trade. Screwfix is the best place I can think of.
 
I don't use Screwfix an awful lot so don't know what their prices are like on lots of products but I think they are really expensive.

I just picked up a body only Makita circular saw (DSS610Z model) for £89.49 on Amazon yet Screwfix are selling the DSS611Z model body only - which is a downgrade of the 610, for £129.99.

Or you can buy a Fluke T5-1000 voltage tester online for £105.00, screwfix price £139.99.
 
tomspark93 said:
I get all of my power tools from ffx they've got some deals on too at the moment
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Ffx are great for pricing and delivery have used them a few times - I would recommend using PayPal if you shop with them though as last time I tried to shop with them I ended up with 2 blocked credit cards as for some reason two different credit card companies had them flagged.

Paul
 
Paulgwat said:
Ffx are great for pricing and delivery have used them a few times - I would recommend using PayPal if you shop with them though as last time I tried to shop with them I ended up with 2 blocked credit cards as for some reason two different credit card companies had them flagged.

Paul
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the problem will be with the payment company they use.

it only takes a quick call to allow the transactions if you speak to your company.

i have a paid card company and if odd payments or to unusual websites then i got a call if it was me or not
 
uksparks said:
I would never buy anything in CEF full stop.
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They deal and import schneider gear through there euro branches and undercut all other wholesalers ... no import duty as its a branch transfer .. they can give 15-20% better on any enemy... every wholesaler has its perks ..it's just knowing them.
 
Maybe another option would be if you have a friend with normal vat registration, buy through friend then invoice you for full amount. That way you buy what you want from where the best prices are.
 
dansk said:
Maybe another option would be if you have a friend with normal vat registration, buy through friend then invoice you for full amount. That way you buy what you want from where the best prices are.
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I think thats calling "attempting to defraud the exchequer" / "Tax evasion" / "VAT fraud"

:behead:
 
While at college and have a free moment I browse for tools and found that FFX are looking good and CK TOOLS is having a winter clear out / new stock so keep a eye out for some of they're stuff on sale
 
darkwood said:
They deal and import schneider gear through there euro branches and undercut all other wholesalers ... no import duty as its a branch transfer .. they can give 15-20% better on any enemy... every wholesaler has its perks ..it's just knowing them.
Click to expand...

CEF got into a lot of trouble doing that, and shouldn't be doing it anymore!
 
Rob said:
CEF got into a lot of trouble doing that, and shouldn't be doing it anymore!
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It may be the case its stopped, our local Bradford branch is on a 2 yr soak with Schneider where prices are higher than normal until they qualify for discounts at source which they can pass on then.
 
darkwood said:
They deal and import schneider gear through there euro branches and undercut all other wholesalers ... no import duty as its a branch transfer .. they can give 15-20% better on any enemy... every wholesaler has its perks ..it's just knowing them.
Click to expand...

Well that's odd because there were 15K more expensive over an 60K quote compared to the official Schneider distributer in my area. They had no answer when I broke the news.

Although I do use them on a day to day basis, very helpful guys on the counter.
 
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Think you must have had a greedy sod quoting as they are on bonus commission - it was tried on me once, they got the message when I contacted the regional manager, this was many years ago but you still get the odd one trying to rip off because they see the Kerching sign but so does every company tbh.
 

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Trusty Crow

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