Wholesale prices

[rmc86uk]

I usually just buy materials from Screwfix when doing little jobs of my own but I was at the firms wholesalers so paid for an MK 1 gang socket and 25mm back box...£6.40. I then thought I'll just search Screwfix...£2.93! Now I thought Screwfix would be expensive but its the obviously the wholesalers! I just dont understand why a trade place would be more expensive than a big DIY place! I had the same problem the other week when I went into B&Q and got some stuff from tradepoint and one thing was an MK 1 gang switch £1.38. The sales person then told me that some of the other stuff I needed was on the main shop floor and then I saw the MK switches for £1.08! I queried why the trade counter was more expensive and he said that it must have been the wrong make and I said that I'm not stupid and know MK when I see it! His reply was do I really want to walk all the way back to save 30p! They even had them online at £1.08 when I checked! No wonder customers just go to to the big DIY stores!

 

[markc123]

Wholesalers generally have better quality than DIY shops, and screwfix IMO is terrible.

I know we're talking all MK here, but whats the bets the B&Q MK has been in use somewhere, and it'll be shagged within a week. I'd much prefer wholesaler stock than B&Q...if it's more money, inform the client whatever the job is will cost a 5er extra.

Granted, DIY stores shouldn't be more than the wholesaler so god knows what's gone on their. Was it a new employee behind the counter? Im having trouble with wholesaler staff not having a clue - could of been a made up price on the spot lol, go back next week the same socket will be a £1.

 

[amlu]

those place seem to have different prices for different people :-(

I just stay away, TLC for me (prices available online, same for everyone), electrifix or tool station.

 

[rmc86uk]

To be honest with you because I don't buy lots of materials for big jobs I think Screwfix is good plus I can get a price anytime of day or night and there isn't much that they dont sell! Usually when I'm in wholesalers and ask they never know price of stuff or if they do it's ex VAT which is no good to me!

 

[TaffyDuck]

One switch? One socket? Wholesalers sell them in boxes of 10 or 20, thats why they are called wholesalers after all. Buy in bulk, like 95% of sparks and you will get better prices and the quality of that Marbo rubbish from Screwfix is something you`ll never see in your local wholesaler

 

[rmc86uk]

I didn't want a bulk pack I wanted one and Screwfix came out on top in this case. Also most wholesalers do a cheap and nasty choice e.g Volex or Polar and the better quality such as MK.

 

[markc123]

One switch? One socket? Wholesalers sell them in boxes of 10 or 20, thats why they are called wholesalers after all. Buy in bulk, like 95% of sparks and you will get better prices and the quality of that Marbo rubbish from Screwfix is something you`ll never see in your local wholesaler

Never thought of that - you've probably smashed the nail on the head.

If you've disrupted a box of 5/10/20 then they'll probably charge more for the single, because then they'll have already opened boxes struggling to be shifted upon the shelf.

You shoulda just got a box, it's not like they never come in handy.

 

[TaffyDuck]

I didn't want a bulk pack I wanted one and Screwfix came out on top in this case. Also most wholesalers do a cheap and nasty choice e.g Volex or Polar and the better quality such as MK.

Then you will pay more, a lot more. Until you use Marbo you don`t know what cheap and nasty is. Volex are OKish, Their CUs are good nowadays, and the MCBs and RCBOs are just rebadged Crabtree/Wylex

 

[markc123]

Cheers Taffyduck, very slightly off topic - so i can say my mini-rant.

CPN RCD's are complete horse s***!

Replaced literally 50 (probably more) for Hager in the last 18months on caravan park's - not sure who's going around putting them in, but whoever you are (caravan park electric maybe) please stop, they are terrible.

 

[rmc86uk]

Your missing the point here in that my original post I state that Screwfix was a lot cheaper than the wholesalers! Just working it out with the MK socket alone Screwfix was £2.53 cheaper than the wholesale price! Are you telling me if I'd bought a box of 10 they would have been cheaper? You would think so but in this case obviously not as the individual item price is far far cheaper at Screwfix in the first place! Let's do a little test and if you can get a price for a 1 gang MK switched socket and see how much your wholesaler charges.

Just to add after checking TLC online if you buy 10+ on this item you save 12p each item!

 

[Andy78]

Prices in wholesalers all depends on what discount they get from the manufacturer and what discount they give each individual customer. Screwfix have massive buying power so get large discounts and shift lots of stock at low profit. All depends on the size of your wholesaler and how much you buy from them.

A useful phrase in the wholesalers to remember is "is that your cheapest price on those?" and also play them off against each other when pricing.

Some wholesalers will just not be able to compete on price with massive retailers, but the likes of screwfix generally sell the lower end brands. I do use toolstation myself, but a local independant wholesalers is always my first stop as price is always negotiable.

 

[rmc86uk]

A few replies on here are saying that the big outfits like Screwfix and B&Q sell low end brands but we're talking MK here which both big outfits stock.

 

[pjcomp]

Wholesalers have prices for walk-ins and other prices for account customers. I typically get 30 per cent off list price at the wholesaler, often 50 per cent, plus a settlement discount on the account if I pay on time at the end of the month. Also in favour of wholesalers versus the sheds, you want something the wholesalers will get it for you - you want something from the sheds and it's got to be on the shelf; they get their prices by buying in bulk on a limited range of gear. So yes, you may well find MK cheaper in B&Q because they sell it by the lorry-load while the wholesaler sells lesser amounts and a lot of other choices. Try the comparison on other stuff - how's B&Q on T&E, for instance?

PJ

 

[rmc86uk]

I see what your saying but Screwfix pretty much sell every possible electrical accessory going. I thought he would have given me discount on a cash sale because of the amount of money the firm spends.

 

[Elmer BeFuddled]

Try the comparison on other stuff - how's B&Q on T&E, for instance?

PJ

Last time I bought 5 drums of (Prysmian) 2.5 T&E, Screwfix won hands down, and that was before I was registered as "trade". Delivery etc shouldn't come into it either as one small walk while you have a tab is all the distance is between Screwfix and the wholesaler. Just waiting for ToolStation to open their new store across from them now.

 

[TaffyDuck]

But Prismian comes in that silly DIY box. My wholesalers are at a guess 5% cheaper than Screwfix on like for like and they deliver to site on the day I order it. Having said that I do watch out for Electricfix offers. Just got 10 x MK 17th Edition populated boards for 500 plus Vat which is a great price.

Of course I get credit too which I dont get at Screwies.

 

[rmc86uk]

The wholesalers I went to wasnt 5% cheaper!

 

[TaffyDuck]

Build a relationship with them, much better that way. Mine are a relatively small outfit with 6 depots in total. I like the idea that I practice what I preach ( most of the time lol) and buy local. You will find three things. One is the prices are very competitive, the delivery is quicker and as I am a good customer they put a lot of work my way. I cant remember ever getting a call saying " I was talking to the guys in Screwfix and they recommended I give you a call so that you caN come and re-wire my house"

 

[ciderdaz]

I got a pre populated board from my wholesaler. Didn't have the mcb's I needed so they opened the box and swapped a couple You wouldn't get that at Screwfix

 

[rmc86uk]

I don't buy enough gear to build up a relationship with them so I'll just have to stay with Screwfix for now.

 

[Phillcbr400]

I know where rmc86uk is coming with the prices. I get things at cost prices sometimes from our wholesaler, this is because I work for a large company and we spend mega bucks there. But sometimes they can't compete with diy stores. My answer to whether buying large or small is too shop around and haggle.

 

[Brightspark2]

Yes just depends on the discount you get from the wholesaler who are adding on up to 70% on cost price. Then they give you your discount even then screwfix can be cheaper. When I re-wired my house I bought everything from screwfix most things where cheaper there and thats for good brands too, all MK.

 

[rocker]

To get decent prices in the wholesaler, you usually need to show your face a few times. Once they recognise you, and especially if you have a laugh with them, you'll start to see the discount. Even better if you have an account with them, although you need to check invoices cos you get the occasion small item costing a fortune 'by accident'. You'll not get any discount buying a single accessory twice a year.

 

[TheHUNTED]

To get decent prices in the wholesaler, you usually need to show your face a few times. Once they recognise you, and especially if you have a laugh with them, you'll start to see the discount. Even better if you have an account with them, although you need to check invoices cos you get the occasion small item costing a fortune 'by accident'. You'll not get any discount buying a single accessory twice a year.

I think it's also to do with which wholesaler you use. I use a small independant and they are great. I also use cef and you may as well hand them a tallow covered son-t and bend over where price is concerned, no matter how many times you've been there before.

 

[Brightspark2]

, although you need to check invoices cos you get the occasion small item costing a fortune 'by accident'.

ha ha that is so true.

 

[rmc86uk]

Although the wholesalers the firm uses they have one lad who doesn't what half the stuff is we want and you have to go in back and show him!

 

[shocking_eg]

i found screw fix were the cheapest place to buy MK from.

any of my wholsalers cant match their price.

especially with the bulk prices they do.

 

[RBreeze]

Let ,e guess the wholesaler was CEF. I have never had a consistent price on anything

 

[RBreeze]

Just open an account and you will see an instant reduction in price. If its once a day or a year

 

[telectrix]

tell me about it. yesterday i went into local cef (as they were the only wholesaler within 10 miles) . 2 lengths 25mm sticky bak mini-trunking. guess the price quoted. i'll wait for a few guesses and then tell what he asked for.

 

[MDJ]

tell me about it. yesterday i went into local cef (as they were the only wholesaler within 10 miles) . 2 lengths 25mm sticky bak mini-trunking. guess the price quoted. i'll wait for a few guesses and then tell what he asked for.

A fiver?

 

[Richard Burns]

fifteen squids

 

[robsparky1975]

under a tenner inc the vat.Then when you get the invoice throught the post it will have an extra 0 on the end.Manager of local cef to me drives a 30k audi,all that commision adds up.

 

[Badged01]

I find the independant 'local' suppliers/wholesalers dont have the buying power to give the cheaper prices you can find at the likes of screwfix etc ..... who also cater for the DIY market. Limited scope of what they supply admittedly. I also find the 'local' suppliers/wholesalers have a bit of a captive market with the bigger companies who having an account pay what it costs without shopping around. Plus they have the 'professional' small trader who stubbornly believes his 'local' suppliers/wholesalers are the cheapest! I guess it varies area to area.

 

[Sparks1962]

The trouble is that any Tom, Dick or Harry ( iet) can go into B & Q or whatever shed, look at the prices and pay the same as the Sparks who's trying to do a decent job and earn a few quid legit. I've had fellow Sparks who, on giving the customer the bill, have had an inquisition into how much the materials cost and how much mark-up they've put on. Hardly fair, IMHO. Prices vary so much as has been mentioned, because of buying power discounts, quality and the name on the box, split pack prices et al. Best thing to do is stick with a few trusted well known names and support your wholesaler where possible

 

[LlandrilloSpark]

I've got a cash job next week fitting 34 Downlights in a home, I've been to my main wholesaler and to a secondary one , the first could give me click fire guard for £9 no lamp, the second £8.34 with no lamp (Robus) but neither could match Electricfix who were £7.60 with a lamp (Robus) good fitting but crap terminal so will have to wire in 1.0mm to loop it, I'd prefer the click as they are class but at £70 dearer on a small job It pays the wages of the mate

 

[Elmer BeFuddled]

I don't buy enough gear to build up a relationship with them so I'll just have to stay with Screwfix for now.

I'm in the same boat, having just started out "blind" so to speak. I do tend to find that I will use Eddys if I need something "now" as its within a mile of me. But at the moment, for any middle jobs, then Screwfix it is.

And I'd much rather be dealing with a local little fella than a multi-outlet supplier.

One day.....

 

[rmc86uk]

You say you use Edmondsons well the wholesalers the firms uses is owned by them and I think there expensive. Another example of 10mm T+E was £3.40 + Vat per metre but another wholesalers it was £2 + Vat.

 

[winfit]

You say you use Edmondsons well the wholesalers the firms uses is owned by them and I think there expensive. Another example of 10mm T+E was £3.40 + Vat per metre but another wholesalers it was £2 + Vat.

I have accounts with Eddys and have never paid more than £2.40 per metre for 10mm T & E and this was several years ago when the price of copper was at a record high.
If I was you I would negotiate a little more and get the "going rate" on any item you buy from any wholesaler..... they sell 1 or 10 items at the same unit price so amounts should not affect your price on regularly used items such as 1 gang MK switches etc.
The MK switch spoken of earlier in this post was probably a 1 gang 2 way which would account for the extra 30p charged.... being an "Electrician" you should have realised this.
.... And lastly a roll of 2.5 Twin & Earth at Screwfix is £41.50 plus VAT and at Eddys it is £34.00 plus VAT.
Even if you paid a fiver a switch the cost of the cable would save you thousands a year by using a proper wholesaler like Eddys instead of jokers like Screwfix.
Old ladies and DIY ers use Screwfix.... keep it professional and buy professionally...
Now I'll sit back and wait for the first insult to arrive........

 

[davesparks]

I have accounts with Eddys and have never paid more than £2.40 per metre for 10mm T & E and this was several years ago when the price of copper was at a record high.
If I was you I would negotiate a little more and get the "going rate" on any item you buy from any wholesaler..... they sell 1 or 10 items at the same unit price so amounts should not affect your price on regularly used items such as 1 gang MK switches etc.
The MK switch spoken of earlier in this post was probably a 1 gang 2 way which would account for the extra 30p charged.... being an "Electrician" you should have realised this.
.... And lastly a roll of 2.5 Twin & Earth at Screwfix is £41.50 plus VAT and at Eddys it is £34.00 plus VAT.
Even if you paid a fiver a switch the cost of the cable would save you thousands a year by using a proper wholesaler like Eddys instead of jokers like Screwfix.
Old ladies and DIY ers use Screwfix.... keep it professional and buy professionally...
Now I'll sit back and wait for the first insult to arrive........

I've said it before, screw fix is only good for screws and fixings and the occasional out of hours callout on Sundays etc when the wholesalers is shut.

 

[R G]

I don't see as many small one shop independents any more , I used to use one in West London area , they were very good and could get anything you wanted fairly quick , I don't any up here in Norfolk though I think others have like screwfix etc have taken over , the small independent that I used gave very good service and prices as well ...

 

[cprfenom]

Prices in wholesalers all depends on what discount they get from the manufacturer and what discount they give each individual customer. Screwfix have massive buying power so get large discounts and shift lots of stock at low profit. All depends on the size of your wholesaler and how much you buy from them.

A useful phrase in the wholesalers to remember is "is that your cheapest price on those?" and also play them off against each other when pricing.

Some wholesalers will just not be able to compete on price with massive retailers, but the likes of screwfix generally sell the lower end brands. I do use toolstation myself, but a local independant wholesalers is always my first stop as price is always negotiable.

I have to totally agree with Andy on this one. You do need to ask and sometimes when offers are one etc then screwfix can be cheaper.

Make sure you ask if thats the best price, and set up a cash account!!

 

[Barry White]

I see what your saying but Screwfix pretty much sell every possible electrical accessory going. I thought he would have given me discount on a cash sale because of the amount of money the firm spends.

I use screwfix or the local wholsaler though work (gives me the same discount as work on my cash sales) you can choose the cheap range or the expensive at either.

 

[D00DY_T00DY]

I did a little job replacing a pull switch. Went to screwfix it was £1 something. Broke 3 months later, had to go back last weekend at no extra cost due to me picking inferior materials(but the nice customer tipped me for coming out)... Where as the little local wholesalers was £2 and you could tell the quality difference. It's not worth it if you have to go back to fix it. Buy cheap buy twice.

 

[D00DY_T00DY]

I have one of those near me, its a really good little shop. Closer than screwfix and the closest big wholesalers, really should start using it more... Its like ehe electrical equivalent of arkwrights :lol: