Equipment question.......

[secret squirrel]

Here goes......

I have managed to get a 50% discount on a lever valve at plumbase but this is still about £1.50ish more expensive than screw fix.

From another supplier I've managed a 45% discount on a 50 gallon cold water tank, Screw fix is the same price but comes with all the bits and bobs.

Over the course of the year, I would save a considerable amount of money on screwfix.

I accept that there is an advantage of using Plumbing specialist shops but for basic supplies I am unsure.

I wouldn't use low quality rads etc from the more known high st. diy stores

My question is (there is one eventually) is there a difference in quality between screw fix and other reputable shops like plumbase.

Thanks

 

[GreenArmy]

Personally im not worried about one place being more expensive than the next. At the end of the day its the customer paying for the parts not you. I generally use Plumbase, but will use whatever is nearest when i need some bits in a hurry.
By the way, i prefer to use the best materials available and at least you can touch and feel at the plumbers merchant, whereas you can only look at a picture in screwfix.

 

[Bernie2]

No, the decider is on price, if you know the makes.

A Conex coupler is a Conex coupler where ever you buy it from. A Grundfoss pump is a Grundfoss pump. Get to know the good makes then you can buy on price.

Interestingly I once bought a low energy neon lamp from B&Q for £9.99p. The same lamp cost £3.40p from Screwfix. Funny thing is B&Q and Screwfix both belong to the same owners.

 

[Jimbob]

Surely buying more expensive gear is eating into your profits. I hunt around for best price on anything, got to be efficient about it though, and know where to buy what.

 

[secret squirrel]

Thanks for the replies, its good to know that I think along the correct lines (sometimes, only sometimes though)

 

[REDSAW]

i'm a tight git and will go somewhere else if i can save £2 or £3 (its what i call free lunch).

bernie - best need to know info so far this week b&b-skrufix, amazing really their difference on price between the two.

my favorite place to buy is 'toolstation' nottingham like any good merchant, when you get to know the guys tere they will pull anything of the shelf for good inspection but dont no anything about plumbing. however their prices are the cheepest around and will beat any lower price elsewhere.
say no more, and a lot cheaper than s/fix.

 

[DC76]

agreed, toolstation is excellent and beats screwfix virtually every time. Great for basics and stocking the van etc. They also do free delivery for all orders over £10 so if you don't have one near you, then do it over the Net

 

[dick999]

Its always a good idea to buy from a plumbers merchant especially if you are not sure of something.

 

[secret squirrel]

Just bought a 50 gallon coffin tank form plumbfix, screwfix price £136 with all the bits and bobs, plumbfix £114 with all the bits.

I had the tank delivered to my local screwfix!

 

[Winston]

I always buy from a local merchant, one I like to support local businesses, build up a good relation with them helps with the discount and they generally have better staff with far more knowledge than a call centre. Also it's good to meet other local trades people and once again you can learn alot from them.

I even picked up a couple of jobs that other plumbers couldnt fit in and from when a diyer has been in and is unsure of how to do it.