Which suplier to use??? HELP

[Tomas]

Hi,

Am i only imagining or SCREW FIX is the cheapest option to use?
I live in Crawley and just started the plumbing business. I tried PTS trades account, PLUMBASE and couple others, but the prices quiet high comparing with SCREW FIX.
What do you guys use?

Best regards, Tom

 

[wards]

B e s

 

[Tomas]

still screw fix cheaper

 

[Plumbstar Tom]

have you opened up accounts with the merchants, and spoke about personal discounts and terms

what about any local independants?

 

[Blake]

I use a number of large companies along with my local plumbers merchant. From experience, no one company will give you the best prices on every item you may require.

With larger companies, the more you spend the better your terms and discounts get.

I always ring at least 2 of my suppliers first when quoting to make sure I'm getting the best price.

 

[dontknowitall]

Screwfix is not as cheap as Plumbfix - and neither are as consistently cheap as a local supplier if you spend a reasonable amount with them.

Screwfix is a great company and I don't wish to do them down. I've been really happy with their service and like the fact that they answer the phone in person really quickly. Copper tube is probably cheaper from them but unless they have an offer on other materials are comparable to local merchants.

If you shop at a local merchant frequently you'll be in the running for recommendations. If a retail customer asks the merchant who they'd recommend they'll immediately think of those plumbers who call in most days assuming they're busy and know how to keep customers happy.

 

[helpsy]

I use Plumbfix/Toolstation and City Plumbing. IMHO PTS and Plumbase are exceptionally expensive even with 30 % off.

 

[stevetheplumber]

I use Plumbfix/Toolstation and City Plumbing. IMHO PTS and Plumbase are exceptionally expensive even with 30 % off.

my local merchants were taken over by city plumbing and there now a nightmare long ques no staff and crap prices most of the time

 

[oldplumber]

I use a local independant merchant and their prices are as good as city if not better. Pts,plumb center and plumbase dont get anywhere near to the independants prices. Plumbfix is ok but using one good merchant normally works out cheaper in the long term, plus I get no problem with returns, free coffee and trips to manufacturers and shows with the merchant. However parts center (wolsey)are good at spare parts supply and I dont have to chase around the net myself looking. The net may be cheaper, but you waste to much time hunting and waiting for deliveries and your time is expensive, let others do the work.

 

[Blackcatgas]

Screw fix hasnt got the choice of stuff that I need/use they wont spend hours on the phone for me trying to track down somthing that I need too, they are very good for screws though.

 

[REDSAW]

toolstation cheaper than plum/skru fix if they have it in stock.

personal touch cant beat real plumbers merchant to track down stuf for you.

 

[WHPES]

Screwfix is good for brass and copper fittings, general stuff, screws etc.

You need to shop about a bit. Is there a Crosslings near you? I use them for just about everything else and they are really good for larger items. honeywell stuff, suites, radiators and valves etc. Cheaper than Plumbase, Plumb Center and PTS. They also do specialist stuff the others struggle with.

Crosslings are also really good with delivering stuff and their delivery charges are very reasonable, and if you spend enough, free.

 

[unguided1]

I find small independant merchants are best or some of these internet companies, as the usual merchants are to expensive even with trade discounts.

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

tbh as said in above posts,you need to shop around in my case its pts for boilers and rads,pulsar direct for fittings,pts again for spares(when they dont cock it up) screw fix,pulsar,bes and toolstation all good prices

 

[Tomas]

thank you so much to all of you!!! THANK YOU!!!
i know were i stand now and what to do

 

[Phil]

I shop at BES, Screwfix and PTS mainly.

I've found Toolstation good two but don't be fooled by thier push fit waste fittings, they are really cheap and really nasty.

 

[WHPES]

I've found Toolstation good two but don't be fooled by thier push fit waste fittings, they are really cheap and really nasty.

Wouldn't know as I use solvent weld waste fittings.

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

I shop at BES, Screwfix and PTS mainly.

I've found Toolstation good two but don't be fooled by thier push fit waste fittings, they are really cheap and really nasty.

pushfit? never used it

 

[helpsy]

Solvent weld all the time!

 

[rodders09]

Try Ultimate discount Heating for boiler and radiators.
Plumbfix for general fittings
Parts center for parts
Local for other bits