where do you shop and why?

[jb73]

Hello,
I am interested in hearing where "the trade"really" shops". Is it online, through a merchant or using catalogues over the phone. Also what is your main driver, cost? knowledge? reliabilty etc.

I look forward to your answers..
cheers
Jenny

 

[jb73]

Teaches me for trying to be clever!! Sorry the question is where do you buy your supplies!!!! And I refering to plumbing/building supplies!

cheers
Jenny

 

[Fluffster]

Screwfix counters offers best prices range for plumbing for me.
Pete

 

[Softus]

Local merchants.

I do this because I want them to thrive. I want them to thrive because I want them to know me, to be helpful when I need it, to be knowledgeable of the brands/products I buy, and to be still in business on all those occasions when I'm in a hurry to help a customer.

I don't use Screwfix. Ever.

I have this principle because Screwfix is the antithesis of all that's good about local merchants. Their staff are mostly incompetent and have no clue whatsoever about the products they sell, the purchasing process is cumbersome, they have shops full of customers who are idiots, and they cannot obtain anything that isn't in their catalogue.

I sometimes use B&Q.

I do this when I have an urgent need and the local specialist merchants are shut closed. I prefer not to shop there because whatever money I spend there is trade taken away from local merchants. I choose B&Q over the other sheds because my local branches seem to have a large variety of good quality plumbing and electrical components.

 

[jb73]

Hello Moderator,

Just asking out of interest really. Yes we do sell online, but you would never had heard of us- strictly small fry! I'm interested in finding out what is important to people when they buy.

If this is a problem, please feel free to remove the thread. Not a problem at all.
cheers
JB

 

[mattylad]

To answer the original question, I shop at Asda
Why - because I can then slap the wifes bum.

But that's another discussion

 

[WoodYouLike]

Mostly abroad - if you count wood flooring under building materials that is

 

[2scoops0406]

We haven't got any local merchants, shut down a long time ago.

 

[Thermo]

Local merchants.

I do this because I want them to thrive. I want them to thrive because I want them to know me, to be helpful when I need it, to be knowledgeable of the brands/products I buy, and to be still in business on all those occasions when I'm in a hurry to help a customer.

I don't use Screwfix. Ever.

I have this principle because Screwfix is the antithesis of all that's good about local merchants. Their staff are mostly incompetent and have no clue whatsoever about the products they sell, the purchasing process is cumbersome, they have shops full of customers who are idiots, and they cannot obtain anything that isn't in their catalogue.

I sometimes use B&Q.

I do this when I have an urgent need and the local specialist merchants are shut closed. I prefer not to shop there because whatever money I spend there is trade taken away from local merchants. I choose B&Q over the other sheds because my local branches seem to have a large variety of good quality plumbing and electrical components.

got to say im from the same mould. didnt used to be until i ran my own business, but i will always do what i can to keep business local. I also make a point of paying the small local businesses first and well within time when the bills come in. Look after them and they look after me. we put plenty of work each others way

 

[noseall]

Local merchants.

I do this because I want them to thrive. I want them to thrive because I want them to know me, to be helpful when I need it, to be knowledgeable of the brands/products I buy, and to be still in business on all those occasions when I'm in a hurry to help a customer.

I don't use Screwfix. Ever.

I have this principle because Screwfix is the antithesis of all that's good about local merchants. Their staff are mostly incompetent and have no clue whatsoever about the products they sell, the purchasing process is cumbersome, they have shops full of customers who are idiots, and they cannot obtain anything that isn't in their catalogue.

I sometimes use B&Q.

I do this when I have an urgent need and the local specialist merchants are shut closed. I prefer not to shop there because whatever money I spend there is trade taken away from local merchants. I choose B&Q over the other sheds because my local branches seem to have a large variety of good quality plumbing and electrical components.

same here too!

big time. i have never used the internet or screwfix to buy building products.

 

[Bilioustrumpstaine]

Local independent suppliers as first port of call, you cannot beat the knowledge that (most of) these guys have.

2nd line of supply, Wickes. good availability, good prices.

I used to use B&Q but don't now. My local store is so badly run
full of idiots who know F all about F all (customers and staff alike )
and you really know what the q stands for when you wait in line to pay

Used a Screwfix store for the first time the other day, not an experience I will be repeating in a hurry. (B&Q and Screwfix same firm)

 

[John506]

Jenny, a bit of market research, nothing wrong with that.

I prefer the merchants because like previous posts have said it's good to get to know the guys in there, when they know you they are more willing to help you, give discounts, make sure your stuff is there on time etc.

 

[^neo^]

I guess general 'run of the mill available readilly local' stuff is, as it says, local builders merchant / b&q etc.
Any big purchases, like tools etc, then usually online as you seem to get better deals.
I would say 90% of our business comes through online (see website in my profile) but most of it is hard to find locally.

 

[hairyben]

A local electrical wholesaler gets most of my trade, prolly 80%+ of what I spend.

not the closest, but one where the 4 regular guys behind the counter have been in the game for years and years and know what you're asking for. Others locally have a high turnover of staff, so you normally get served by someone who's still learning what you mean and then leaves to be replaced by another muppet and y'know, I don't have the time or patience.

use the odd mail order bunch like screwfix now and again for a few bits, especially non-electrical stuff like gripfill and wotnot.

Power tools and other kit, google for a good price.

 

[dave1953]

Buy and Queue is great for the one stop shop bit however loads of delving into suppliers is interesting and the rapport over time brings trust and discounts