Does anybody have any suggestions on how to obtain a good initial trade discount with Howdens?

[Deleted member 290061]

I'm buying my first kitchen from Howdens and so will need to set up a trade account with them this week before they come out and measure up. Does anybody have any tips that could help me start off with a reasonably good trade discount?
The reason I'm asking is that from what I understand their discounts can vary significantly and can be based on location and personal rapport with the managers
Please feel free to send a private message

 

[sxturbo]

Get a comparable quote from other sources such as wren or DIY kitchens and if they are cheaper ask for a price match.

Usually to get discount you need to build up a relationship and prove spending worth

 

[Mr Chibs]

I was in this boat, some months ago... I ended up with a DIY kitchens, didn’t like the way Howdens sell theirs... Especially the October big sale that doesn’t really knock anything off.



DIYK was practically 50% of the Howdens quote, and after seeing both, think DIYK are Slightly better made and there’s a lot more sizes to pic.

I went for a painted wood finish, door build is excellent.

Good luck

also DIYK have an online planner, so you can design your own.

 

[Deleted member 290061]

Many people have said that DIYK are good and very reasonably priced but with Howdens you've got the support of a large network so sending items back and getting problems solved tends to be easier - are you in the trade do you mind me asking Mr Chibs? Sounds like you're kitchen has worked out well

Get a comparable quote from other sources such as wren or DIY kitchens and if they are cheaper ask for a price match. Usually to get discount you need to build up a relationship and prove spending worth

I'll hopefully persuade them on "potential future purchases" I could make

 

[Mr Chibs]

No, not my first trade, but was offered an account due to renovating a couple of houses.

I too thought that the support element ruled out DIYK in favour of a Howdens.
Well I had some minor damage (Some backs came unstapled) to some DIYK units... had to make a ‘web’ post with images But a week later new, complete units arrived.

The company had been excellent in sorting it out.

Only real niggle... delivery was 9pm Friday evening... and I wasn’t the last of the night.

 

[Deleted member 290061]

Yeah I've heard professional house refurbishers/developers sing the praises of DIYK

Only real niggle... delivery was 9pm Friday evening... and I wasn’t the last of the night.

To be fair I think you're very understanding to call that a "niggle"

 

[Davidandkeiley]

I would also 2nd diy kitchens. The fitter who I've just had fit mine does lot's of howdens kitchens per year and yet they still couldn't get anywhere near the price I got from diy. He was also surprised that the quality of the cupboards and especially the doors was better quality than howdens. I can't comment on there after service as my order was all delivered without any problems

 

[foxhole]

Benchmarx agreed to undercut any quote I got from Howdens.

 

[kettlejim]

Benchmarx agreed to undercut any quote I got from Howdens.

Did you choose to go with Benchmarx or are are you still deciding? Do you know if Benchmarx are flatpack or solid carcass from the factory?
I suppose the market is quite competitive.

 

[foxhole]

Did you choose to go with Benchmarx or are are you still deciding? Do you know if Benchmarx are flatpack or solid carcass from the factory?
I suppose the market is quite competitive.

I used Benchmarx , there range is ready assembled.

 

[mikeey84]

Another for DiyK. Not in the trade, but fitted a few over the years, and wouldn't go anywhere else now.

The box of tea bags and packet of biscuits they included was a nice touch!

 

[kettlejim]

DIYK are incredibly popular it has to be said - didn't hear about the biscuits and teabags though lol