Visti Posted February 17, 2018 Share Posted February 17, 2018 We're looking to setup an account with Travis Perkins just up the road in preparation to breaking ground shortly. There's the cash option, and the credit option, and little information on either. Only recommendation I've found online is to go for the Credit account, not for value but rather for the purposes of VAT paperwork! Alternatively there is a John Nicholls and Bunnings nearby. Should be bother with a trade account at all? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProDave Posted February 17, 2018 Share Posted February 17, 2018 I opened a credit account with Jewson, for the one reason that they were introducing a delivery charge for orders under £150, but not to account holders. Some say you get a better price with the cash account, but in reality the way to get the best price is haggle (play one BM off against the other) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ragg987 Posted February 17, 2018 Share Posted February 17, 2018 I pretty much avoided the chain BM for my requirements. Opaque pricing and generally quite high. I tended to shop in advance on internet, and managed to establish a few key relationships over the 'phone. 95% paid in advance. Where we needed something urgently, went through my builders account and he invoiced me. Probably paid a higher price by doing this, but by having this option for low-value and urgent requirements kept us working. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nod Posted February 17, 2018 Share Posted February 17, 2018 1 hour ago, Visti said: We're looking to setup an account with Travis Perkins just up the road in preparation to breaking ground shortly. There's the cash option, and the credit option, and little information on either. Only recommendation I've found online is to go for the Credit account, not for value but rather for the purposes of VAT paperwork! Alternatively there is a John Nicholls and Bunnings nearby. Should be bother with a trade account at all? Quik answer is don’t do it TP are one of the most exspensive merchants There must be a better builders merchants near you 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesP Posted February 17, 2018 Share Posted February 17, 2018 I still phone round my local BM's , looking for good service, free delivery and price. I opened an account with Jewson who have been very helpful and keen prices, they sent a sales person to see me and I could not fault them. TP were just a joke though I have purchased all the Rockwool, OSB3 and plasterboard through CCF Ltd which is part of the TP group. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferdinand Posted February 17, 2018 Share Posted February 17, 2018 I have ended up creating accounts with many of the chains and sheds, except Jewsons who are miles away. I have found a few things cheaper at TP on the day, and they do deliveries for a fiver which can outbalance small orders from others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cpd Posted February 17, 2018 Share Posted February 17, 2018 I have used TP for a long time and always had a good relationship with them. Have a cash account but pretty much always talk to someone in the office and haggle the price down. They seem happy to match other builders merchants prices if they can. Would be worth going in and having a talk with one of the managers and see what they can do for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProDave Posted February 17, 2018 Share Posted February 17, 2018 When I am looking for major items I always get TP and Jewson to quote. It has got to the point I almost feel embarased to ask TP as they are never the cheapest lately so never get the order. This seems a recent thing, earlier in the build they were coming in competetive and getting a lot of the business. I wonder what has changed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mvincentd Posted February 17, 2018 Share Posted February 17, 2018 I have cash accounts because i like to walk away with THE piece of paper that needs to get filed so I can do it immediately, not wait for a monthly statement...and I can see the debit to my balance immediately, thus keeping me in a state of continuous financial alarm and vigilance rather than just the once a month heart attack. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpinthehouse Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 I visited all local bm with copy of house plans spoke to the managers, explained that I'm a self builder and will ring for quotes,set accounts up in all including plumbing and electrical merchants and the cheapest gets the order if it's like for like. Deal directly with the managers as over the counter prices are often higher . It's surprising what you can save for the cost and time of an email or phone call Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterW Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 1 hour ago, jpinthehouse said: ..... I visited all local bm with copy of house plans spoke to the managers ..... Deal directly with the managers as over the counter prices are often higher.... I deal direct with the MKM branch director - he’s been involved from the start and their pricing is always good, even for stuff that they have to order in. Getting a good relationship is key especially for deliveries. We needed 4 sheets of insulation adding to an order this week and I rang on the morning of delivery and it was done with no hassle. Even had one of their drivers put a steel in place with a hiab “as he was there....” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Visti Posted February 18, 2018 Author Share Posted February 18, 2018 Thanks for the input all. Cash account it is for us. There's quite a few BMs around so we'll be shopping around for each and every quote! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nod Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 It is very rare for any one BM to have the best prices on all or most items I have three accounts and one at Preston Plastics Which carry’s stock for most underground and above ground plastic piping Very exspensive walk in prices 40% off for account Makes them about 15% cheaper than the BM well worth flitting between several Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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