Cheap taps. showers etc on Internet

bundly

I was amazed to see that (brand new) trendy and antique style taps and showers on ebay and online plumbing merchants cost much less than those in brick-and-mortar shops. For example I am looking at a shower which includes both a rain head and a handheld for £150 instead of £300-£400.

However, my builder is of the opinion that these "internet taps" are shoddy and that I will regret getting something cheap that will corrode or leak or whatever. The online showers often do have 12 months or even ten years guarantee. Once it's fitted it's hard to claim back on a guarantee plus of course costs more money to get the builder back in to uninstall it to send it back and then what -- must replace it instantly while awaiting refund. Plus online sellers might have disappeared by the time I make any claim.

So I am in a dilemma!

It goes against MSE prinipals to pay double for something unecessarily, if the quality is no different and plumbers merchants are just profiteering but on the other hand, if the goods are "shoddy" then it could cost more in the long run if I have to replace the shower after a year when it should last at least ten.

Can anyone help?

PS the builder isn't just pitching to supply, he is happy for me to buy the shower myself.

keystone

Go to your local merchant and negotiate a deal. "Internet only" companies, by and large, have inferior products, carp QA and carp customer support.

Oh and if your wanting a rain head make sure your system can deliver the flow rates needed. Otherwise you'll be very very disapointed.

Cheers

bundly

Hi Key and thanks. Use the onlines to get leverage for a cheaper price you mean?

The cold tank is two floors above and the hot water cylinder is one floor above where the shower will go, so am hoping the flow rate will be OK. If not can always for a pump I think?

keystone

bundly wrote: »

Hi Key and thanks. Use the onlines to get leverage for a cheaper price you mean?

Well yes but don't expect to get it to match. You'll likely be getting a superior quality product, you have to pay something towards his overheads and the fact that he is there to give you advice and deal with your problems instantly when you go in.

The cold tank is two floors above and the hot water cylinder is one floor above where the shower will go, so am hoping the flow rate will be OK. If not can always for a pump I think?

I doubt you will have sufficient for a rainshower head just relying on gravity.

Cheers

charlysez

i bought fabulous trendy taps off ebay, from an ebay shop and also a complete bathroom suite. all work perfectly well, the only draw back was the delay in delivery of my suite, which wouldnt have been a problem had my plumber wasnt already booked.

CKdesigner

Hi

You really need to compare 'oranges with oranges'. By all means look at all retailers what ever their route to market but make sure when you are comparing that you are comparing the exact same products.

We sell Miele appliances, without question the best washing machines etc. money can buy. We happily sell Miele products at 'internet retailer' prices but of course you can buy similar specification products made by other brands but they won't be the same quality. There is always someone prepared to make 'the same' product cheaper, but is it really the same?

keystone

charlysez wrote: »

.......which wouldnt have been a problem had my plumber wasnt already booked.

Eh?

Actually I think I know what you mean but thats precisely the problem I'm trying to highlight. Suite booked for delivery on the 2nd. Installers work planned so that he is ready for delivery on the 2nd. He is ready - no suite arrives. What does he do - he can't start the next job because they aren't ready yet so you catch an additional cost for him twiddling his thumbs. You aren't happy because thats pushing your costs up. Say he has to wait 1 day (bet its longer taking short shipments, quality issues etc into consideration) and bills you an extra £n for the privelege. You have gained nothing from this except hassle (you ordered it - you chase it) particularly if the price for the same suite from the plumbers merchant was iro £n higher than the internet company!

Cheers

bundly

"You really need to compare 'oranges with oranges'."

Indeed. The problem is, the taps sold by online retailers don't have brand names (nor do most taps sold by bricks and mortar plumbing shops, for that matter) so impossible to say if one is comparing like with like.


Quote:
Originally Posted by bundly
Hi Key and thanks. Use the onlines to get leverage for a cheaper price you mean?

Well yes but don't expect to get it to match. You'll likely be getting a superior quality product, you have to pay something towards his overheads and the fact that he is there to give you advice and deal with your problems instantly when you go in.

Quote:
The cold tank is two floors above and the hot water cylinder is one floor above where the shower will go, so am hoping the flow rate will be OK. If not can always for a pump I think?
"I doubt you will have sufficient for a rainshower head just relying on gravity."

So I will also need a pump then.

No problem with delays the work is being done 22 Feb. I have till then to source and buy and receive the taps (and tray, bifold door etc)

ali-t

I am not diy minded at all but bought amazing taps from an ebay seller and they are fab and look amazing. they were around £20 a set and given that they were less than 1/4 the price of similar in the shop I wouldn't mind it if they didn't last as long. My house is 6 years old and the taps that went in when it was built are corroded in every room and look really cheap.

I also bought a shower screen from ebay and it is great. Good luck whatever you choose.

ormus

CKdesigner wrote: »

We sell Miele appliances, without question the best washing machines etc. money can buy. We happily sell Miele products at 'internet retailer' prices but of course you can buy similar specification products made by other brands..........

thats your opinion. i can buy an indesit for around a third or a fifth the price of a miele.
my indesit last an average of 7 yrs.
does a miele washing machine last 21 or 35 yrs?:rolleyes:

CKdesigner

ormus wrote: »

thats your opinion. i can buy an indesit for around a third or a fifth the price of a miele.
my indesit last an average of 7 yrs.
does a miele washing machine last 21 or 35 yrs?:rolleyes:

Hi Ormus

Yes you are right - that is my opinion. The opinion of someone that has worked in the industry for over 20 years working for some pretty major companies within the industry. You will also find it is the opinion of most people that seriously know about domestic appliances.

Your example of your 7 year old Indesit. All that tells me is that Indesit 7 years ago made a machine that lasted 7 years. When actually at the moment Indesit makes washing machines as cheaply as possible which has dire results on the life expectancy of the machine. Where as every component inside every Miele appliance is designed for a life of 20 years. For example Miele design their washing machines to last for in excess of 10,000 hours of use that equates to 2 loads per day, 5 days a week for 20 years. This is a fact and can easily be verified by Miele.

CK