Howdens prices - Burford white

Doozergirl

Well obviously it's better!

Tried to phone our guy at Howdens but he isn't in until Monday. I suspect he'd tell me a better % than that so maybe if you're prepared to wait I can tell you the % he said and maybe your branch will price match it.

vegasvisitor

Hi Doozergirl

As someone has been kind enough to let me use their account and discount I wouldn't risk that by trying to negotiate at this stage. I think the prices are absolutely fine, and I guess the discount is based on the amount of business on the account.

Thanks for the offer but I'm happy to buy it as it is.

Doozergirl

lesley74 wrote: »

Hi Doozergirl

As someone has been kind enough to let me use their account and discount I wouldn't risk that by trying to negotiate at this stage. I think the prices are absolutely fine, and I guess the discount is based on the amount of business on the account.

Thanks for the offer but I'm happy to buy it as it is.

It's dependant upon the amount of business until they see the business going elsewhere, even a neighbouring branch.

What you have to appreciate is that something like an extra 5% discount is not a 5% discount from what you already have, but a 5% discount on the RRP which no-one would pay.

So a 72% discount on your 1000mm base is £102

The "RRP" was £364

If for example you take an extra 5% off, 77% = £83. You saved £19 on one unit.

His acccount, his discount but he's using someone else who has a better relationship and a better discount to lever his own relationship. You wouldn't have been jeopardising it, you'd have been helping him to get better discounts for every future job as well because he'd know what to expect.

vegasvisitor

Right, I sort of get what you mean. This would just involve me going in and saying to the salesman that we know someone who told me their discount was 77% for a different Howden's, however we're now committed to our joiner so don't want to change the joiner. Can they do anything about the discount because it's now bothering us that the other person gets stuff significantly cheaper. We did get chatty with the guy, and he told us he does tiling (privately, not through Howden's), I also later found out he is connected to someone I work with and she said his tiling is good, so I will probably ask him to do our tiling too, which might even help.

I just sort of feel that the person who let us use the account has been nice and honest about it all, so I appreciate their help and don't want them to think I've been causing any hassle over it. The person who owns the account isn't a joiner, they do up houses (might be rental, not sure), so maybe they just don't give the same sort of business as local joiners etc to get the better discount.

Doozergirl, if you are happy to check on Monday what discount you'd get on Burford White for example then I'd think about how to speak to the guy in Howden's without rocking the boat . Thanks for your efforts, much appreciated.

Gizmosmum_2

Try Ikea - same quality units, less than half the price, takes slightly longer to install because they have to be made up but that shouldn't be a problem for your joiner. I got oak units, solid oak worktop, all appliances and sink for 3.5k. I've had kitchens from B & Q, Howdens, Wickes and Magnet but Ikea beats them hands down in terms of value for money and service and all the appliances come automatically with a 5 year warranty. We've put 10 kitchens in in the last 6 years so have a little experience.

CKdesigner

Gizmosmum wrote: »

Try Ikea - same quality units, less than half the price, takes slightly longer to install because they have to be made up but that shouldn't be a problem for your joiner. I got oak units, solid oak worktop, all appliances and sink for 3.5k. I've had kitchens from B & Q, Howdens, Wickes and Magnet but Ikea beats them hands down in terms of value for money and service and all the appliances come automatically with a 5 year warranty. We've put 10 kitchens in in the last 6 years so have a little experience.

Kricky, you wear em out quick!!:D

vegasvisitor

We did try Ikea but we wanted white shaker and they didn't have it. Their cream shaker was nice, but I really wanted white, and Howden's seems to be the only place with white matt shaker.

Besides, we've got the estimate and plans all done now and we are very happy. We also get our keys in 10 days and now have less shopping time. Howden's deliver very quickly too.

Thanks for the suggestion though.:)

Gizmosmum_2

We nearly fell off the chair when we ordered from Ikea - would you like to take it with you, have it delivered in 48 hours or you could have it in 3 weeks. I know what you mean about sticking with the order with HOwdens though - sometimes it just gets too much hassle!!

CK - you'd be right if they were all mione but we dabble a bit in the property game. Mademe smile though.:D

avantra

Gizmosmum wrote: »

We've put 10 kitchens in in the last 6 years so have a little experience.

Yes but was it you who used these kitchens over a long period? or did you just fit them?

suisidevw

Sorry to use this thread, but Doozer, you appear very helpful with Howdens info! I'm after the door product code DIE4170. What would be the price you'd be paying for this product? Many thanks, Sam