B&Q Tradepoint - opinions, is this legitimate moneysaving?

gavcradd

I'm in the process of replacing my kitchen cupboards and after looking at prices, decided that B&Q were far too expensive. However, I noticed that my local store has a Tradepoint counter that is supposedly "Trade Only". The prices here, for the same products, are much, much cheaper. One example is a pack of 2 600mm larder doors that are £35 in the main shop but only a smidge over £12 (even including the VAT) at the Tradepoint counter. This therefore is definitely the cheapest option.

However, I'm not a tradesperson. After looking at what they wanted though all that's needed as proof is a business card and letter head. Ten minutes later, I'd knocked these up on the computer and headed back down there. They weren't fake as such, all they said was my name and "Kitchen fitter" - that's exactly what I'm doing at the minute! :rotfl: I filled the form in, no questions were asked and I got my Tradepoint card, together with a much cheaper set of kitchen units than I'd budgeted for. I thought they might ask about tax status, or ask for public liability insurance certificates but no, nothing.

Has anyone else done this? Is it legitimate money saving?

savemoney

A tradesmen told me other week that when he used the old system for trade before tradepoint the discount was applied as a bonus annually so at end of the year he would get a nice bonus. But this was changed because a competitor so he claimed grassed on B&Q so they had to change it so the discount was applied at the point of sale so then the customer may benefit straight away so there is less incentive to use them as the trades person could then profit

I suppose knock on effect would be SOGA may not apply to trade

Gloomendoom

If you are doing a big job it is quite legitimate to open a trade account. I have several with local suppliers as I'm renovating the whole house. They know I'm not in the trade but as I'm buying lots of stuff they don't seem to care.

ormus

ive got a trade card with BQ, and they never asked me a single question nor any proof of being in the trade.
although i do spend a fair bit there, i tend to use wickes more often.

Jackinbox99

Ive looked into this myself recently as I am about to redo a whole house and need a lot of goods. A lot of the forums ive read have suggest that the tradepoint "discount" is not much of a discount compared to other supplies, such as screwfix - which b&q own.

So, i would shop around and compare prices against other retailers. One plus point with most "trade" cards is that you do get free delivery.

System

if you are a trained plumber/electrician you can get a discount at screwfix but you have to supply proof of qualifications.

spadoosh

The tradepoint is supposed to be trade only. The reason why B&Q's old trade desk was scrapped was because too many non tradesman had signed upto accounts and benefits that only tradesmen should get were open to everyone. The idea of the new trade point is to offer a more 'wholesale' experience to tradesmen without having to shhop directly wiith joe public.

Im sure they shouldve checked for more authentic id, however if that store is not following procedures dont expect the best service, however seen as your only using a few times it shouldnt effect you. The prices in the tradepoint mag are loads cheaper than instore however not all items are discounted and you will not know untill you get too the checkouts (or order through brochure)

keystone

gavcradd wrote: »

Ten minutes later, I'd knocked these up on the computer and headed back down there. They weren't fake as such, all they said was my name and "Kitchen fitter" - that's exactly what I'm doing at the minute! :rotfl:

I'm probably going to get flamed for this but I think thats fraudulent.

Cheers

keystone

spadoosh wrote: »

The tradepoint is supposed to be trade only. The reason why B&Q's old trade desk was scrapped was because too many non tradesman had signed upto accounts and benefits that only tradesmen should get were open to everyone. The idea of the new trade point is to offer a more 'wholesale' experience to tradesmen without having to shhop directly wiith joe public.

and it operates the Sc......ix system - pick from a catalogue and they go fetch and you pay there and then - mind you they both share the same parent company.

Im sure they shouldve checked for more authentic id,

No thats all they want but it should be a genuine business card such as you would give a client and a genuine business letterhead.

The prices in the tradepoint mag are loads cheaper than instore however not all items are discounted and you will not know untill you get too the checkouts (or order through brochure)

Some of them aren't cheaper at all or theres only pence in it.

Cheers

busiscoming2

On the topic of the Tradepoint. My oh has had a trade account with B&Q for the past few years and the old way of paying the accumulated discount in a lump sum cheque, was in his opinion, far better and he much preferred to pick items off of the shelf and take them to the till. He syas it is much more work to look through the brochure, especially as some items have to still be hand picked for the main store shelves anyway!

I wonder what the point of changing the system was?

Mankysteve

I presume it was to do with trades person claims VAT back for the full cost of item them getting back some cash back which reduced the amount VAT said trades person should have got back.