Difference between Magnet and Magnet Trade

kitchencrazy

Does anyone know what the difference in quality is between Magnet and Magnet Trade kitchens?

We went into the Magnet showroom today and found a couple of kitchens we liked the look of and will probably have them do a quote for. Did ask the sales lady if the same kitchen is available through the trade arm. She was a bit vague, saying that the kitchens are of a different quality.

The main difference she stated was the lack of soft close hinges from the trade arm. Sounded very odd as I'm sure if I ask my builder to provide soft close hinges then I will get them.

She seemed to also suggest the carcasses from the trade depot are of a lower quality compared to those in the Magnet retail showroom. Is this true?

Essentialy I'm wandering if it is possible to have Magnet quote for a kitchen and then have my builder quote for the exact same spec that they buy from Magnet trade and see if it is possible to get a cheaper price. Is this a possibility?

phill99

She is trying to put you off so that you buy from her store and she gets commission.

Magnet only have one standard of unit and its used by both the Trade and the retail arm. Most ranges (ie the doors etc) again are the same, although they are known by different names. Also, there are a few ranges which are exclusive to the Retail arm.

Its a bit confusing as in the Trade Branches they sometimes display the retail units, but when you ask them to price it, they say. "Oh we can't do that, thats a Retail kitchen".

Magnet Trade compete against Howdens and work in the same manner ie they sell to trade and don't offer a fitting service. Magnet Retail do the whole installation and, like B & Q, have a huge mark up on the sub contracted fitting service. For value, you are better off at Magnet Trade

I've never worked out why they have 2 arms of the same company competing against each other.

kitchencrazy

Thanks, thats brilliant. I can see why it causes problems for the retail showroom as the trade depot is just next door. I thought they must offer the same product.

Does Magnet trade produce a seperate catalogue then that we can get from a builder/kitchen fitter?

phill99

Yes, just get a catalogue from the Trade arm and get your builder / fitter to price it.