B&Q traders account ?

soweezy

hi all...
we've almost bought a house, just waiting for an exchange date, that needs complete internal renovation.
I'm not a trader, far from it, but have been told I should get a traders account with B&Q because you get good discount.

does anyone here have a traders account with B&Q ?
is the discount "that" good and do you think they'll even entertain me, not being a builder ?

thanks

Doozergirl

Put it this way. We're genuine trade and don't bother with B&Q. We had the last account and it was pathetic. I occasionally use their 15% off when you spend £50 in conjunction with other offers but I wouldn't use a DIY shed for a major project.

You're better off setting yourself up a bit of a trade account with a few local builders merchants and comparing prices. If they know you're doing a whole house, they will give you discounts.

victorias_dad

B&Qs trade point is actually prety good i use them all the time, i am a Handyman so use a wide range of products i have never had any real issues on quality as an example i needed some window frame sealant 3tubes off the shop floor would be £24 at the trade point counter it was less tham a tenner plumbing fittings are also a good buy now the problem is you have to prove your trade status

gas4you

Waste of time. Hardly anything is discounted. Only some stuff that is in their catalogue.

I only use B&Q as a last ditch emergency, or when my other trade accounts are on stop!!!

diable

gas4you wrote: »

Waste of time. Hardly anything is discounted. Only some stuff that is in their catalogue.

I only use B&Q as a last ditch emergency, or when my other trade accounts are on stop!!!

Same here the only reason I got the card was I was asked if I wanted one I just said I am in property management and got one.

beaney50

Try srewfix or toolstation. Generally much cheaper than BQ

Homersimpson

I've used an on-line company called built it for Celotex boards and they have been the cheapest.

Funnily enough all of their products are delivered by Travis Perkins but they can't give me the same prices direct??!?

I have a B&Q account as its handy if you need something late when working in the evenings (my local B&Q is 5 mins away and is open till 9pm on weekdays and Saturday).

I too would recommend toolstation and screwfix for bits and pieces and a general builders merchants for larger items.

albert_s

beaney50 wrote: »

Try srewfix or toolstation. Generally much cheaper than BQ

same company, go into B&Q trade when they dont have something and ask them if the nearby screwfix has it and they will check for you,
its all kingfisher now,
IMO the prices are not the best, but they can be useful/handy/open/etc when you just need that something....

BTW, I dont rate toolstation so much, even though its the guy that started SF up I dont think he has the passion anymore and its just another also-ran, but they can be competitive on certain stuff.

as has been said, get to your local builders, let them know the score and that if they are competitive they will be your supplier of choice.
IMO dont go to a big multi, try a good national with a local touch.

dunno where you are but FIRWOOD timber can be quite sociable for most building products.

Doozergirl

Specialist suppliers for specialist products will always be cheaper. We buy insulation from insulation suppliers, guttering, fascia etc from plastics company. If you have the time, it's worth doing.

albert_s

Doozergirl wrote: »

Specialist suppliers for specialist products will always be cheaper. We buy insulation from insulation suppliers, guttering, fascia etc from plastics company. If you have the time, it's worth doing.

if you have the time,
its not worth driving round to 3 different suppliers just to save 20 or 30£ imo, that time could be more productively spent, unless they are all in a 10 min drive of course,
but how often does that half hour at the merchants turn into a half day.?

diable

Wickes prices are competitive on certain items but as always cash is king with a local merchant who may turn a blind eye to VAT