Screwfix, Toolstation or B&Q?

Darren_G

B&Q's parent company now own Screwfix, and I have noticed some prices getting a little higher than they were previously - at one time, you couldn't really get much better value as a diy'er than them.

Toolstation was set up by the same family/company that started Screwfix. I tend to use Toolstation more nowadays for that reason, plus the overall bills from them tend to be lower

cbrpaul

For me i use all of them , they are all online and you can compare prices online

But if you want delivery then you may only use one or 2 ,

I have screwfix on the way home from work , and buy the majority of my bits there !! mainly as its handy and quick

However there are items that are cheaper in say toolstation , if its a vast difference i will order there and get free post , as my nearest toolstation is 20 miles away !! , for instance radiators are far cheaper in toolstation,

It all comes down to the individuals needs i think !!

cox377

Toolstation every time! Free delivery over £10, great prices and range and easy if you ever have to return something. B&Q & wickes are so over priced unless you want heavy materials!

Nukumai

I tend to use Screwfix more than I should because of the convenience (they are 3 minutes drive from my house). B&Q, as others have said, occasionally have competitive prices for copper pipe.

What annoys me about Screwfix, though, is their insistence on asking me for my postcode/details, and the fact that their systems seem to be constantly down (which, to be fair, also drives their staff nuts).

cox377

Saying that, least when toolstation ask for your post code, you A, know exactly what you've bought if you require more or dont want to buy again, and B, if you need to return anything for what ever reason, no receipt required.

ormus

very true. toolstation actually use modern IT like it should be used.
your history comes up, and refunds etc are not a problem. no receipt required.

cox377

Not to mention the free coffee!!

ormus

also they have the nicest staff of any of the others mentioned.
at least my local one does.

BlueC

I use Screwfix, B&Q and Wickes. Screwfix and B&Q are the same company and have a lot of the same stock (same product numbers even!) but screwfix are often cheaper. I rarely use Wickes as they are expensive but they do stock slightly different things to the other two which can be useful. Never really used toolstation.

Also, get a Trade Point card for B&Q and their trade counter is basically a mini-screwfix.

TBH for plumbing and electrics I reckon B&Q are hard to beat in terms of choice - their range is massive, and with a Trade Point card they are good value too.

BlueC

phill99 wrote: »

I'm a tradesman and can't abide B & Q. Vastley over priced, poor quality, atrocious customer service and have killed off most of the independent shops.

Do you not think B&Q have improved massively over the last 5 years from a trade point of view?

Also, although you're right a local builders merchant is often cheaper for the trades especially if you have an account with them, when they see a DIYer/cash buyer they normally have you off.