Screwfix, Toolstation or B&Q?

cox377

thats the biggest problem with builders merchants! I'm always buying materials on a small scale, for my own complete refurb and other small jobs I do from time to time. I like to know the price I'm going to pay before I go in. The internet is a massive tool for sourcing the best prices for everything.. sometimes the locals can compete other times they just try and rip you off.

BlueC

cox377 wrote: »

thats the biggest problem with builders merchants! I'm always buying materials on a small scale, for my own complete refurb and other small jobs I do from time to time. I like to know the price I'm going to pay before I go in. The internet is a massive tool for sourcing the best prices for everything.. sometimes the locals can compete other times they just try and rip you off.

Indeed, it feels like they pluck a number out of the air. And try taking something back to a builders yard - no chance!

For the DIYer B&Q/Trade Point/Screwfix/Toolstation are pretty good all round. If you're price sensitive and have the time then shopping around between these and others online you can get a good deal.

27col

I was in B&Q the other day and used the self serve checkout. That women who voice they use is very bossy, as is the one in ASDA.
I generally use Tool Station and Wickes, although Screwfix has just opened next to Wickes, so I might be looking in there in future.
I think the Wickes timber is usually better than B&Q's, if you select it carefully. I have had some good bargains from Toolstation. Very pleasant staff as well. Really it's just a question of convenience, sometimes Toolstation & Screwfix only sell items in bulk quantities, which means going elsewhere if you only want the odd item and not a bulk pack.

cox377

BlueC wrote: »

Indeed, it feels like they pluck a number out of the air. And try taking something back to a builders yard - no chance!

For the DIYer B&Q/Trade Point/Screwfix/Toolstation are pretty good all round. If you're price sensitive and have the time then shopping around between these and others online you can get a good deal.

I've found out in recent times, a quick call to a merchant / independant normally yelds a better price. As in they want your custom and at that point you can just go else where..

I'm lucky to have constant computer access so checking a price takes two ticks and saves masses

Niv

Toolstation is first (free hot chocolate too!), then Wickes, then B and Q. I keep forgetting screwfix has recently opened in my town so rarely remember to go there. Recently though I have been giving ebay a quick look as there are bargains to be had (not quite classic DIY but I got a 3m hdmi cable for £2.50!)

Niv

Jonesya

The customer service at my local B&Q is awful, they've installed a load of those self-service checkouts and seem to have used this to cut back the number of normal staffed checkouts to just one or two. As a concept it works for supermarkets selling small items, it doesn't work when most DIY customers buying generally bulky, large or unusual shaped items and can't fit them on the weighing tray.

sillygoose

Trouble with Screwfix is its always 'I can get it in for tomorrow' for almost everything. If I wanted it tomorrow I would have stayed home and got on with the job and ordered online...

I am fortunate to live very near a Toolstation that is also a major warehouse so stock is brilliant. The place is amazing to look down, you could fit Guernsey in it!

I like that you can check stock level instantly online, and if you start chucking things into a basket on the website it generates a short code number and keeps track. All you have to do is whizz down to the counter with the code on a postit and they can retrieve whatever you put in the basket...very smart! Also really good prices too. Packs of screws for instance are amazing cheap compared to the DIY's.