So you are told B&Q are cheap.

If that was Argos it would be boxed back up and resold as brand new. Always check the box seals on anything Argos sells, they really take liberties with returns.

 

Our local B&Q is huge, but there's hardly anyone in there during the week, it has the feel of our local huge Wilko before they went pop.....

 

My brother has a trade account at various merchants,
the cost of materials is a fraction of the cost to the public,
we're being shafted yet again..
6x6 fence panel £25....

 

I was an electrical installation contractor for a couple of months many decades ago and just having an account for a newbie the discounts were staggering, ranging from 80% to 98%. Apparently only getting 98% on twin and earth I was paying twice as much as the more long term contractors.

 

He keeps the orange one by the bed...

 

I've always found our local TP quite friendly. I am paying them full retail whack, mind. Unlike some places, where they just grunt at you if you're not trade.

 

There was a good year or two at my nearest builders merchants where one of the yard chaps in particular would sling extra in your boot - buy 2 get one free - wood, sand, whatever. He and most of his colleagues hated the management who had done some dirty deed to them.

 

It’s because you don’t call them “ mate or top man “ …

 

Applies to most businesses

 

When I was 16 in 1972 I worked Saturdays in the yard at Greenbergs Old Swan Liverpool. My main job was loading cement bags in to builders vans. You took them off high pallets , they were red hot ( blistered shoulders ) and they were not the wimpy bags you get now.
Builders sometimes gave you a scribbled pencilled note but more often than not just told you how many… . I’m sure old man Greenberg who was in a wooden office tower overlooking the yard knew ..but probably thought “ you think you are screwing me ..please keep coming back “

 

I had B&Q in mind, but I have also had to search through wood in Wickes.