Supply house Vs The orange store

[jmsbrush]

Hey guys, I was wondering how you're prices at you're supply house's compete with the Orange store or the Blue one? As far as the Resi market goes?
I have 2 supply house's that I have credit with and one is higher than the other, in my eyes a considerable amount. The supply house that I deal with know that there prices are on the higher side on some items but they say there is nothing they can do, do to being a small business.
The nationally know supply house that I use, they are even higher than both of the one mentioned earlier, which by the way, its the one I have the Highest level of credit. How much is a 2 " piece of rigid cost you guys? I know prices are up ,but last month from my supply house it was $50.00 The orange store it was 41.00. I just looked on line and its now $67.00

[mdshunk]

Around me, the box stores clean up on wire prices only. If, for instance, I bought everything for a 200 amp service (wire included), the supply house would still end up cheaper. For the occasional minimal savings I might get here and there at the box stores, the added frustration dealing with idiot clerks and waiting in line to checkout behind cartloads of lumber doesn't make it worth it to me. I save Lowe's and Home Depot for special occasions when I working very nearby and I need one certain thing to finish up a call. There's great value in busting through the door of a real supply house, calling out "three 4-11's, 6 feet of 3/4 flex, and a T-101", having it on the counter in about two minutes, scribbling your name on the slip, and driving off in your truck the next minute.

[jmsbrush]

Around me, the box stores clean up on wire prices only. If, for instance, I bought everything for a 200 amp service (wire included), the supply house would still end up cheaper. For the occasional minimal savings I might get here and there at the box stores, the added frustration dealing with idiot clerks and waiting in line to checkout behind cartloads of lumber doesn't make it worth it to me. I save Lowe's and Home Depot for special occasions when I working very nearby and I need one certain thing to finish up a call. There's great value in busting through the door of a real supply house, calling out "three 4-11's, 6 feet of 3/4 flex, and a T-101", having it on the counter in about two minutes, scribbling your name on the slip, and driving off in your truck the next minute.
Well said Marc, Whats the name of the Major supply house's you have up there?

[mdshunk]

Well said Marc, Whats the name of the Major supply house's you have up there?Pretty much all of them that are national are in my travels.

[bakerbrotherselectric]

The supply houses here in San Diego are - Beacon, CED, SESS, CES, OneSource, Electrical Sales Inc, WhiteCap.
There prices are usually close to one another, but certain item we do find grossly inflated between houses. I agree with Mark on the Big O and Big Blue, its a challenge dealing with the clerks most of the time. Ads an element of frustration to the day, like we dont have enough already.

[mdshunk]

There prices are usually close to one another, but certain item we do find grossly inflated between houses.Copy that. There's certain things I won't buy from certain supply houses because of their unusually high price on that particular item. Where they still get me is that I often forget until I'm ready to sign the slip. :grin:

[Pullnwire]

At least in my neck of the woods, the orange box is slow to adjust its wire pricing, seems about once a month, or when they depleted inventory purchased and a certain level. last month a roll of 12/2 mc was 106.00 at the orange box, and 120.00 at my supply house. now, supply house is 111.00 and orange box is 117.00. most of the time they lose money on theyre wire. If I am starting a big rough in, I will swing by to pick up a couple thousand feet of mc and save 150 bucks. thats a tank of gas! on the other hand, I will drive 10 miles to the supply house than 5 miles to hd

[mdshunk]

last month a roll of 12/2 mc was 106.00 at the orange box, and 120.00 at my supply house. now, supply house is 111.00 and orange box is 117.00. The time and intellectual effort that it takes just to keep that sort of information at hand is more than I really want to toil with. I tend to just go to my regular suppliers, who I already know are generally okay on their prices, and do business with them. Figuring out who's cheaper by a few bucks a roll takes more effort than it's worth, in my opinion. I'm sure we all know people who'll drive across town to get gas, just to save 2 cents a gallon. I never did understand that.

[Pullnwire]

The time and intellectual effort that it takes just to keep that sort of information at hand is more than I really want to toil with. I tend to just go to my regular suppliers, who I already know are generally okay on their prices, and do business with them. Figuring out who's cheaper by a few bucks a roll takes more effort than it's worth, in my opinion. I'm sure we all know people who'll drive across town to get gas, just to save 2 cents a gallon. I never did understand that.

I wont go out of my way for one roll, I usally have no bones about pricing from the people I have dealt with for over 12 years, but 20 dollars on 10 rolls of cable, that $200 will cover that disconnect that I missed on the takeoff.:grin:

[mdshunk]

I wont go out of my way for one roll, I usally have no bones about pricing from the people I have dealt with for over 12 years, but 20 dollars on 10 rolls of cable, that $200 will cover that disconnect that I missed on the takeoff.:grin:Agreed, if you happen to know that already.

[Pullnwire]

Agreed, if you happen to know that already.
I have become vey good at discovering my mistakes, about the same time the fax goes thru. I guess timing is everything!:)

[electricalperson]

Around me, the box stores clean up on wire prices only. If, for instance, I bought everything for a 200 amp service (wire included), the supply house would still end up cheaper. For the occasional minimal savings I might get here and there at the box stores, the added frustration dealing with idiot clerks and waiting in line to checkout behind cartloads of lumber doesn't make it worth it to me. I save Lowe's and Home Depot for special occasions when I working very nearby and I need one certain thing to finish up a call. There's great value in busting through the door of a real supply house, calling out "three 4-11's, 6 feet of 3/4 flex, and a T-101", having it on the counter in about two minutes, scribbling your name on the slip, and driving off in your truck the next minute.
supply house efficiency around here is a slow. EW is pretty good on that but the majority of them are really slow. ive been in one for a half hour before just to get a few things

[brantmacga]

romex is cheaper at big orange, but supply house has stayed within 3% on a regular basis, so I just get it at the supply house now. Trips to the retail store seem to talk a half hour minimum, even if its just for one part. That's too much time.

[Rewire]

we have 90% of our material delivered to the job or to the shop which our supply house is happy to do .Sometimes I will find something cheaper at the box store and then simply call my supply house and see if the can get close to the price I will often offer to buy in bulk if they can beat the price which the will often do.I bought 100 5/8 8ft ground rods for $8.00 which was $2.00 cheaper than the box store.

[ichimo23]

I enjoy rolling into HOME D***T just to hear some of the expert advice being dolled out by the part timer housewife that stacks lightbulbs at the location near my house.

[rustyryan34]

I live in a very small town, we have a supply house that at work we use at work. but cause they are the only place in town their price are very high. If i do any side work I drive a half hour each way to the box stores, it pays for the gas and then some.

[emahler]

Big box will never buy me lunch:D

Nor will they send a truck on a special delivery w/ $20 worth of material so we can finish a project on time.

Nor will they ship multiple orders, packed separately to 3 locations on the same jobsite so we don't have to

Nor will they special order parts and get them to me in a reasonable time


If you are a contractor, find a local supply house (whether national or local) that you like to deal with. Get to know the counter guys. They will make you more money than any added expense you may find.

Pay your supply house bills with amex, then use your points around christmas time to get the counter guys amex gift checks. They will love you.

Supply houses are about relationships, big box is about lowest price. How can you expect to convince your customers to look beyond price to service & quality, if you can't convince yourself?

[electricalperson]

the lowes around here updated there electricians tools so they have a lot more. they carry greenlee klein and ideal. they also carry the typical crap you find at those stores too. aw sperry and GB

[tom baker]

I agree with Mark on the Big O and Big Blue, its a challenge dealing with the clerks most of the time. Ads an element of frustration to the day, like we dont have enough already.
And if you are unlucky enough to have an item without a bar code you might as well go get a cup of coffee.
But they are open late and have a big selection. We often use them for sono-tube and concrete.

[normbac]

if you buy enough material your warehouse will work with you on their markup sit down with the head honcho and talk about pricing you will get a better percentage markup over their cost. I requested one person to deal with pricing due to the day to day price differences with different counter guys. Of course with large ticket items or quantities I always shop for best pricing. Big box is only good for the things you forgot because there is one on every corner here.

[resistance]

There's great value in busting through the door of a real supply house, calling out "three 4-11's, 6 feet of 3/4 flex, and a T-101", having it on the counter in about two minutes, scribbling your name on the slip, and driving off in your truck the next minute. Just two minutes! How about 30. They are very slow around here. Heck, if you don't call it in, you can forget it!

[c2500]

I have found big boxes to be cheaper on wire...roll wire (romex). In fact, I have a friend at big orange who lets me know what cost is. Often times they are selling at or below cost. Cut wire they gouge you on. Wire nuts, slightly cheaper than supply houses.

The supply house I usually deal with (locally owned) tends to be higher, but they have it in stock most of the time. (They buy their romex at depot, it is cheaper than they can buy it after shipping)

Another supply house that is regionial has better prices on breakers and stocks more items. (You have to know the right counter guy though)

Lowes was the cheapest around here with CH Panel value packs. Unfortunately, they did a reset and dropped them. I did get a deal on some they still had on the shelf though.

c2500

[steelersman]

Well said Marc, Whats the name of the Major supply house's you have up there?
up where? how do you know where he's at if all he says is right here? Just wondering

[mdshunk]

up where? how do you know where he's at if all he says is right here? Just wonderingRight here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=innovation+way+chambersburg&sll=39.977515,-77.715225&sspn=0.062483,0.11055&ie=UTF8&ll=39.991391,-77.640209&spn=0.031235,0.055275&t=h&z=14&iwloc=addr)

[steelersman]

Right here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=innovation+way+chambersburg&sll=39.977515,-77.715225&sspn=0.062483,0.11055&ie=UTF8&ll=39.991391,-77.640209&spn=0.031235,0.055275&t=h&z=14&iwloc=addr)
oh up in steelers country huh?

[nakulak]

ah, just a stone's throw from Turkeyloot

[Brady Electric]

For someone that doesn't tell where he is from and is as much a staple on this form as I-wire, I have to say it scares me to agree so much with Marc as I do but I agree with his logic and do the same.
I have a good relationship with Rexel and get good prices although if working with romax Home Depot is cheaper but all around price is more
I like giving people business that I like and enjoy seeing me come around

I do miss the days when the Supply Houses gave out knives, pencils, nail pouches, screw drivers, small tools from time to time.
Always a hot cup of coffee, doughnuts and if you were lucky about once a week a ham biscuit.

Semper Fi Buddy

[jrdsg]

We're mostly in communications and security, but...

HD gets the business when they are conveniently located to the site and we're in a hurry.

Electrical wholesalers are great for planned purchases or electrical items HD doesn't carry.

ADI and other LV specialty suppliers get most of the planned electronics purchases. These are the relationships we actively cultivate, since it is the profit center of our business. A single camera or digital handset costs as much as a basic security alarm system, so the cost of parts really matters. This is also where we spend most of our purchasing money.

We have a couple of specialty telecom suppliers we use for things like generic jacks, wall plates, network switches, racks, etc. Unbeatable pricing on import stuff. 6' Cat5e patch cords: $1.50. These guys also supply us with name-brand datacom stuff for certified projects at really competitive prices.

We buy wire from specialty wire wholesalers and directly from manufacturers [by the skid]. The latter is for larger or long-term planned purchases. We save a lot of money on those purchases, when they are practical.
Finally, there is a surprising amount of overlap in the range of products all the above are trying to sell us, and an equally surprising range of best deals available at each from time to time.

Effective, intentional purchasing is a significant economic input for our business, and we take it pretty seriously. Relationships with our key suppliers are a priority for us, and we generally get 'best available pricing' from them.

Hope that helps.

[cadpoint]

Doesn't it come down to what type of relationship you have with the supply house. Don't they have a city counter price verses other.
I've heard this before ...Thoughts ?

[brian john]

HO/Lowes gets our business when they are convenient, other wise I prefer to give my business to a local supply house.

[mdshunk]

Doesn't it come down to what type of relationship you have with the supply house. Don't they have a city counter price verses other.
I've heard this before ...Thoughts ?I'm not sure what you're saying, exactly, but it's absolutely true that most supply houses charge each contractor a different price for the same item. It's a variation on matrix pricing, mostly based on how much you buy in a year, or how much you're buying of one certain item in one large purchase, or both.

[ceknight]

.......Supply houses are about relationships, big box is about lowest price. How can you expect to convince your customers to look beyond price to service & quality, if you can't convince yourself?

I'm not much for ditto posts, but I'm dittoing this one. I couldn't have said it much better myself.

[Brady Electric]

They do charge different prices depending on who waits on you as to which column they charge you out of
By keeping a good relationship with the counter help I usually get as good of pricing as big companies who deal mostly with salesman
In other words they respect us little guys
By me buying most of my material there instead of Home Depot or Lowe's they give me a better break than someone that shops around
Like I think Marc said you waste more time and money by shopping around
Semper Fi Buddy

[cadpoint]

...said you waste more time and money by shopping around
Semper Fi Buddy
Welcome to WWW. if your not on a hot sheet release to some firms that provide this service, well I guess you'll don't need it.
If you don't fax to multi-houses, well , OK ...

Gezz the whole story here is to know your price in the market, period. Yes a supply house will provide a service if your not into the self service, well OK... buyer beware.

I respect alot of the voices here, I don't think the expressions reflect the exact nature of how to do business, and how they do business.

Every one that posted that is in the know, knows their exact dollor valve of a product or item from their supplier/dealer if you don't there's no reason to go to that counter, come on don't kid me...

It's business know your bottom line, Everywhere!
Better yet a devloped relationship, let me know the ratio ...

[jmsbrush]

up where? how do you know where he's at if all he says is right here? Just wondering
From other threads, Putting two and two together.

[Sparky555]

Although I have this nagging thing in my head about material prices I make a real effort to think about my time involvement in acquiring the materials. For time involvement I can't beat calling a local supplier at 4:30pm & having the materials sitting at the shop at 6am the following day. Besides, when you mark up your materials, you make more when the materials cost more.

Dave

[jrannis]

Big box will never buy me lunch:D

Nor will they send a truck on a special delivery w/ $20 worth of material so we can finish a project on time.

Nor will they ship multiple orders, packed separately to 3 locations on the same jobsite so we don't have to

Nor will they special order parts and get them to me in a reasonable time


If you are a contractor, find a local supply house (whether national or local) that you like to deal with. Get to know the counter guys. They will make you more money than any added expense you may find.

Pay your supply house bills with amex, then use your points around christmas time to get the counter guys amex gift checks. They will love you.

Supply houses are about relationships, big box is about lowest price. How can you expect to convince your customers to look beyond price to service & quality, if you can't convince yourself?

I agree. I can live with a little bit of give and take at my favorite supply house. They stock the stuff I like to use and I appericate the service and fast delivery. I tell them where I need to be on some pricing and they do their best to get as close as they can.

[cal1947]

For someone that doesn't tell where he is from and is as much a staple on this form as I-wire, I have to say it scares me to agree so much with Marc as I do but I agree with his logic and do the same.
I have a good relationship with Rexel and get good prices although if working with romax Home Depot is cheaper but all around price is more
I like giving people business that I like and enjoy seeing me come around

I do miss the days when the Supply Houses gave out knives, pencils, nail pouches, screw drivers, small tools from time to time.
Always a hot cup of coffee, doughnuts and if you were lucky about once a week a ham biscuit.

Semper Fi Buddy
i deal with united electric supply 90% of time in and out in 5 minutes or less rexal about half hour and thats if i have on will call

[mdshunk]

Every one that posted that is in the know, knows their exact dollor valve of a product or item from their supplier/dealer if you don't there's no reason to go to that counter, come on don't kid me...No! Right back at you. Are you kidding ME? Surely you know that the cost of driving to another supply house versus the closest one during a service call situation will far, far exceed any savings you might have realized? Contract work, totally different story. I have nearly 700 part numbers on the truck, and many thousands in the database. If you think I know (or even care) what each supply house charges for each one when I need it now, you've gone nuts. I have the ability to pull up what I've paid for these items in the past, and can pull a file on quotations on many of these items from other supply houses. This information is only pondered when an estimate for larger work is prepared, and not for day-to-day work. I have no interest AT ALL in maintaining the latest prices for every item I'm likely to use from all the possible places I might buy it from.

[Minuteman]

Are you kidding ME?
Marc, you need one more post to have 10,000

[mdshunk]

Marc, you need one more post to have 10,000Really ?

[Minuteman]

And there you are

[peter d]

There's great value in busting through the door of a real supply house, calling out "three 4-11's, 6 feet of 3/4 flex, and a T-101", having it on the counter in about two minutes, scribbling your name on the slip, and driving off in your truck the next minute.

In theory anyway. You must have exceptionally good supply houses if you can get that stuff in 2 minutes and be out the door. At least around here that's impossible. Service at the trade suppliers is on par with the box stores.

[mdshunk]

In theory anyway. You must have exceptionally good supply houses if you can get that stuff in 2 minutes and be out the door. At least around here that's impossible. Service at the trade suppliers is on par with the box stores.Bummer for you. The three that I frequent the most jump pretty quick when someone jerks the door open. Just the way it should be. At one in particular, I'll head for the shelves right off the bat to get the things that I know where they're kept, and a counter guy will intercept me mid-aisle and I'll rattle off to him the things that I don't know where they're at for him to get. We both meet at the counter at roughly the same time, and I get rung up. I don't know if that's how it's supposed to work, but I gave myself permission to work it that way. When I hit the door, I automatically assume everyone in that store is now working for me, and I order them around. Some people might call that being an ass, but I call it getting results.

[peter d]

When I hit the door, I automatically assume everyone in that store is now working for me, and I order them around. Some people might call that being an ass, but I call it getting results.

Sure, so long as those employees aren't already taking care of someone else. But you wouldn't do that, right Marc? :)

Having briefly worked at a supply house I made every attempt to get the contractors out the door as quickly as possible, so I became one of the "go to" guys in the branch. On the other hand, the cash customers buying one 3-way switch and a 60 watt A lamp, I couldn't have cared less about.

[mdshunk]

Sure, so long as those employees aren't already taking care of someone else. But you wouldn't do that, right Marc? :)Of course not. I'd wait like everyone else in that situation. I will position myself and maybe make a remark so that I'm sure I'll get my preferred guy (the fast guy) when he's freed up. However, I'm not beyond snatching the guy out of the office to help me or going to the shelves to round it all up myself when it's clear I'm going to be longer than I care to tolerate.

[peter d]

Of course not. I'd wait like everyone else in that situation.

Oh goody. The way you wrote it, it sounded like everyone has to drop what they're doing (even waiting on customers) to wait on you....just checking. :)

[mdshunk]

Oh goody. The way you wrote it, it sounded like everyone has to drop what they're doing (even waiting on customers) to wait on you....just checking. :)Nah. There's normally at least one guy free unless I come early in the morning, or right near closing time. It's standing room only then. I try to say out of those places during those hours if I can. I experimented with calling ahead, but that was hit-and-miss. They don't seem to have a sense of urgency about my order until I'm there in person.

[active1]

HD around me put signs on every electrical shelf saying call the HD service pros for your at home elctrical needs.

They are my competition.
They have better marketing.
A recognized name.
They will hire electricians and dictate what the pay will be.
It has been said they will pay the subs a gutter low amount.
They have little risk of loosing money on a job because their costs are fixed.
If their is a problem with the job they will push it back to the electrician.
If their is damage my guess is it would go to the electrician and their insurance.
They have been known for not hiring licensed electrical contractors.
They have been known to use one EC license number for the whole state.
If you look at the web site, the license numbers listed are questionable as being more than just a fake number.

Just what electricians need is more companies to pimp them out at a low cost.

They also pressure the suppliers to provide lower quality products that look the same for a lesser amount. Some products have the same part number with a "R" at the end.

Around here they did away with most of the cashiers. So you have to deal with the "unexpected item in baging area, please wait..." and other issues.

They sell items like home generators for about the same as my dealer cost.

Many box stores can be sold out of the most common and needed item. Then you need to go to the next box store to get some white 14.

If you need a material cart you may have to do a lap around the place to get one.

You have a much better chance of geting someone elces return that has missing parts or is broken.

Many items on the shelf are in the wrong location. You find what you need, look at it, then grab a few more. If your lucky by the time you get to the register you realize you got a few that are different.

They have how-to electrical calses and displays. Looking at the electrical class sample wall with electric is a joke. Looks like someone with a few days experiance did.

[ElectricianJeff]

I have both big box stores closer to me than my supplier but I prefer to deal with them. Quick in and out, easy returns, better prices, etc. as many have mentioned.

I'm a small fish and I know I don't get their best prices. 12/2 and 12/3 romex is usually a lot cheaper at lowes but I save bigtime on about everything else when buying from my supplier. I keep current on wire prices when I'm at Lowes to pick up weed killer, etc.

I have a good relationship with the counter guys at the supply house. When I place a wire order there, usually with many other items, I just tell them Lowes price and after a little "computer magic" they always meet it or come close enough to make the stop there not worthwhile.

This arrangement has worked for me.

[ptonsparky]

We use to be able to walk back and start filling our own orders. Not anymore. To much missing inventory from the supply house. They now have security cameras at all the doors.

Last purchase of 2" IMC was $30.50. Back in May.

We avoid HD etc. Takes more time to walk thru the store than what it takes to get material for a small house at any of the local suppliers. Seems like it anyway.

[steelersman]

Bummer for you. The three that I frequent the most jump pretty quick when someone jerks the door open. Just the way it should be. At one in particular, I'll head for the shelves right off the bat to get the things that I know where they're kept, and a counter guy will intercept me mid-aisle and I'll rattle off to him the things that I don't know where they're at for him to get. We both meet at the counter at roughly the same time, and I get rung up. I don't know if that's how it's supposed to work, but I gave myself permission to work it that way. When I hit the door, I automatically assume everyone in that store is now working for me, and I order them around. Some people might call that being an ass, but I call it getting results.
LOL. That's funny!

[s.sparkomatic.r09]

Does anybody use the NETPRICER function on McCormick systems? How bout those lost leaders?

[jmsbrush]

Does anybody use the NETPRICER function on McCormick systems? How bout those lost leaders?
I used Net Pricer on another program and at the time ,It didn't it work out for me. I do not know if It was them being new at what the did, Or the program I was using, but the overall experience for me at the time was not good.
Now it could be better.

[ceknight]

One of my biggest pet peeves in the retail environment is music being piped throughout a store. Don't get me wrong, I love music, but I don't at all appreciate knowing that companies are making me listen to stuff their consultants told them would make me more likely to spend money I wasn't planning to spend. They spend large sums of money trying to manipulate you without your being aware of it, and that bloody music is one of their biggest manipulations.

I don't get assaulted by someone else's music when I walk into any of my local supply houses, hardware stores, or lumber yards. In fact, I don't get assaulted by any music at all. Service and local ownership aside, that is (to me) a good enough reason to shop those places instead of a mega-retailer.

[peter d]

One of my biggest pet peeves in the retail environment is music being piped throughout a store.

What, you don't like Top 40 Muzak from 1997? ;)

[LarryFine]

. . . I don't at all appreciate knowing that companies are making me listen to stuff their consultants told them would make me more likely to spend money I wasn't planning to spend. They spend large sums of money trying to manipulate you without your being aware of it, and that bloody music is one of their biggest manipulations. So you're aware of it. You should now be immune to it.

[mdshunk]

They spend large sums of money trying to manipulate you without your being aware of it, and that bloody music is one of their biggest manipulations. Are you seriously that weak, Chris? I'm not buying it. :-?

[LarryFine]

What, you don't like Top 40 Muzak from 1997? ;)Or Zamfir on the pan flute playing Stairway to Heaven? :grin:

[peter d]

Or Zamfir on the pan flute playing Stairway to Heaven? :grin:

I haven't heard that yet. ;) But they seem to play the same 10 or so songs that were popular when I was in high school....12 years ago.

[ceknight]

Are you seriously that weak, Chris? I'm not buying it. :-?

I think of it as consumer toughness, actually. I have a real choice about where to throw my (and my customers') money around, and I don't see any point in spending it in places that subject me to it. It's a pretty high standard, I know, but someone's gotta take a stand. :)

OK, so it's also the actual music. Top 40 Muzak and Classic Schlock just isn't my gig. If they're going to play music that motivates me to spend money, it's going to be a Mozart clarinet concerto or Mojo Nixon, not Abba or Bad Company. :) :)

[mdshunk]

I think of it as consumer toughness, actually. I have a real choice about where to throw my (and my customers') money around, and I don't see any point in spending it in places that subject me to it. It's a pretty high standard, I know, but someone's gotta take a stand. :)I went to Lowe's yesterday to buy a gallon of Roundup, and I also bought a case of Gatorade that I had no intentions of buying. I don't think the music had anything to do with it. I just remembered my oldest son has football practice starting this week, and the Gatorade was a good price. ;)

[peter d]

One of my biggest pet peeves in the retail environment is music being piped throughout a store. Don't get me wrong, I love music, but I don't at all appreciate knowing that companies are making me listen to stuff their consultants told them would make me more likely to spend money I wasn't planning to spend.


I find the music they play has the opposite affect. I want to leave as quickly as possible, and I often forget about the things I went there to buy in the first place.

[mdshunk]

I find the music they play has the opposite affect. I want to leave as quickly as possible, and I often forget about the things I went there to buy in the first place.I'm just picturing the guy who goes in for a box of nails, and comes out with 3 or 4 BBQ grilles, a shower stall, and a few sacks of mortar mix that he can't even use anywhere... all because of the vile music.

"Customer assistance needed in the rope and chain cutting area."

[ceknight]

I'm just picturing the guy who goes in for a box of nails, and comes out with 3 or 4 BBQ grilles, a shower stall, and a few sacks of mortar mix that he can't even use anywhere... all because of the vile music.

It all starts with a case of Gatorade. It's a gateway drug. :)

[LarryFine]

Um, guys:

http://www.sueangeldesigns.com/images/paper_and_pencil.png

[s.sparkomatic.r09]

I used Net Pricer on another program and at the time ,It didn't it work out for me. I do not know if It was them being new at what the did, Or the program I was using, but the overall experience for me at the time was not good.
Now it could be better.

Something about DCI codes. Then NetPricer goes out and shops 3 different stores, tells you what the lost leaders are.

I wonder how long it would take to get the correct “item name” and DCI code on all the parts database. Verses how much you save over your life time……

My supply house flipped their lid when I asked for DCI codes. They said “but then you’d have our prices”, that’s where I dropped it. I mean I all ready have their prices in a data base, but to compare the prices against three other supply houses, that would be interesting to see.

Garybar from what I hear is NetPrice friendly? Anybody know?

[jmsbrush]

Something about DCI codes. Then NetPricer goes out and shops 3 different stores, tells you what the lost leaders are.

I wonder how long it would take to get the correct “item name” and DCI code on all the parts database. Verses how much you save over your life time……

My supply house flipped their lid when I asked for DCI codes. They said “but then you’d have our prices”, that’s where I dropped it. I mean I all ready have their prices in a data base, but to compare the prices against three other supply houses, that would be interesting to see.

Garybar from what I hear is NetPrice friendly? Anybody know?
Yes they do and they will also tell you , You better have a good account established for many years there, Kinda stinks for the new Ec's like me.

[220/221]

Supply houses here have ALWAYS been notorious for overcharging. From the items I do happen to catch, I am sure that thousands of dollars get by every year.

At least at the Depot, the price is on the shelf and you see them ring it up.

Still, the bulk of our materials come delivered by the supply house(s).

[s.sparkomatic.r09]

I’ve had an account there for a while. Maybe you can relate to this:

I pay my bill quickly (most of the time) every month at the supply house.

So you’d think that I would go there and demand things.

No way, I fax all my orders, if something is not right I fax them again.

I would rather chew glass than talk to a supply clerk.

If I forget supplies or there is a last minute change of plans, I’ll go to the supply house at 530 am and park crooked in front of the will call door. When they open at 6am I push past the clerk get my stuff and knock people over on my way out.

There is a total funk around those supply counters. BLA YUK

I want to save money using the NetPricer. But I’d rather have my teeth drilled with no Novocain , then talk to the guys at the supply house and set up the system. YUK

The box stores are as nasty as the days are long

[s.sparkomatic.r09]

220/221

Thats why I use a system. I know what my bill should be before I get it. If its off more that a few dollars, I'll look into it.

Circle the mis-priced items, and fax the supply house. I used to call and complain, but I can’t stand to talk to those people.

After a while they stopped “pushing the wrong button on the computer”. That is so lame, those guys have contests on who over charges the most. You’re a sucker if you let em do it. Just like the hot bar tender that tries to keep and extra ten buck “oops”…yaa right Paris…….

I guess I must have gotten ripped off so much, that if they try it now my blood boils:mad:

[brian john]

One thing about these guys and for the most part most of large commercial sales outlets. The can get you in debt if you are not careful.

I went to Lowes to buy a shed and they told me if I used a Lowes credit card I could get 10% off and no interest for 12 months I said sure as I would pay in full at first billing and then destroy the card.

Gave them the necessary info in 10 minutes they extended me $20,000.00 credit. I almost fainted, those not a diligent about credit could get in deep dog doo quickly.

Oh and it is not Lowes fault you're in debt with them, but they do make it way to easy and I could not believe the high limit soooo quickly.

[R Bob]

A friend of mine is building a detatched garage at his house and he wants to install a 100A sub-panel (overkill).
He quizzes me on how to complete certain details of the project. I guessed he was waiting for me to volunteer my services. I didn't offer and he didn't ask.

Come to find out, he has already purchased the materials from HD and they are all wrong. One of the "experts" @HD helped him select the materials.

Eventually, I told him to return everything he bought from HD and tell them that they gave him bad advice and every bit was wrong.

I called in a will call to Rexel near his home. He picked it up the next morning and everything was OK. Imagine that!

[s.sparkomatic.r09]

I just read this thing about C.C. debt. I guess the US companies are going to countries like Turkey, 3rd world. Pushing credit cards on everyone. They interviewed some dude he worked the textile mill. Dude made 3,400 a year and was over 6000 in debt. They said that ten years ago only family barrowed money to family. Now their more in debt than we are as a country. Gotta love unsophisticated consumers.

[ramsy]

You have a much better chance of getting someone else return that has missing parts or is broken.

Many items on the shelf are in the wrong location. You find what you need, look at it, then grab a few more. If your lucky by the time you get to the register you realize you got a few that are different.

Reach in those bins pull out wrong item constantly. Every ask yourself, why am I wasting my time putting these things in the proper bin?

[nakulak]

we email 3 suppliers for most orders, and then sometimes beat them down (if its a large order)

I have found that the orange store usually has about 1/2 of the items needed to complete any job.

Its a well known fact that they dump certain items in order to try to drive the mom and pop stores out of business: screws, nails, etc. are sold below cost, while other items are slightly higher. I'll buy the stuff they are dumping and get the rest from our regular suppliers.

[220/221]

I am still waiting for a supplier to give me internet access to my account.

I could check pricing and place orders with NO middleman in the way to screw things up......except the guy filling the order.

[djohns6]

One of my biggest pet peeves in the retail environment is music being piped throughout a store. Don't get me wrong, I love music, but I don't at all appreciate knowing that companies are making me listen to stuff their consultants told them would make me more likely to spend money I wasn't planning to spend. They spend large sums of money trying to manipulate you without your being aware of it, and that bloody music is one of their biggest manipulations.

I don't get assaulted by someone else's music when I walk into any of my local supply houses, hardware stores, or lumber yards. In fact, I don't get assaulted by any music at all. Service and local ownership aside, that is (to me) a good enough reason to shop those places instead of a mega-retailer.

Funny , I never heard music in HD or Lowes . I guess it's just me .....:confused:

[peter d]

Funny , I never heard music in HD or Lowes . I guess it's just me .....:confused:

It's pretty hard to miss...it makes me want to break things.

[tonyou812]

It goes both ways. Last week I needed a spa disco and at the supply house for a siemens it was $127 home depot had one for 76 bucks. IMO thats a big differance. But on the other hand I was in a pinch and I needed some siemens 20a non limiting tandams at Home Depot they were 18.00 the next day I went to the supply house and they had they for 9 bucks. So I guess you win some and loose some. But for the most part I agree with mark and only use the big stores in a pinch.

[kornbln]

I noticed that even Walmart sells rolls of 12/2 Romex. Didn't make a note of the price though so I'm not sure how they compare.

[cdslotz]

Sounds like you guys make daily or multi-daily trips to get supplies. If that's you thing OK, but why wouldn't you write up a BOM for a given job, send it to 2-3 supply houses, and may the best man win? Then have then deliver it to the jobsite. When the invoice comes in wrong from your quote, you dispute it.
I don't want my guys eating donuts at a counter EVER, if I can help it.

[LarryFine]

I noticed that even Walmart sells rolls of 12/2 Romex. Didn't make a note of the price though so I'm not sure how they compare.Make sure they're not the 200' rolls they tried to peddle on us a year or two ago.

[kornbln]

Make sure they're not the 200' rolls they tried to peddle on us a year or two ago.

Not sure but I wonder if the price would be very good since I only saw a couple of them on the shelf. Not something that they are purchasing in huge quantities.

[mdshunk]

Sounds like you guys make daily or multi-daily trips to get supplies. If that's you thing OK, but why wouldn't you write up a BOM for a given job, send it to 2-3 supply houses, and may the best man win? Then have then deliver it to the jobsite. When the invoice comes in wrong from your quote, you dispute it.That's great, if you're a construction electrician. I mostly do service.

[ItsHot]

I noticed that even Walmart sells rolls of 12/2 Romex. Didn't make a note of the price though so I'm not sure how they compare.
I noticed only a couple of 25 foot rolls of 12/2, price was $32!

[peter d]

I just returned from HD a few hours ago. The music was just as atrocious as ever, but I did end needing to rent a trailer for all the stuff I bought this time.

[LarryFine]

I noticed only a couple of 25 foot rolls of 12/2, price was $32!Even at HD, the cost difference between a 100' box and a 250' roll is miniscule. I can't imagine buying anything smaller than the latter.

[MF Dagger]

For a while they were selling 200 foot rolls at a considerably lower per foot price compared to the 250's, if I remember right it was like 7 or 8 cents a foot cheaper.

[jimmyglen]

there have been some really good posts onthis subject from EMahler and others

I worked as Branch manager and outside sales in a supplyhouse for 16 years before going back into the contracting side

If you dont pay your bills on time at a supply house you will never get good pricing

If you are large enough of a buyer you can demand the best pricing

if you are small and you just nickel and dime the supplyhouse on what you cant get a HD then you will never get good pricing

a supply house can be one of your best assets and a business partner and HD is your competitor (or soon will be)

if you are small now and want to get bigger than pick a supply house that is a good fit for you and meet with the branch manager and tell you you want to use them all the time and you need good prices (in return they get your business and good pay) HD cant help you when you get bigger


If you have all the time in the world and need to be chasing pennies then run (dont walk) to the cheapest guy in town and there you go

Jim

[C3PO]

I’ve had an account there for a while. Maybe you can relate to this:

I pay my bill quickly (most of the time) every month at the supply house.

So you’d think that I would go there and demand things.

No way, I fax all my orders, if something is not right I fax them again.

I would rather chew glass than talk to a supply clerk.

If I forget supplies or there is a last minute change of plans, I’ll go to the supply house at 530 am and park crooked in front of the will call door. When they open at 6am I push past the clerk get my stuff and knock people over on my way out.

There is a total funk around those supply counters. BLA YUK

I want to save money using the NetPricer. But I’d rather have my teeth drilled with no Novocain , then talk to the guys at the supply house and set up the system. YUK



I happen to work at a supply house and don't appreciate your comments. I sometimes tire of "electricians" asking me elementary questions.
Also supply house employees are not mind readers.

If you would treat these guys with respect I guarentee you would get way better service and way better pricing.

Nobody likes being talked down to or being treated like an idiot. If I have have to work with someone like that they usually pay twice what someone who acts like a civilized human being will pay.

[Jhaney]

I have 1 great supply house :grin: and 1 good supply house in town. I usually go to the small one because of their service. They don't always have exactly what I need but can always get in within the week. The other house is large and very inpersonal they seem to just want you in and out they don't ask how your doing, what your working on how the kids are, nothing.
But as for big blue or orange yeah I see them if I'm on that side of town and need something real quick or if its a weekend, what I dislike about them is they move stuff around alot and they send people from other departments who know nothing about what they are selling to work in electrical or plumbing or where ever. So you tell me why would a cashier be working in the electrical department by themselves???:confused:

[LarryFine]

I can tell you one thing that supply houses could do that would attract me: self service. I know it sounds nuts, but I'm a look-and-touch kind of buyer. I'm sure I'd buy more stuff, and probably forget less, if I could walk the aisles with a shopping cart.

[peter d]

I can tell you one thing that supply houses could do that would attract me: self service. I know it sounds nuts, but I'm a look-and-touch kind of buyer. I'm sure I'd buy more stuff, and probably forget less, if I could walk the aisles with a shopping cart.

We actually have a regional chain that is set up for self service. It's not like a traditional supply house at all. You walk in and you're right in the warehouse and you can shop till you drop. Once you're done just bring your stuff up to the counter which is conveniently located off to the side and out of the way.

[LarryFine]

We actually have a regional chain that is set up for self service. It's not like a traditional supply house at all. You walk in and you're right in the warehouse and you can shop till you drop. Once you're done just bring your stuff up to the counter which is conveniently located off to the side and out of the way.Where?? Gimme! I'm on the way!


I just checked your profile to see where you are. How the heck did you squeak by the Mod Squad? ;)

[iwire]

I just checked your profile to see where you are. How the heck did you squeak by the Mod Squad? ;)

Because I know where he sleeps. :grin:

[peter d]

Where?? Gimme! I'm on the way!

Might be a bit of a drive for you. But here you go anyway. Rexel CLS (http://www.cls.com/) They had the self service format before Rexel bought them out. I don't know if the other Rexel locations use self service too.


I just checked your profile to see where you are. How the heck did you squeak by the Mod Squad? ;)

I'm friends with one of the moderators, remember? :D

Some of us like to maintain a little bit of anonymity. ;) Not that it's really possible in this day and age....

[peter d]

Because I know where he sleeps. :grin:

You think you know. I stay in a different location every night. ;)

[220/221]

I can tell you one thing that supply houses could do that would attract me: self service. I know it sounds nuts, but I'm a look-and-touch kind of buyer. I'm sure I'd buy more stuff, and probably forget less, if I could walk the aisles with a shopping cart.

Me too. Many times I don't know exactly what I am looking for since many times there are different ways to accomplish an installation. Plan A, Plan B, etc. If they don't have X any Y parts, I need to use a Y and 2 Z's. Trying to convey this to a counter guy is difficult and wastes BOTH of our time.

And, not C3PO, but LOTS of times they don't know what things are called or where they are located. I don't expect them to because they haven't been doing this stuff forever.

[TOOL_5150]

Right here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=innovation+way+chambersburg&sll=39.977515,-77.715225&sspn=0.062483,0.11055&ie=UTF8&ll=39.991391,-77.640209&spn=0.031235,0.055275&t=h&z=14&iwloc=addr)


Driving directions to Innovation Way, Chambersburg, PA 17201
2,715 mi – about 1 day 16 hours

Thats quite a drive for me :grin:

~Matt

[LarryFine]

Because I know where he sleeps. :grin:Oooookay. :roll:

[iwire]

Oooookay. :roll:

Larry, Peter is not getting special treatment. Start checking profiles, a great many members do not put real info. in their profiles.

I guess it's possible Marc is a McDonald's Fry Cook and lives in Beverly Hills. :grin:

[LarryFine]

Larry, Peter is not getting special treatment. Start checking profiles, a great many members do not put real info. in their profiles.There you go again taking me seriuously. :smile:

I guess it's possible Marc is a McDonald's Fry Cook and lives in Beverly Hills. :grin:Then Peter should be a good customer of Marc's.

[LarryFine]

Start checking profiles, a great many members do not put real info. in their profiles.Now that you mention it, what's to stop someone who reads the rules from lying about being in the industry? :-?

[mdshunk]

Now that you mention it, what's to stop someone who reads the rules from lying about being in the industry? :-?Nothing, really . However, if they're a poser, they seem to get sorted out in a hurry, don't they?

[peter d]

Then Peter should be a good customer of Marc's.

No, I avoid McDonalds. If only they had In N Out on the east coast, I would be there every day, hence my handle. And would you trust a french fry that Marc made anyway?