Bastarding B&Q - thieving scumbags.
Discussion
MarshPhantom said:
I prefer ToolStation to Screwfix. They both stock the same stuff, similar prices but a lot less time queueing.
Trouble with screwfix is that they hold very little stock in branch. No good for those last minute jobs.If I have the time to order the night before ,then fine.
MarshPhantom said:
I prefer ToolStation to Screwfix. They both stock the same stuff, similar prices but a lot less time queueing.
Think ToolStation was set up by the same blokes who originated Screwfix.I had the 'ump with Screwfix when they didn't give me all the contents of my 'order now and pick up in 5 mins' thing via the internet and I had to go all the way back to get the rest.
ToolStation don't do that facility via their website though, so I have to grit my teeth now and again...
I would recommend Wickes for ease and stock , the newish one near me is very good for what is has and has become my first port of call.
Next is Selco. Selco is now what B&Qs was 25 year ago, a builder's merchant / decent DIYer store You might need to sign up for a Trade card although I didn't have to for a while, just pay as a cash purchase, some till staff will let you get away with it.
B&Qs used to be a proper builder merchant, but the last few times I bothered going across town to get to it it seemed to have turned into some kind of Garden, Home decor, general tat and other rubbish store. I haven't been back for about 3 years now as it was just kind of shabby, reminded me of the days of Wooolworths before it went bust where there didn't seem to be any great rational behind what is was trying to sell... just whatever it could find to put out front that week.
Oh and Screwfix / Toolstation. Both very near to home but I tend to find Screwfix has the stuff in stock, not so much with Toolstation. Both good though and the Screwfix online stock check means not wasting time there if they haven't got it.
Next is Selco. Selco is now what B&Qs was 25 year ago, a builder's merchant / decent DIYer store You might need to sign up for a Trade card although I didn't have to for a while, just pay as a cash purchase, some till staff will let you get away with it.
B&Qs used to be a proper builder merchant, but the last few times I bothered going across town to get to it it seemed to have turned into some kind of Garden, Home decor, general tat and other rubbish store. I haven't been back for about 3 years now as it was just kind of shabby, reminded me of the days of Wooolworths before it went bust where there didn't seem to be any great rational behind what is was trying to sell... just whatever it could find to put out front that week.
Oh and Screwfix / Toolstation. Both very near to home but I tend to find Screwfix has the stuff in stock, not so much with Toolstation. Both good though and the Screwfix online stock check means not wasting time there if they haven't got it.
Edited by Piersman2 on Thursday 23 July 15:33
kapiteinlangzaam said:
Hornbach is the German & Dutch (and probably beyond) equivalent to B&Q. But better.
They are a huge company and could quite easily move in to the UK if they thought it was worthwhile.
Kingfisher had a share in them for a while. The UK DIY store market is very competitive with a number of casualties over the years so they are probably not so keen to give it a go.They are a huge company and could quite easily move in to the UK if they thought it was worthwhile.
wikipedia said:
Hornbach is a German DIY-store chain offering home improvement and do-it-yourself goods. Until March 2014, it was 21% owned by Kingfisher plc, a UK company, who also own the B&Q and Castorama DIY chains. Kingfisher sold off the interests as it was planning expansion in new markets that would be in direct competition with Hornbach.
In order of preference
Various specific trade places
Selco
Screwfix
Wickes
Poison ivy pulled along my arse crack
Homebase
Bad Aids
B&Q
Been using wickes a lot recently, when they knock 40% off the price on various stuff they are very good. I get an extra 10% trade discount too on top of any deals.
Various specific trade places
Selco
Screwfix
Wickes
Poison ivy pulled along my arse crack
Homebase
Bad Aids
B&Q
Been using wickes a lot recently, when they knock 40% off the price on various stuff they are very good. I get an extra 10% trade discount too on top of any deals.
Edited by dazwalsh on Thursday 23 July 16:55
When I was working at b&q they where cutting costs massively, products where all going cheap own Chineese brands, stock levels where being slashed. Quality took a nose dive and prices went up.
Homebase is far better quality and they have constant 15%, off weekends so it's much cheaper now. B&Q don't even mix dulux paint any more in a cost cutting measure. The quality of their products is on a parr with the cheaper end of dunelm.
You're better off using independents or even new places like the range
Homebase is far better quality and they have constant 15%, off weekends so it's much cheaper now. B&Q don't even mix dulux paint any more in a cost cutting measure. The quality of their products is on a parr with the cheaper end of dunelm.
You're better off using independents or even new places like the range
Nickbrapp said:
When I was working at b&q they where cutting costs massively, products where all going cheap own Chineese brands, stock levels where being slashed. Quality took a nose dive and prices went up.
Homebase is far better quality and they have constant 15%, off weekends so it's much cheaper now. B&Q don't even mix dulux paint any more in a cost cutting measure. The quality of their products is on a parr with the cheaper end of dunelm.
You're better off using independents or even new places like the range
My local homebase is full of cushions and sofas.i probably have a larger range of plumbing fittings in my toolboxHomebase is far better quality and they have constant 15%, off weekends so it's much cheaper now. B&Q don't even mix dulux paint any more in a cost cutting measure. The quality of their products is on a parr with the cheaper end of dunelm.
You're better off using independents or even new places like the range
KTF said:
I have never understood how homebase is still going either. Their stores seem small and are mainly filled with stuff you can get from Argos rather than diy items.
I tend to go to Wickes seem or toolstation/screwfix when I need bits and pieces.
They are good for home diy like painting. I wouldn't be going there for plumbing items anyway when screwfix, Plumfix etc are all open to the public and cheaper. I tend to go to Wickes seem or toolstation/screwfix when I need bits and pieces.
I went to homebase the other day, it was £4.99 for a single strip of connector blocks. They are about 30p in cities!
Zyp said:
wolfracesonic said:
I'm on the lookout for some house numbers but not having much joy: I live at number 18 but everywhere I've been only stock numbers up to 9 
Just buy two number 9's, and paint a '+' in between them.
kit of a tenant of mine has just done. The bins are fair game for this treatment too.BoostMonkey said:
Whats the best/easiest way to get a trade card?
I work in construction but for a large contractor, is there anyway to piggy back on that to get one?
For B&Q or Screwfix, just put the name as 'BoostMonkey Builders' (for example) and use your home address. They don't (as far as I know) cross reference it to anywhere, and probably don't care that you are not actually a builder. No problem paying with cash or a card in your own name. I work in construction but for a large contractor, is there anyway to piggy back on that to get one?
JM said:
BoostMonkey said:
Whats the best/easiest way to get a trade card?
I work in construction but for a large contractor, is there anyway to piggy back on that to get one?
For B&Q or Screwfix, just put the name as 'BoostMonkey Builders' (for example) and use your home address. They don't (as far as I know) cross reference it to anywhere, and probably don't care that you are not actually a builder. No problem paying with cash or a card in your own name. I work in construction but for a large contractor, is there anyway to piggy back on that to get one?
From memory they wanted Ltd company number , VAT No, letterheading and Website address.
B&Q are great if you need something quickly because they open long hours, have convenient parking and a massive range of products. I've got a Tradepoint card, but usually what I want is not discounted. I bought a drill though Tradepoint and did not receive a discount because it was from their DIY range (Black & Decker) rather than one of the brands they consider a tradesman might use. The drill broke on its first use, so clearly had a manufacturing defect. When I went to return it, I was told it was exempt from returns because I had been using a DIY drill for professional work! (I wasn't) I had to argue before they gave me a replacement.
I have found Toolstation to be slightly cheaper than Screwfix for most items, but it's a close call. Screwfix have a lot more products.
Wilkos and the pound shop are good for bits and bobs and Aldi/Lidle sometimes have some good value tools in.
I have found Toolstation to be slightly cheaper than Screwfix for most items, but it's a close call. Screwfix have a lot more products.
Wilkos and the pound shop are good for bits and bobs and Aldi/Lidle sometimes have some good value tools in.
KTF said:
I have never understood how homebase is still going either. Their stores seem small and are mainly filled with stuff you can get from Argos rather than diy items.
I tend to go to Wickes seem or toolstation/screwfix when I need bits and pieces.
Our Homebase has a mini branch of Argos in store which I find strange.I tend to go to Wickes seem or toolstation/screwfix when I need bits and pieces.
I avoid Homebase altogether now as it seems they've rented out their porch to charity muggers. The sort that hassle you when you enter and exit the store. You just don't need that. Tesco seem to do this as well.
Webber3 said:
Our Homebase has a mini branch of Argos in store which I find strange.
I avoid Homebase altogether now as it seems they've rented out their porch to charity muggers. The sort that hassle you when you enter and exit the store. You just don't need that. Tesco seem to do this as well.
They are owned by the same parent company so I guess the Homebase wasn't generating enough profit per sq/ft (or whatever) so they put a concession in.I avoid Homebase altogether now as it seems they've rented out their porch to charity muggers. The sort that hassle you when you enter and exit the store. You just don't need that. Tesco seem to do this as well.
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