Buying direct from manufacturers/suppliers....

[Jamster123]

I run a construction company and Im constantly juggling wholesalers to try and get the best prices, any playing them off each other.

I get fairly substantial discounts due to the volume we buy, but I know there still another fairly chunky margin being made by the wholesaler.

Question is,

How do I cut out the middle man? I don't know where they buy their stuff from, and it would be a little rude to ask.

I know the manufacturers won't sell unless you meet certain criteria and volume, that I might not take right now, but surely I can get onto the first chain of supply rather than lining a few guys pockets before it gets to me.

Based in Glasgow, should anyone know any info on the trade around here.

Plumbing supplies primarily.

[Jockman]

Manufacturer may be based abroad - China for example.

Enormous risk in dealing direct with China if you don't know what you're doing.

[528Sport]

A lot of manufacturers don't want to deal with end users.


And what's wrong with letting a few guys make a living?

Edited by 528Sport on Tuesday 3rd May 15:09

[Ean218]

I'm not a plumber but even I can read the manufacturer's names on boxes of stuff I've bought in the past - Wavin, Hepworth, McAlpine, John Guest, Honeywell, Pegler etc, etc.

Most of this is made in the UK but I doubt very much any of them would want to supply an individual builder.

[johnfm]

Jamster123 said:

I run a construction company and Im constantly juggling wholesalers to try and get the best prices, any playing them off each other.

I get fairly substantial discounts due to the volume we buy, but I know there still another fairly chunky margin being made by the wholesaler.

Question is,

How do I cut out the middle man? I don't know where they buy their stuff from, and it would be a little rude to ask.

I know the manufacturers won't sell unless you meet certain criteria and volume, that I might not take right now, but surely I can get onto the first chain of supply rather than lining a few guys pockets before it gets to me.

Based in Glasgow, should anyone know any info on the trade around here.

Plumbing supplies primarily.

the short answer is that in most cases the distributor has a contract with manufacturer (a distribution agreement) where in most cases the manufacturer is not permitted to sell product to other parties (other than other distributors). If this was the case, distributors would be reluctant to take the risk in stocking the product.

But if you don't ask you'll never know.

[5harp3y]

Most manufacturers don't want to deal direct and want to concentrate on moving large numbers of products hence they partner with the wholesalers.

however if you volume is large enough i'm sure they would be open to the conversation.