Discussion
Chaps,
A Toolstation has opened up near us. Just over the road from my previous favourite DIY place - Screwfix. I've been there a few times now, and they seem to be very similar to Screwfix, but consistently much cheaper (up to 50% in some cases.) Similar range of stock, similar 'Argos-esque' serving system, similar catalogue, but also smaller queues and better customer service.
Out of interest, has anyone else used them and what were your observations? Anything particular they are good at / bad at, and anything to watch out for?
Oli.
A Toolstation has opened up near us. Just over the road from my previous favourite DIY place - Screwfix. I've been there a few times now, and they seem to be very similar to Screwfix, but consistently much cheaper (up to 50% in some cases.) Similar range of stock, similar 'Argos-esque' serving system, similar catalogue, but also smaller queues and better customer service.
Out of interest, has anyone else used them and what were your observations? Anything particular they are good at / bad at, and anything to watch out for?
Oli.
As I understand it, bloke starts Screwfix, builds it up into a nice business, sells it to B&Q.
But there is no "anti competition" clause in the sale, so he starts up Toolstation.
We use both, depending on who is cheapest / closest / has stock. No difference in the actual gear itself (IMHO)
But there is no "anti competition" clause in the sale, so he starts up Toolstation.
We use both, depending on who is cheapest / closest / has stock. No difference in the actual gear itself (IMHO)
GuinnessMK said:
As I understand it, bloke starts Screwfix, builds it up into a nice business, sells it to B&Q.
But there is no "anti competition" clause in the sale, so he starts up Toolstation.
We use both, depending on who is cheapest / closest / has stock. No difference in the actual gear itself (IMHO)
This.But there is no "anti competition" clause in the sale, so he starts up Toolstation.
We use both, depending on who is cheapest / closest / has stock. No difference in the actual gear itself (IMHO)
They seem to have a policy of opening stores as near as possible to an existing screwfix. I can think of a couple of places where they are next door/opposite.
Their web site will let you check stock at local branches and you can arrange for an order of stuff to go to a branch rather than your house, both of which are pretty useful options.
TooLateForAName said:
Their web site will let you check stock at local branches and you can arrange for an order of stuff to go to a branch rather than your house, both of which are pretty useful options.
Really? That's one thing I have struggled to do - see stock at my local branch. Can you send me the link to that bit of their website - thanks! Oli.
GuinnessMK said:
As I understand it, bloke starts Screwfix, builds it up into a nice business, sells it to B&Q.
But there is no "anti competition" clause in the sale, so he starts up Toolstation.
We use both, depending on who is cheapest / closest / has stock. No difference in the actual gear itself (IMHO)
I may be wrong but the money they used to start up Screwfix came from their sale of B&Q...But there is no "anti competition" clause in the sale, so he starts up Toolstation.
We use both, depending on who is cheapest / closest / has stock. No difference in the actual gear itself (IMHO)
i tried a generator online from toolstation. the transaction went through , they took the payment.card registered to delivery address. the next day some stropy bint rang me to send a copy of my driving licence by fax or email. i cancelled the order and got a better deal elsewhere. they would not explain why they wanted it other than "security,"
zcacogp said:
TooLateForAName said:
Their web site will let you check stock at local branches and you can arrange for an order of stuff to go to a branch rather than your house, both of which are pretty useful options.
Really? That's one thing I have struggled to do - see stock at my local branch. Can you send me the link to that bit of their website - thanks! Oli.
Phillips No.2 drywall screw bit. Includes depth stop that prevents damage to the surface.
Code Delivered Login? Price inc VAT
66573 Dry Wall Screw Bit Each 50+ ? £1.22 Add 1 to your trolley Remove 1 from your trolley Empty your trolley of these
If you are logged in, then the Login? shows the name of your local store and the ? below shows stock.
OR, no need to log-in. Add things to your basket, then go to the basket. at the top right there is a pull down menu - 'Check stock availability at one of our branches'
retrorider said:
GuinnessMK said:
As I understand it, bloke starts Screwfix, builds it up into a nice business, sells it to B&Q.
But there is no "anti competition" clause in the sale, so he starts up Toolstation.
We use both, depending on who is cheapest / closest / has stock. No difference in the actual gear itself (IMHO)
I may be wrong but the money they used to start up Screwfix came from their sale of B&Q...But there is no "anti competition" clause in the sale, so he starts up Toolstation.
We use both, depending on who is cheapest / closest / has stock. No difference in the actual gear itself (IMHO)
There's one in Doncaster in the same retail unit as Screwfix - they do seem keen on keeping the competition close by!
I've found that the Toolstation staff are much more knowledgable and helpful than those at Screwfix - I think it helps that the guy who takes your order also picks it from the shelves, and are always happy to bring something out if you want to have a look at it before you buy.
This as opposed to Screwfix's Argos-type system where the till jockeys don't usually know any more about a product than the info on their screen, and can rarely be arsed to get something sent down before you buy it.
Toolstation usually come in cheaper as well so I prefer to use them.
However, I've found quite a lot of stuff that Toolstation don't stock but Screwfix do, and Screwfix have a much better website - larger product images, detailed specs, downloadable PDF specs/instructions for some things too, and I've found some useful info on their forum too.
I've found that the Toolstation staff are much more knowledgable and helpful than those at Screwfix - I think it helps that the guy who takes your order also picks it from the shelves, and are always happy to bring something out if you want to have a look at it before you buy.
This as opposed to Screwfix's Argos-type system where the till jockeys don't usually know any more about a product than the info on their screen, and can rarely be arsed to get something sent down before you buy it.
Toolstation usually come in cheaper as well so I prefer to use them.
However, I've found quite a lot of stuff that Toolstation don't stock but Screwfix do, and Screwfix have a much better website - larger product images, detailed specs, downloadable PDF specs/instructions for some things too, and I've found some useful info on their forum too.
Jonny_ said:
This as opposed to Screwfix's Argos-type system where the till jockeys don't usually know any more about a product than the info on their screen
The checkout sytem can also be astonishly slow, as they have to enter your entire CV into 'the system' even if you want to buy a 50p item.It seems to be a disease - I was in a hotel yesterday where both bar staff were far more involved with tapping a thing on the wall and looking puzzled than bothering with customers.
Toolstation are great for some items - I use them for metal fixings, spotlights etc. Some of their quality is dire though - you'll know this if you ever buy their gaffa tape OR "one strike filler" the latter of which on retrning thesales chap agreed he'd used it and found it crumbly and not much use himself :-O
Screwfix do some poor quality stuff a well, namely some of the ForgeSteel bits, but generally, I find the quality better and use them for items where it really matters.
You're right though that the price difference is very considerable at times! What Toolstation really lack is reveiws of items on their website to help you identify the duff ones, which is something that Screwfix provide.
Screwfix do some poor quality stuff a well, namely some of the ForgeSteel bits, but generally, I find the quality better and use them for items where it really matters.
You're right though that the price difference is very considerable at times! What Toolstation really lack is reveiws of items on their website to help you identify the duff ones, which is something that Screwfix provide.
V12Les said:
Use them all the time. Generally very good. Stay away from "Silverline" range, utter rubbish. Not everything in stock due to major expansion.
Started by the son and there was a 5 year "Anti-Competition" clause when sold to Kingfisher.
With silverline like any other brand, depends what you buy, I have one of their 4" belt sanders for 4 years now gets lots of abuse and runs perfect, in fact I find it better than a lot of the higher priced stuffStarted by the son and there was a 5 year "Anti-Competition" clause when sold to Kingfisher.
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