Contractors - I’m curious which online suppliers you use most frequently for common building materials and fixtures? Do certain sites offer better deals on shipping or have better inventory? How has your experience been using Amazon Prime, build.com, or builderpro.com? Are there specialist suppliers for plumbing, tile, or electrical that you prefer?
I have used many different online suppliers in the past. Amazon is always great because of their shipping times if there is a prime available product. Build.com and Others are very good as well. For me and my business it all comes down to speed of shipping, quality of customer services, and price.
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What types of products do you typically order from each of these vendors? Do any of them have shipping limitations on heavy freight items?
Amazon has amazing prices, selection, and fast delivery. I’m sometimes concerned about quality.
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Good insight, thanks!
I have used amazon with good success and have my clients purchase thru them where needed. Faucets direct has been a good source as well. I’ve not heard of or used the others you mentioned.
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I use Amazon Prime Business a lot, the rest of the suppliers I deal with are right here in Pittsburgh. They all have websites if you know what you are looking for. As for the plumbing and electrical and hvac those guys usually go to their supply houses for all of their materials.
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What are the most common materials you order through Amazon Prime Business? Have you had any heavy freight items shipped with the service?
i use amazon for a few products for customers ,but mainly for supplies for my business .saw blades ,sand paper ,etc. i use local supply stores for almost all my materials .my local lumber yards , and plumbing , and electrical outlets take exceptional care of me and appreciate my business .also i get the satisfaction of keeping local business’ and workers busy .
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Amazon business, Build.com, Wayfair.com, Supplyhouse.com, Zoro.com, Houzz.com, DecorPlanet.com to name a few. Great customer service, speedy shipping, prompt returns/exchange is very important
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Do any vendors excel at specific services? Shipping and returns, kitchen + bath materials, flooring, tiling, heavy freight items?
Heavy freight stuff - Wayfair and Supplyhouse rocks
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We normally don’t get much online but I have used Amazon with great results.
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Here in Phx Az. I like to work with Home Depot . Most of the time they have very competitive pricing, If you have a valid purchase. I have always found them to price match or discount below the other bid. For example I needed to add a 3rd wet saw to my tool line up, found one on line for 1785, they could order it ,and most others sold it for 2175, same item, Depot Price matched the 1785 and covered the shipping cost 150 value.
A a homeowner can take advantage as well, not just contractors.
If your buying a substantial amount of product, Lumber/ drywall , etc no matter what it is they will submit it to the Bid dept. There you can ask for a discount on items for a job with discounts that can apply up to 30 days for that project.
Additionally they can also offer 6o days same as cash account as long as you can qualify for it.
James Hood
Cadillac Tile LLC
Cadillac Properties LLC
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Thanks for the insights James! Are you mostly purchasing tiles and heavy material from local suppliers? Have you used online distributors like https://tilebar.com/ or https://www.tileshop.com/
I have a wholesale licence We buy from the guys who bring it to the USA. My wife is Asian, she speaks 4 languages. Since most of the product comes from overseas we have a great connection.
If my client finds something here I have accounts with all the Major suppliers in the valley, I will negotiate the best price for my client provide invoice cost,along with the state sale tax.
I don’t mark up my materials, The way I see it is without a product to install, We don’t have a job.
We come by our money honestly, We work for it!
James Hood
Cadillac Tile LLc
Cadillac Properties LLc
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