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There have been a couple of posts lately about where to get the cheapest supplies possible. If I am reading the board correctly, they have been removed.
If you are in this business and spending alot of time trying to figure out how to get your roller covers $.15 cheaper or tack cloths $.07 cheaper, then you may have bigger problems than what you are paying for roller covers and tack cloths. Do you have any idea what a small percentage your paint sundries are in your pricing?
While its important to watch your pennies these days, its also important to use your time and energy wisely in your business. In my experience, the time is much better spent building strong relationships with your local suppliers and earning the best possible pricing. You dont just walk into Sherwin Williams and ask them to match an online wholesaler. That would be like a customer asking you to match a national paint franchise.
Alot of guys complain that their local suppliers all suck. Well, if you are doing your job, you must spend alot of time educating customers and employees. It only makes sense that your supplier needs and wants to hear your expectations as well. If you just complain and go elsewhere, no progress is made. If you aren't doing much volume with a store, what incentive do they have to give you better pricing?
Have lunch with the owner of the store, and help them to better understand a paint contractor's needs in products and service. You may be surprised at how much they appreciate the feedback. If you work with them, they will work with you. Ever notice while you are at the paint store that alot of homeowners wander in asking for names of paint companies? If you are a schmoe who complains about prices, you are unlikely to pick up many referrals.
There are some pieces of equipment that you cant get locally and are better off dealing with an online firm that specializes in that market. I have dealt with a couple lately on pressure washers and supplies that have blown me away with their knowledge, service, value and delivery. Coming to this site looking for the cheapest possible way to get miscellaneous supplies is another story.
Manufacturers, paint stores and paint companies are all part of the same supply chain. Be careful what bridges you burn over a few pennies.
If you are in this business and spending alot of time trying to figure out how to get your roller covers $.15 cheaper or tack cloths $.07 cheaper, then you may have bigger problems than what you are paying for roller covers and tack cloths. Do you have any idea what a small percentage your paint sundries are in your pricing?
While its important to watch your pennies these days, its also important to use your time and energy wisely in your business. In my experience, the time is much better spent building strong relationships with your local suppliers and earning the best possible pricing. You dont just walk into Sherwin Williams and ask them to match an online wholesaler. That would be like a customer asking you to match a national paint franchise.
Alot of guys complain that their local suppliers all suck. Well, if you are doing your job, you must spend alot of time educating customers and employees. It only makes sense that your supplier needs and wants to hear your expectations as well. If you just complain and go elsewhere, no progress is made. If you aren't doing much volume with a store, what incentive do they have to give you better pricing?
Have lunch with the owner of the store, and help them to better understand a paint contractor's needs in products and service. You may be surprised at how much they appreciate the feedback. If you work with them, they will work with you. Ever notice while you are at the paint store that alot of homeowners wander in asking for names of paint companies? If you are a schmoe who complains about prices, you are unlikely to pick up many referrals.
There are some pieces of equipment that you cant get locally and are better off dealing with an online firm that specializes in that market. I have dealt with a couple lately on pressure washers and supplies that have blown me away with their knowledge, service, value and delivery. Coming to this site looking for the cheapest possible way to get miscellaneous supplies is another story.
Manufacturers, paint stores and paint companies are all part of the same supply chain. Be careful what bridges you burn over a few pennies.
