[Mark of Jacksonville]

Am considering placing a bid on a church job. Will paint suppliers give additional discounts for non-profits, aside from the standard contractor's discounts?

I know that such orgs are tax exempt. How do I purchase the paint/supplies to maximize those discounts or does the org have to purchase?

I suspect there will be some restrictions so that a contractor cannot claim extra materials for other work???

 

[Brian]

Mark,

We've done a number of churches, church schools, synagogues, etc. over the years. I always give them my regular price.

Just because they are non-profit doesn't mean that I am. I only have so many man hours a year. I want to use them most efficiently and profitably.

Brian Phillips

 

[vermontpainter]

Just because they are non-profit doesn't mean that I am. Brian Phillips

That is the quote of the day in my little world! :laughing:

 

[slickshift]

Am considering placing a bid on a church job. Will paint suppliers give additional discounts for non-profits, aside from the standard contractor's discounts?

What?!?!
No...not unless the supplier is a member/follower/supporter maybe
Lol
That's about it though

I know that such orgs are tax exempt. How do I purchase the paint/supplies to maximize those discounts or does the org have to purchase?

Hmmm...I suppose it could vary by state
But basically:

I still pay sales use tax...temporarily...
As I collect it from my customer eventually, technically I don't pay it...I pass the charge onto my customer
If my customer is 'sales and use tax exempt', they must take it up with the state, show their receipt, and get a refund

In the past I had been able to purchase materials using their tax exempt ID information
It's not so easy/simple now

Though, again, I suppose that could vary by state/county/local enforcement

I suspect there will be some restrictions so that a contractor cannot claim extra materials for other work???

That's why they came up with that thing I mentioned above
Too many people were "overbuying" for the church and whatnot

 

[Brian]

That is the quote of the day in my little world! :laughing:

Does that mean I win a Top Coat t-shirt?

Actually, we have a couple of non-profits that are very good customers. They whine some about my price, and keep telling me that they are non-profits, but we have become their "go to guys". Both are high end non-profits (that seems like an oxymoron) and need to keep up their image.

They call on short notice sometimes with strange requests, and we've jumped through hoops to make it happen for them. For example, one had state inspectors coming in a week and needed certain work done to pass. They are "happy" to pay my price, which might explain in part why they are non-profit.

Brian Phillips

 

[vermontpainter]

Non-profit is kind of a relative term. I know someone who works for a major national n-p. Its alarming how it is run. Makes me kind of not want to donate to it.

In general, non-profit seems to refer to the concept that after all salaries (which can be surprisingly high) and expenses, whatever profit is left is, well, not for profit. I dont want to spawn a whole new round of cynical posts, but safe to say, I agree with Brian. They can call themselves non-profit and we will call ourselves for profit. One is sometimes no more noble than the other...ok enough.

 

[NuView Painting]

if anything TAX HIS ASS cause they are profitable, its not their personal money they are spending ..They are spending the people of the church...they are a business just like everybody ...even tho they get away with being non-profit

 

[JNLP]

Mark,

We've done a number of churches, church schools, synagogues, etc. over the years. I always give them my regular price.

Just because they are non-profit doesn't mean that I am. I only have so many man hours a year. I want to use them most efficiently and profitably.

Brian Phillips

I agree 100%! I've worked on a good 10-15 churches in the past. Nothing different than the average job, but being up a good 150ft-200ft higher. :yes:

 

[Mark of Jacksonville]

Gentlemen,

Thank you all for your responses...all valuable information. The reason I asked about the exempt status is that I want to be able to take advantage of all possible discounts, so that I do not lose out based on a competitor being able to purchase materials at a lower cost than I can offer. I know that volume usage plays a part in how much of a discount SW or BM will allow a contractor.

Thanks again for your advice.

Mark

 

[Crown Restoration]

Personally if I felt that it was for a good cause I would swing a discount.

Not to just anybody, but things that I felt right about.

I believe in giving.