they asked me if I had an account..I told them the name of the painter XX
Co.that I had spoken to but
advised I was going to be doing it myself. The clerk said WTH, I'll give
you the XX Co. price (cash) and
I got all the product for $ 50-55 per 5 gal pail

I find it interesting that you think it's okay to use the name of a
contractor - who by definition is in the business to make money - to
secure a little deal without approval nor compensation to the
contractor. That does create a big benefit - for you. Most people
settle for the free estimate and free information the contractor
provides.

Read the above slowly..The store staff ASKED the question, I didn't say I
was with the company but that I was doing it myself and that the painter had
mentioned the name of their store/product. If they were content with
offering me a discount as part of their sale, (which turned out to be 120
gallons) I think it would have been pretty stupid to say: "No thanks, I'd
rather pay retail". While building that home, I ended up with several
"accounts" at the 'trade price' through various suppliers that didn't have a
problem offering me the 'big benefit' and I certainly didn't turn any of
them down.