newshound wrote:
On 02/10/2020 19:23, Chris B wrote:
I have just received an estimate from a tradesman (based on photographs
to save him the time of a visit) which includes £199Â* Plus VAT for
listed parts.


The very same parts are available from suppliers listed on amazon (not
amazon itself) for £96.98 Including VAT and delivery.


I know that part of the tradesman's profit comes from the Sale of parts
but I always thought that they bought parts from suppliers at trade
prices and then billed for them at retail prices.

Is a markup on parts of well over 100% typical in the building industry
or is this a simple indication that he doesn't want the job?


So far I only have one estimate, as I don't like wasting 3 peoples time
for jobs of less than half a day, when only one is going to get the job.

I am wondering if its worth getting any more or is this typical.


Maybe he keeps his hourly rate down that way. He might admit it if you
point out "your" prices.

Perhaps he gets his spares from somewhere with a high list price but a
big trade discount.

IIRC the Radiospares trade discount was 40% on the public price.


30 or 40 years ago tradesmen could buy stuff a lot cheaper than people who
werent. These days anyone can walk into a wholesaler or onto the internet
or indeed into RS Online and get much the same price as everyone else.
Regular account customers get a slightly better rate, but its nothing like
the old days.

--
Chris