I have been thinking that as so many of us buy the same things be it mowers, hedge cutters, weed killers, etc. Perhaps there is some sense in us listing those favourite websites where we all know we get a good deal, or highlighting to other members if there are some special offers out there. to help us all save on costs and also help others perhaps know of brands we weren't aware of, so is there any interest?
Anyway if its useful to anyone here are a few of the places I like to buy from;
For example I like Winchester garden machinery for equipment, they do honda, stihl, and other top makes and I have never been able to beat them on price. They ship things quickly too.
Another favourite of mine is Darlac for hand tools, secateurs, loppers, and pruning saws in particular. What I aslo like with them is that you can buy all the parts. They are good value for money to start with and the fact you can just buy parts is great e.g. I think the pruning saw you can buy a new blade and its about £6.
I also used to use screwfix a lot but now use toolstation more - It was started of by the man who started screwfix after he sold it to the kingfisher chain that owns B&Q! The prices in toolstation are cheaper now I find, and much the same things.
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A good subject and in more detail as time permits but do seriously have to question WGM, you can normally beat their prices hands down!
I'm with Graeme on this one - and WGM has (in my experience) been known to lack in aftersales service...
When it's a sunny Monday, you've a full week's mowing ahead, and you suddenly notice the drive cable on you're Honda has snapped, do you think "thank God I paid £20 less for it on the internet, now how do I contact him to arrange to get it shipped back to him to repair", or "thank God I've been buying everything from the same local bloke for 20 years, so he'll fix it while I wait"?
What's that quote about knowing the price of everything, but the value of nothing? Your livelihood shouldn't be calculated the same way as a can of supermarket beans; you have to factor in long-term service from someone within driving distance. You either have to keep double the equipment in case of failures, or keep a local supplier in business even if he's a tiny bit dearer than the internet. Turning over tens of thousands a year, even as a one-man-band, you need to think about where small savings are actually worth it IMO.
I use a local supplier for machinery as well as online stores such as mow direct, have used darlac but get most of my hand tools and supplies from a local garden centre that provide a great trade discount. I use landscapeplus.com for sheeting, lighting and garden speakers. And fatleaf.co.uk for timber planters
I also use Landscapeplus.com and have for the past 10 years or so - reasonably priced, very helpful on the phone with next day delivery. They have a good range of lighting, irrigation and pond/waterfeature supplies.
The free packet of biscuits that came with my last order was appreciated as much as the next day delivery ;)
I'm afarid I have to agree with Graeme and Nick. I've found WGM pricy for Stihl and Honda, (HSS at Old Woking always beat their prices), but they are good for John Deere.
I can only agree with Paul's sentiments as well. It's very much worthwhile building up a good relationship with local suppliers. It might, in some cases, be short term pain, but in the long term its definitely gain. HSS and Ashley Mowers give us great after sales service and have saved our bacon on many an occassion when we've been desperate for a quick turn around on repairs.
Great thread.
I use Hampshire Garden Machinery in Ampfield, Romsey. There a family business. I feel very welcome and get the best information about the products and services. Ive bought our mower, strimmer, blower, hedge trimmer and tomorrow I pick our new tractor mower. Ive never been sold anything that wont do the job they said it would do for the price I had to pay and I get the best service.
I used Longham Machinery in Poole Dorset who seemed to just want your money regardless of your budget which didn't help us get the contracts we were quoting.
B&Q have been a saviour when it comes to getting the off the shelf products quickly.
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Paul McNulty said:
Fortunately for me my local dealer is the well known and respected F R Jones and Son consistantly cheaper for Stihl kit at the least. I admit to buying used kit from ebay, because i couldnt afford new at the time, but spares, consumables and more recently a few new equipment items are from the dealer. I use Screwfix, Toolstation, Wickes, Ebay for everyday bits and pieces as work requires it, i like to check around for a good price because most of the time i dont buy enough materials to warrant a worthwhile trade price from the usual builders merchants.
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