How Many Of You, Use Topps Tiles?

[StevieBoy]

As per title really, I would be interested to know who uses Topps for their materials, why and which products in particular if you do.

Personally, I don't go anywhere else as where I am based suppliers of adhesive etc are very limited.
I use their slow set addy a lot, always use BAL grouts and very rarely of at all have any issues.

 

[mma]

No! Far too expensive, even the trims!

 

[AliGage]

No! Far too expensive, even the trims!

Yup! Over £20 for chrome!!!!

 

[mma]

Yup! Over £20 for chrome!!!!

Jokers! I don't think I get the full discount anymore? Last time I went to buy some grout, I think it was £18 for 5 kg. I said I'll leave it thanks!!

 

[AliGage]

Funny enough I happened to swing in there the other day to get a price comparison on some UFH. Which was MEGA money in itself!
But I spotted a tile I liked for my Ensuite at home. A new range, a 600x200 ceramic at....................£48psm!!

And because it's a new range, no trade discount!

 

[J Sid]

So, did you get it?

 

[One Day]

Quite why anyone in the trade would use Topps is beside me!
I used them the first 3 years I was self employed.
I knew one of the staff as a mate, used BAL exclusively and they were close to home.
After 3 years loyalty they were giving anyone with a business card the same discount as me.
They were offering additional discounts and incentives to lapsed and new traders - nothing to existing.

In short -Topps are 100% NOT geared to trade sales.
They (apparently) have a middle tier of sales which knocks up the prices.
OK, they'll price match - if pushed and IF (big IF) the sales staff can understand you. But they don't deliver to site, the staff are generally quite young, inexperienced and (to be polite) a bit thick.

Classic example: I only used to go to Topps for BAL mixing buckets (CTD stock them now - YAY!)
Called in and spotted the new BAL tanking kit in a bucket. (very similar to Ardex WP)
Asked how much: £98 to trade! £82 with pressure.
I pay less than £40. "aah but this comes with a bucket" the sales person says.
£42 for a bucket?! Come on!!!

Topps get the retail part of supply spot on. They're No.1 for a reason.
The trade part - Nope. Hopelessly lost but with all the attitude of the Emperor in his new clothes.

 

[White Room]

I buy 6mm Hardie Backer from them as there the only supplier locally.

 

[Qwerty]

I avoid Topps at all costs. Their knowledge is diabolical and prices are criminal

 

[Andy Allen]

I can get much better discounts elsewhere. ....so can't see the point in using them........There attitude is the more you use us the better discount you get.........Any other tile shop would give me 30/40% off retail stright away.....so why would I even consider using them...

 

[Andy Allen]

Interesting reading. I don't get into supplying tiles, never have but yes I agree they don't offer much discount on them.

On trade I didn't think their adhesive prices are too bad.
A 20kg bag of grey slow set for about £8 or £12 for the white, and any split bags £5

The pre-mix stuff in tubs I agree is pricey, but I don't use it anyway.

The BAL White microflex grout is pricey, but is a good product I think and finishes off really well.

Will be interesting to see other people's opinions over the next week or so.

Why don't you supply tiles?