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.

 

[John Benton]

I always try and supply tiles where possible, Just bought a pallet load for a job and made £300 before I even stepped in the customers house, also saved him £300 as well buying by the pallet. If I got close to the VAT threshold I would just not supply the tiles, but get the supplier to pass on my discount directly to the customer and they are more than happy to do that.

Only used tiles from Topps when I have tried to match up some 20 year old ceramics for a shower cubicle and they had some close enough to do the job, colour and size were virtually spot on, but would never want to step over their threshold really.

 

[John Benton]

But anyhow, back on topic - for me Topps is the only supplier near to me that have everything I need (usually)
There are a couple of merchants, but they only sell Evostik products and they are awful to use.
I agree with most that they are expensive, not on all things but trims and some of the grouts can be pricey - and yes most don't know what there talking about, but as I am nowhere near a CTD branch, I'm a bit stuck really.

Isn't there a Jackson Shipley near you StevieBoy. I thought they supplied addy and grout.

 

[Andy Allen]

I always try and supply tiles where possible, Just bought a pallet load for a job and made £300 before I even stepped in the customers house, also saved him £300 as well buying by the pallet. If I got close to the VAT threshold I would just not supply the tiles, but get the supplier to pass on my discount directly to the customer and they are more than happy to do that.

Only used tiles from Topps when I have tried to match up some 20 year old ceramics for a shower cubicle and they had some close enough to do the job, colour and size were virtually spot on, but would never want to step over their threshold really.

Spot on John. .....customer gets a bit of discount. ...There happy......I make a bit so I'm more than happy.....get a deposit off them so your not even risking your own money......and on big orders the suppliers I use will even deliver to site......No hassle at all imo...

 

[StevieBoy]

Isn't there a Jackson Shipley near you StevieBoy. I thought they supplied addy and grout.

Yes there is, but they only do Evostik, and there's no way I'd ever use that.

 

[John Benton]

I make sure tiles are fully paid for before I order them, that way I cannot get stung.

 

[StevieBoy]

As above, i'm in the middle of nowhere as far as suppliers go. My local Topps are really good guys, however I have to agree regarding the discount structure. It is the most idiotic thing, use us a bit and you will only get a bit, use us a lot and you may get more..... should just be trade or not. You can always push and get a deal no matter where you get your products though. My nearest CTD is towards Cambridge. Bedford is a craphole for any suppliers, it does my head in. That said CTD have bought out Tile Depot and they have a branch in MK, so there is a glimmer of hope.

That's the problem I have - other than Topps there just isn't anyone closer.

There's a Tile Trend, a Presley's and a Tile Giant - but all too far away really.

Maybe I'll move lol

 

[StevieBoy]

But interesting reading regarding how many on here would use them and how many wouldn't.
Thanks for the input.

 

[p4ulo]

I use Topps, I have been lucky I guess, staff know there stuff and they are a nice bunch.
Plenty of "proper tilers" seem to come out of the woodwork for their Trade-Nights though eh? Amazing what a free tub of Green Star and some crappy samples can do!!
I really like their trade rapid set flexible adhesive, lovely product to mix and spread...
Yeah, trims are expensive, that's what Ebay is for I guess?!

 

[MTiler]

Im lucky, I dont have to use Topps so dont unless Im really really desperate. My nearest one has closed down.

 

[J Sid]

A good example of why I don't use them happened today.
Customer was wants some metro tiles and was told 40p a tile but can have a 15% discount, don't think I even get the discount.
When to CTD and got the for 24p a tile.
Why do Topps give discount to the public? Wasn't even a big order, 2 boxes

 

[StevieBoy]

A good example of why I don't use them happened today.
Customer was wants some metro tiles and was told 40p a tile but can have a 15% discount, don't think I even get the discount.
When to CTD and got the for 24p a tile.
Why do Topps give discount to the public? Wasn't even a big order, 2
boxes

Fair point

 

[lmkitchens]

My local tile shop will give me a sales rebate if i send a customer in on my behalf. I wouldn't even have to step foot in the shop, only make 2 phone calls and they would be delivered to site and I get credited 10% of the sale.

Customer still gets more discount that walking in off the street, I make a bit for getting them the discount and we are all happy (Y)

 

[bcd-87]

I'm based in Reading Berkshire we have 4 Topps tile, as all of the above said there fecking useless!!! avoid them at all cost I use Tile flair

There very good

 

[Ceramic Art Ste]

I do. Get my Rubi levelling clips Rubi long legs. Bal green star and grip from them. Everything else I get on account from my old boss at quali tile.

 

[DanFuzz]

As the owner of a local independent tile shop, I am able to offer lower retail prices with higher discounts, for better products. I buy tiles direct from Spain and Italy, as well as using UK wholesalers. The margins put on by Topps are high, and their price promise is only based on the exact same tile - so they ask factories to tweak tiles slightly to get round that, or demand UK rights to the tile. I used to sell a tile via a UK wholesaler for £39.95sqm and it was £65sqm in Topps. Then all of a sudden, my wholesaler wasn't allowed to import it anymore.

I've heard many horror stories about Topps over the years - but the public will always have this blind faith in a large company, and it baffles me. I was recommended to a couple by their builder once, they never came to see me despite being open 7 days a week, and they would have drove past me to get to Topps!

I'm surprised CTD are getting such a big vote, the tile distribution side is useless! Maybe they put more effort into servicing the trade guys?