The difference between the big boys & the independent tile shops.

[Sean Kelly]

I did the rounds today trying to drum up business. I printed out a list of all the tile shops in a 10 mile radius and drove round to offer my services. By a long way (and I mean miles) the friendliest shops were Topps Tiles & Tile Depot. They really wanted to help me and they had time to talk to me. The independent tile shops were a totally different story. They certainly run a closed shop. They couldn't get me out their doors quick enough. One shop owner did say that business was slow and their 2 tilers only had work booked up for the next three weeks. Another owner said that they only supplied tiles, but when I asked him about recommending or handing out tilers cards he got a bit shirty and said that they only recommend 2 tilers. I asked another independent tile shop owner what trade price would he charge for 10ltrs of Blue Star............wait for it.............£17.00.......I tell you, these independents were really unfriendly. Another tile shop was moving premises and he wanted me to take a bunch of his new business cards. He also added that he was not looking for any new tilers!! So, yes, it is tough out there. I did pop onto a building site and got a number of a sub contractor so I'll be calling them tomorrow. Thanks to Topps & Tile Depot for making me feel good about being a tiler.
P.S. I know (by reading this forum) that there are some really good independents out there. Please remember that the above paragraph is (hopefully) not a generalisation that independents are cruel to newbie's. Cheers Sean

 

[White Room]

One independant I go to have a new girl in the in the show room, She makes me feel I should'nt be there. I used get work from them for some reason not anymore, Topps have just opened a store and I have introduced myself, Friendly people will start using them.

 

[sWe]

There are three independants in the city I live in, and they're all very busy acting "better than thou". They also know little more about the trade than the peons at the local building material supermarkets, so when I buy stuff from them, I need to double check every god damn time that they gave me the right stuff.

"Noooo, it DOES matter which type of grout you give me. If I say I need x amount of grout y, I must have a reason for it, and I'll become really ****ed off if you assume I'll accept grout z without even asking if it's ok"

That what I had to say at one of the places when I was buying grout some time ago. They were out of the type I needed, and just gave me another type instead without even asking if it was ok. The most frequent misstake they do is to mix up the colours of Silicon. If it wasn't for the fact this particular store has the best brands and decent prices, I'd go somewhere else.

In a few years, they're going to get superior competition :rofl:

 

[enduro]

I have a tile shop in my town, and about a few years ago i went in there offering my services, and they made it obvious the were not interested, now they pester me for my services...Funny old world :lol:

 

[MrSpoon]

ive dealt with 3 companies, 1 being a local kitchen and bathroomplace that seems more than keen to help me yet doest meant their promisses to contact me when their new tile range arrives (should have been tuesday) and theres topps and tile towen, both really helpful! especially tile town, more than happy with their service and understanding to my needs, i feel ill be dealing with them mostly in the future, tho ill still be giving topps a fair run aswell, maybe others :yes:

 

[brian c]

I have only dealt with the one company since i started and now get good discounts and great payment terms.

 

[CBTC]

One of the most inteteresting threads; I would put forward 2 thoughts; I am increasingly amazed how little the tile making..or production..or selling industry, values the people who install their product. EVEN the adhesive companies; I introduce myself at shows, along the lines of :Hi " I have bought and used and promoted YOUR product for 20 years" ....they dont give 2 sh.ts. not a jot of interest at all - from any I have spoken to. This includes Ardex, Mapei, Rubi, Bal - not any interest at all. A couple of lines of product speel. No sense of real conection any more then to a first time buyer. We ARE their market. How does this come about?? Only if you are Wilson and Wylie perhaps..ok 1 single company will do for you to sell to, fine....tell that to your MD / sales diec / owner / boss.
Its all lovely dovey on these forums if they contribute - but in practice?
2nd - It does tell you of how much tile sellers have to be wary of those under- experienced fitters, not always their fault admittedly, who can make the whole tile experience a nightmare for a client ( I dislike the term or thought of people of a 'punter') and lets us all down. However credit to those of short in the field experience who ask and wish to learn via these forums and ones like them.

C'mon what do you all think??

 

[sWe]

I'm inclined to agree. The contact I've had adhesive companies had been a varied experience indeed. Sometimes I get excellent help, but more often than not, I get the feeling that I'm bothering them.