Tiling Supplies in SW Edinburgh

[on the rivet]

Hi everyone

I'm new to the forum and tiling so not sure if I'm posting this in the right forum, but it seems to be the busiest area and most likely to get a response.

I'm just setting up as a tiler and was looking for recommendations as to the best places to buy tiles and supplies such as grout, adhesive, etc in South West Edinburgh, that would give a good trade discount. Also if you could clarify what I would need to provide to qualify for trade discount.

There seems to be a lot of tiling shops in East Edinburgh but I'd prefer not to have to go right across the city.

 

[Gazzer]

Welcome, there are a few tilers from up your way that I am sure wil be able to help when they see this.

 

[Andy Allen]

:welcome::welcome: to the forum

 

[White Room]

Hi and welcome

 

[Stewart]

Hi and welcome to the forum.......

 

[DHTiling]

I'll move this into the buying tiles forum..

 

[kilty55]

welcome rivet, as you say most are on the esat side,topps and collinsons are at sighthill and murrayfield

i would open accounts in all of them,introduce yourself to the staff as well as every diff shop has a diff product to offer

i have yet to find 1 supplier that has everything i need so dont put all your eggs in one basket mate and shop around,try diff products you wills oon learn what you like and what you dont

ctd,tile giant,collinsons,topps,ctw and tile star open accs in all of them good luck

 

[on the rivet]

Thanks for the advice kilty

 

[tfs]

In most cases all you need is some business cards or headed paper to prove that you are in trading. Some places may ask to see a business pay in book etc.

As said previously dont put all your eggs in one basket however, I would try to establish a good working relationship with at least onEof the retailers e.g. send customers in, drop in frequantly (even if you just buy small bag of grout or trim) and try to angage in some banter etc. Retailers like to see you in frequantly, it ensures that you are remebered and thought of if any cards are handed out. When you go in to a shop try and let them that you know what you are talking about and buy the right products for whatever job you are doing this will give them peice of mind in giveing out your card. Ask to leave some cards behind the desk. If you can get a product elsewhere cheaper then tell them but, try to come across the right way when doing this as staff can get stroppy. Ask if the price is the best that they can do, if they reply with a yes ask if you will get it cheaper with a bulk purchase (this can be handy on products that you use on most jobs) another option is to try and get a price match if another retailer is selling the same product cheaper.

*Be proffessional and friendly - they will hopefully act the same way
*Show your face by dropping in frequantly - this projects loyalty to the retailer
*Send customers in to their shop - they hand your cards out

When dealing with tile shops it is a two way relationship, work hard at developing a good working relationship. In my experience tile shops dont just give you the best price, you need to earn it. They do however need to give you good service! If there service stinks, let them know that the service is falling short of you expectations (speak to management) and if all fails, take you your business elsewhere.

So to cut a long story short, ESTABLISH A GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR SUPPLIERS!