screwfix

[paul-c]

has anybody noticed that screwfix have a new heading in their catalogue
- Benchtop & Woodworking :lol: dont know how the prices compare though.

http://www.screwfix.com/cats/101403/Power-Tools/Benchtop-Woodworking

 

[Lons]

has anybody noticed that screwfix have a new heading in their catalogue
- Benchtop & Woodworking :lol: dont know how the prices compare though.

http://www.screwfix.com/cats/101403/Power-Tools/Benchtop-Woodworking

Hi Paul

Just got an email from them and had a very quick look.

There's quite a lot of interesting stuff so need to need to do some comparisons as Screwfix aren't always cheap these days - think they've changed their tactics since Toolstation and others came on board and undercut them.

Bob

 

[softtop]

I don't know why but in the last two years or so Screwfix have gone from being really good value to being frequently more expensive than others.

There have been times when even with their 10% off emails that you get quite often I have been able to buy stuff cheaper elsewhere. Certainly the more expensive things I've compared (SCMS, bandsaws, drill/drivers) in the past I've found cheaper online somewhere else.

That said, the next day delivery is always very reliable (IMHO), so that sometimes makes it worth doing...

 

[wobblycogs]

I've been spending a lot of money at ScrewFix for the last couple of years and I agree they are loosing their cheapest status. For some things it's still a no-brainer I just go and buy it from SF (e.g. screws, silicone sealant etc etc) but tools are nearly always cheaper elsewhere. Having said that I bought a nail gun from them the other day and they were the cheapest by a country mile and I got a fantastic deal on a shower cubicle a while back. Over all I use them because they are a simple one stop shop for nearly everything I need and they are generally competative on price.

 

[Windy*miller]

I agree with wooblycogs. For boring stuff they still seem to be the best, certainly compared with B&Q etc, but for more exotic things they're just another one on the list to compare. Some of their tools' user's reviews I've found interesting though.

 

[studders]

I don't know why but in the last two years or so Screwfix have gone from being really good value to being frequently more expensive than others.

Sadly (annoyingly), since Travis Perkins got their teeth into Toolstation the prices have been going up and up there too.

 

[laird]

Weren't SF bought out by Kingfisher Group, who own (amongst other things) B&Q.
Then the original chappie, who set up SF, set up TS.
Which he's now sold on ?

 

[StevieB]

I was under the impression B&Q and screwfix had the same owners as well. Having driven B&Q into the ground and stopped doing anytnig other than DIY level stuff (no spax screws anymore) they now appear to be running screwfix into the ground as well. I have taken to using a local supplier for most of my general stuff - no more expensive and a) they have what I want in stock (screwfix can get it delivered tomorrow - if I wanted that I would have ordered it online) and b) they are personable, knowledgeable and will sell me quantites that I need - down to a single screw if thats all I want! For big stuff Axminster is close, I have a build centre and Jewsons within 300 yards of my house (although Jewsons are extortionate on list price) and screwfix is taking very little of my money at the moment

Steve

 

[Graeme]

Interesting that many of the things on the list are seven day lead time and some twenty one day lead. So not only are they more expensive (by a small amount) than many, they don't keep it in their warehouse!

Axminster have got nothing to worry about, as long as they don't try and compete on screws and general building materials. :shock:

I have to say that SF customer service has been excellent, both in store and via the phone. That counts for a lot these days. I do wonder what it would be like on the more specialist woodworking products.

 

[Shane]

The Kity 638 and Kity 619 are clones of the Axi stuff, but the SF prices are a lot higher. Anyone know what that cast bed section on the side of the 638 is?

 

[Anonymous]

i do believe they will price match you just need to speak to the manager.

 

[9fingers]

Weren't SF bought out by Kingfisher Group, who own (amongst other things) B&Q.
Then the original chappie, who set up SF, set up TS.
Which he's now sold on ?

Here is the situation between TS and TP. Full press release below.
It looks highly likely that TP will own TS by 2014 and as a result of huge capital investment in TS, clearly will want a big say in the policy adopted TS.
Prices are rising nearly everywhere as imported goods are linked to $ and the pound is very weak.

For my purchases TS seems to represent good value and free delivery >£10 usually means that i don't have to go to their counters unless desperate. Adding a few consumables can get me to the magic £10 level with ease.

Bob

Travis Perkins invest in Toolstation, a rapidly growing direct retailer of tools and building materials.

Travis Perkins has acquired 30% of Toolstation's equity from its founding shareholders for GBP5 million and will provide an initial loan of GBP7 million to allow Toolstation to repay its outstanding early stage loan capital.

Travis Perkins will then provide an additional loan facility to support the growth of Toolstation's business.

This facility is expected to be drawn, up to a maximum of GBP30 million, by Toolstation over the next four years.

Drawings under this facility are subject to performance conditions related to progress against Toolstation's business plan and all loans will be provided under normal commercial terms.

Geoff Cooper, Travis Perkins' Chief Executive will join the board of Toolstation.

Travis Perkins has the right to purchase the remaining 70% of Toolstation's equity through an earn-out formula.

This gives Travis Perkins the right to acquire the outstanding equity of Toolstation after four years on a multiple of profits with payments in 2012 and 2014.

The present owners of Toolstation have the right to require Travis Perkins to acquire the outstanding 70% of its equity at these dates provided that profits are above a minimum threshold.

It is expected that over the next six years cash generated from trading will repay all drawings under the GBP30 million loan facility and will create a positive cash balance by the end of this period.

This balance will be retained within Toolstation Limited.

Toolstation's turnover in the last 12 months was GBP21.4 million, with EBITDA being breakeven for the same period.

Toolstation has gross assets of GBP12.0 million and, for the year ended 31 July 2007, recorded a loss before taxation of GBP0.3 million.

About Toolstation.

Toolstation was created by Mark Goddard-Watts, a founder of Screwfix, the largest direct selling operator in this market.

Mark and a number of former executives of Screwfix left that business after its acquisition by a chain retailer, and Toolstation was subsequently launched in 2003.

Toolstation sells a wide range of tools, fixings, hardware, electrical and plumbing and heating materials to retail and trade customers throughout the United Kingdom and through a franchised operation in the Netherlands.

All products are included in its catalogue and are in stock and available online (www.toolstation.com), via its UK-based telephone call centre and through all of its trade counters at very high levels of product availability.

Customer orders placed online and by telephone before 5.00pm are dispatched for delivery next business day.

Toolstation's facilities comprise a main distribution warehouse with trade counter in Bridgwater, Somerset and ten more trade counters located across the UK.

Toolstation plans to continue its successful strategy of branch network expansion, with the aim of operating from at least 80 trade counters within the next five years.

Toolstation currently employs 244 people.

Opportunity.

Travis Perkins will use its buying scale, global sourcing capabilities, supply chain facilities and property expertise with the aim of accelerating Toolstation's rate of growth.

Through this investment Travis Perkins has also acquired the right to use Toolstation's ecommerce, warehousing and fulfilment software for direct selling of Travis Perkins' existing merchanting and retailing brands.

Travis Perkins has entered into a software and support contract with Owtanet, a technology services company related to Toolstation, to assist with implementation of these technologies.

Geoff Cooper, Chief Executive of Travis Perkins said; "This investment represents a significant advance in the development of our multi-channel strategy".

"Our customers increasingly expect products from us through a variety of distribution channels, delivered to them or collected by them via a time, place and mechanism that suits their needs".

"The experienced Toolstation team have already developed one successful business in this market and we are delighted to be working with them with the aim of creating the market leader using their skills and our scale and resources".

Mark Goddard-Watts, founder and Chief Executive of Toolstation said; "We had planned to find a strategic partner at this stage of our development to support and continue our growth and we believe that Travis Perkins' culture and ambition perfectly suits our plans".

"With Travis Perkins' support, we look forward to continuing to deliver great value products to an increasing number of customers across the UK".

Andrew Hodgson, partner at KPMG and advisor to Toolstation said; "Toolstation's management has created a scalable platform for growth which is outstanding".

"It was clear from the first contact between Travis Perkins and Toolstation that this deal and its structure makes perfect sense for both sides.

 

[studders]

For my purchases TS seems to represent good value and free delivery >£10 usually means that i don't have to go to their counters unless desperate. Adding a few consumables can get me to the magic £10 level with ease.

Bob

That's very true Bob, the free delivery over £10 offer means you can get what you need + a few topups if needs be. I can't see how TS make a profit on some of the orders I place.
With SF I usually end up getting stuff I don't really need just to avoid paying for postage, which is what they hope you will do I suspect.
If only TS did a bigger range (and less Silverline tat) I'd use them more often.

 

[woodsworth]

They are owned by the B&Q owner so he is probably just trying things on to see if he can increase his profits. I buy from them when i don't want to Faff about looking for the best deal. The other day i bought the dewalt 625 it was £231 delivered and i got it the next day. I know i could of found one cheaper but it gets tiresome trying out new companies jockeying for a cut of the pie. Setting up new accounts, wondering if they will really deliver or if it will take several days to come.

£231 is more then i wanted to pay! last year i got one for £165 new, but i looked for weeks to find that deal and then it was stolen! I like screwfix i wish they would take on the likes of Axminster and it looks like they are going that way.