What influences where you buy from?

[RogerS]

I was musing the other day about buying patterns and wondered what factors influenced where people bought from.

Was it cost? Inertia as a suppliers' details were already set-up (I am guilty of this) ?

After-sales service?

Larger items such as planers and thicknessers are perhaps more product dependent. By that we look at the range of available machines in our price range, research reviews and check out prices perhaps. But other smaller items such as router bits and pieces? Hand tools ?

Availability? If you have an import and it was available from a few outlets then what would make me go to Store A as opposed to Store B ? Personally, I'm not sure that I have any set plan but do any of you follow a well-defined procedure?

 

[Spindle]

Hi

This is quite easy for me to answer as I don't have the complication of being able to visit suppliers all of my purchases are on line.

First I research the item and decide which make and model I want - Then I look for the best inclusive deal on line and go for that, (normally based on price).

Customer service is a bit of wild card - Its measure, for me, is prompt delivery of the product in good condition and not the compliance with distance selling regulations with regard to replacement of damaged / unfit goods.

Regards Mick

 

[RogerP]

If it's a brand item then the cheapest (with shipping) I can find. I don't fret about after-sales service as I've never had a problem with any company (yet!).

I don't buy from aboard unless it's below duty/VAT limits as I've found the hard way that it's rarely much of a saving and there are possible return/repair problems.

I do buy quite a bit of HSS any other engineering stuff from several Chinese/Taiwanese stores and have found they are exemplary sellers in every way.

 

[RogerS]

Interesting replies, thanks. If the 'lowest price' is the main factor, do you follow that to the limit or might you stick with one supplier if they were, say, £2 more expensive.

How about delivery timescales? I know I might pay a premium for a faster delivery.

 

[Lons]

Interesting replies, thanks. If the 'lowest price' is the main factor, do you follow that to the limit or might you stick with one supplier if they were, say, £2 more expensive.

How about delivery timescales? I know I might pay a premium for a faster delivery.

Pretty much the same as you Roger. I do tend to stick with suppliers who've given good service as long as prices are reasonably close.
I quickly learned through my own business that there will always be others cheaper. What customers want is value for money, reliability and customer service and most are prepared to pay a little more for that, me included.
One thing I always do though is check that it's actually in stock as I detest ordering and then finding out later that it isn't. I would always cancel if that happened and be reluctant to use that supplier again.

 

[Baldhead]

Price first, but as has been said I happily pay a little more if it's from a supplier I have used before, I buy a lot over the internet, however having been let down several times by one supplier, who has been mentioned on this forum I would never use them even if there the cheapest.

Baldhead

 

[RogerP]

There are some sellers who have a different way of doing things.

I buy from one firm who have a good website and sell some unique (to the UK) items but their system is strange.

Having browsed their site and sorted out what you want and placed the order you then find there's no way to pay! Instead they phone you and take the CC number that way.

It actually works quite well as the person who rings is very knowledgeable and is quite prepared to have a chat and offer advice on suitability and use of the products.

 

[RogerS]

Here's another thought. Free delivery over a certain amount? How close do you get before deciding to buy that extra 'goodie' to get free delivery? I used to be a sucker for that!

 

[Lons]

Here's another thought. Free delivery over a certain amount? How close do you get before deciding to buy that extra 'goodie' to get free delivery? I used to be a sucker for that!

I still am Roger and always do it if anywhere near the amount. I can always find things I use so if I have to spend an extra tenner say to save a fiver delivery I view it as getting that £10 worth for half price.

There are some sellers who have a different way of doing things.
I buy from one firm who have a good website and sell some unique (to the UK) items but their system is strange.
Having browsed their site and sorted out what you want and placed the order you then find there's no way to pay! Instead they phone you and take the CC number that way.
It actually works quite well as the person who rings is very knowledgeable and is quite prepared to have a chat and offer advice on suitability and use of the products.

I quite like that idea Roger, who is it?

 

[Spindle]

Hi

I will exercise a degree of supplier loyalty but no more than 5% of the inclusive cost.

Free postage - most of my preferred suppliers offer 'free postage' on all orders.

My loyalty is generally directed to preferred 'Brands' not suppliers.

Regards Mick

 

[RogerP]

I quite like that idea Roger, who is it?

Not a mainstream woodworking supplier but I buy various bits and pieces for stuff I sell.
Amongst other things they do some very nice ferrules.

I see that they're closed at the moment for their summer holidays.

http://www.highlandhorn.com/standard-ferrules/5.htm

Happy to recommend them.

 

[Lons]

I quite like that idea Roger, who is it?

Not a mainstream woodworking supplier but I buy various bits and pieces for stuff I sell.
Amongst other things they do some very nice ferrules.

I see that they're closed at the moment for their summer holidays.

http://www.highlandhorn.com/standard-ferrules/5.htm

Happy to recommend them.

Thanks Roger, much appreciated, it's an interesting site.
I have a couple of sticks I've had seasoning for umteen years as well as a couple of nice ramshorns, some black buffalo and antler. I cut out a crook head 15 years ago and done nothing else with it so roll on retirement :lol:
I'm also part way making my first ever knife so will definitely bookmark the website.
cheers
Bob

 

[heimlaga]

When buying new I prefere high quality brands with production in Europe or north America or Japan. I may buy chineese stuff at times but I don't like it. Then I try to find someone who would be willing to sell it to me. Usually there is no more than one dealer to choose between for any given product up here but if there are two I tend to choose the one that has the lowest prize. If prizes are similar within let's say 5 or 10% I choose the dealer that seems more reliable.
I rarely buy anything off internet as I don't have any kind of internet bank account.

I usually buy stationary machines and also hand planes and many other hand tools secondhand. I look for well built (read: overbuilt) machines of professional quality which aren't damaged beyond repair (read: very far beyound what others would repair but not beyond a technically possible repair).

 

[pcb1962]

I buy all my power tools from D&M, in person. They're half an hour's drive away (as long as there's no rugby on), their shop is my idea of heaven, and I really want them to still be there in 10 years time so I'm happy to give them my business, hoping that will help in some way. The demise of traditional shops staffed by knowledgeable people saddens me so I like to do my bit where I can. Their prices are almost always competitive anyway.