Where is the best place to buy tools?

If you’re looking for the best place to buy tools, you’ve got two main options: in-store or online.

While that may seem obvious, there are plenty of tips and tricks you can use. Keep reading to see how we can help you with the best value tools for your business.

After all, what you want is good quality equipment for your work, without the higher price tag that is usually associated.

As a Checkatrade member, you could benefit from great savings with a range of trade suppliers.

Why shop with a trade supply specialist?

As a tradesperson, you’re working day in and day out on practical jobs. As a result, you need professional tools in your box. You’ll want equipment that you can rely on for durability, longevity and precision.

When looking for a new tool, it is helpful to get it from somewhere that knows their stuff. For example, when you upgrade something old, replace something faulty or are looking to fill a gap in your tool box.

There are a number of reasons why you’d choose a trade supplier, rather than somewhere more general.

• Check out the various features and specifications
• Speak to a knowledgeable team about a wide range of tools
• Buy the product there and then – no waiting for delivery
• Get add-ons like spare batteries, bits, attachments, etc
• Pick up any other items you might need while in-store
• Take advantage of offers and discounts

For example, you could enjoy savings at places such as Wickes, Selco and Tradepoint – all as a Checkatrade member.

Where is the best place to buy power tools?

If you’re looking for a good retailer for power tools in the UK, there are plenty of places to look.

As an experienced trade professional, you’re probably already comfortable with a particular brand. Whether that be Makita or DeWalt, Milwaukee, or other names such as Stanley or Bosch.

When it comes to power tools, you’re looking at particular characteristics. Things like drills, impact drivers, saws are designed for a certain purpose, so your choice will come down to factors such as:

• Price – No one wants to be overcharged
• Battery life – You want to make sure you can do the job properly
• Torque / Power – Force is usually outlined in product specifications
• Durability – You need to have power tools you can rely on
• Availability of parts – Replacement bits will help lengthen the tool’s life
• Comfort – This may not seem essential, but it can make a big difference

As many different suppliers will sell the same (or similar) brands, the best place to buy power tools will often be the one offering the best deal.

Where can you get the best value tools?

As well as shopping online and builders merchants, here are some other tips for finding the best value power tools.

• Clearance sales – Retailers make room for new stock (usually seasonally)
• Hot deals – Exclusive “one off” type offers giving competitive prices
• Ex-display – Such as tools formerly used for display and demo purposes
• Marketplace – Occasional gems can be found on eBay, Gumtree, and Enviromate
• Online auction – Liquidation sales and auctions can provide some bargains

As a new trade business, or self-employed businessman, there are a number of times when you might want money-saving ideas.

However, plenty of tradespeople will favour their local independent tools supplier and builders merchants too. The best place to buy tools is not always the cheapest.

Don’t forget, you can claim work tools as a taxable expense.

Where is the best place to buy building materials?

As well as tools, it also pays to get money off your materials. Whether you’re running an established business or you’ve just launched, rising prices continues to affect many tradespeople.

For smaller businesses and sole traders, rising prices means searching for the same thing: where to buy the cheapest building materials in the UK.

Cheap isn’t necessarily always best. However, we’re always chasing the best value – great quality building materials at competitive prices. When they come from places that sell tools, that is even better. Everything under one roof.

And of course, having a supplier with a good stock of the items you need is crucial too. Both for materials and tools.

The best place to buy building materials include:

It is always a good idea to shop around for materials. Prices can vary from merchant to merchant.

• Builders merchants – Having a trade card or account can help with savings
• Specialist merchants – Some specialise, e.g. timber merchants or plumbing merchants
• DIY retailers – Many other retailers will offer a trade discount

We’ve partnered with Selco, Tradepoint and Wickes to get Checkatrade members an exclusive discount.

Quick summary

The best place to buy tools will vary. Throughout the UK there are a number of nationwide and independent trade suppliers, all of which will have different offers at different times.

However, when you’re looking for somewhere, each with its own benefits.

• Shopping in-store allows you to check out the features and specifics
• Visiting an independent tool supplier is better for a local economy
• Builders merchants give you access to people with industry knowledge
• Large retailers and local builders merchants may offer trade accounts
• Shopping online needs to be a bit more discerning
• There are a number of ways to help you get more for less
• Checkatrade members get exclusive discounts with retailers like Selco, Wickes and Tradepoint
• You can claim the purchase of work tools as a taxable expense, so keep your receipts!