Do You Purchase Paint From One Company Or Spread It Around?

kanadaeh

Do you purchase paint from one company or spread it around? Last year I purchased from 4-5 different paint stores. At first there was one that threw quite a bit of work my way but the prices were higher than the others. Now it seems none are throwing work my way. Should I purchase from one and build a relationship or stay independent? What do you fellow painters do?

firemike

The last couple years I have been purchasing primarily from one supplier unless the situation dictates otherwise. I have found that even though some items are a little more expensive, building a good relationship with the counter guys and sales people has started to pay off with better pricing, better service, and a few referrals.

Also, if I do find a pricing difference between suppliers, they are more likely apt to meet or beat it if you are a "regular" contractor. When going through my list and I don't order an item from them the counterperson asks why and I mention that I can get it cheaper somewhere else. They (counter people or salesperson) are almost always willing to deal if they can. One thing I did learn, open up an account, even if it is only a COD (cash) and ask to be assigned a salesperson. That way you have a someone you can go to for pricing, promotions, leads, etc.

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-Mike-

LennyV-NHSNOLA

I do both... otherwise I won't get paid!

But seriously, I give the customers a choice of BM or SW since I deal with both. Then there are those cheapo friends that want my help and they bought from HD or Lowes but I don't spend my money there unless it's for general products like Zinnser, supplies, etc.

lmcgrew79

The more paint we buy from SW the cheaper our prices are. We try to stay with them unless blueprints specify otherwise.

Teetorbilt

BM ATW. I also do other work for them. Kind of a symbiotic relationship.

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You can't solve you're problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems.

Albert Einstein

MattCoops

benjamin moore paint store right down street

we get cabot deck stain from ace hardware a block away

if you keep going to the mom and pop "locals"

they'll get to know ya
and start refferring you to people with questions

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Matt with Cupan Custom Tile & Paint of Lowell, Massachusetts
Design and installation of ceramic tile and natural stone for floor, wall, and countertops
(978) 601-8774 | cupantile@gmail.com | view tile pictures and more

ProWallGuy

Teetor, what other work do you do for them?

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Wallpaper Hanger St. Louis
Digital Murals Installation

GoodPainter

I stick to my local BM and Coronado Dealer. They treat me right and can handle my 100,001 questions everytime I go in there. It is where I shop and where my father and grandfather shopped. Only thing elseware is Zinzser or big equip--since they dont deal with that. Only paint, supplies and tools, brushes. If a customer wants anything else also.

They referred me jobs/work out of the blue and I am loyal to them.

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Robert Good
It's Your Life-Make Fun Of It!
http://www.robertgoodpainting.com

chawn88

I'm getting from different paint stotres, and keep good relationship with most of them (counter person), some of them refer jobs to me. and I buy them some treats like cookies or candies once so often, we all happy to be recognized

Workaholic

We buy all of our paint from one store, unless a specific company is mentioned by the home owner. We do go to another paint store just for caulk. ( ici 55yr) The longer you buy from one company, if you buy enough paint your prices will be kept as low as you can expect.

steve-in-kville

I shop at the local SW for just about everything. Will hit a Lowes or HD for the occassional sundry when in a pinch.

steve

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