I've walked into Corey's and bought stuff. Not sure about Ideal but assume they have a cash sales account too.

Yes if you go in they will do cash sales, Beaware however their 'cash price' is often hugely marked up compared their trade account or group purchasing discounts.

Yeah, but it depends on what mood the person at the counter is in as to what pricing you will get.

In short their cash and trade prices are massively inflated. Account holders have pre-negotiated discounts, something like trade less 40% to trade less 60%.

Usually they give me a discount like trade less 20% or trade less 40%, but not always.

And no prices on anything, so you don't know what stuff is going to cost until you go to the counter. Very much set up to serve trade customers.

I'm guessing the massive discount thing allows Sparkies who choose to, to charge their clients the discounted trade price, while taking the discount as their margin on parts, without needing to disclose how fat their margin is...

Scott3: I'm guessing the massive discount thing allows Sparkies who choose to, to charge their clients the discounted trade price, while taking the discount as their margin on parts, without needing to disclose how fat their margin is...

Batwing: Popped in when I needed some advice on what part to buy - ended up buying from them using our staff group buying scheme and it cost me about triple what a trip to bunnings would have.
The guy at the counter even exclaimed wow that's a surprisingly good discount so I hate to think what the cost would be with no discount at all

Actual sparkys will have massive discounts off trade, not the ones that the group buying team think are a good deal when they set it up. 95% on cable isnt unheard of. Takes that $20 a metre stuff down to $1, when its $1.70 or so at bunnings. Those group buying places think that a 50% discount is amazing without knowledge of the industry and the practices so accept it.

richms:

 

Batwing: Popped in when I needed some advice on what part to buy - ended up buying from them using our staff group buying scheme and it cost me about triple what a trip to bunnings would have.
The guy at the counter even exclaimed wow that's a surprisingly good discount so I hate to think what the cost would be with no discount at all

 

Actual sparkys will have massive discounts off trade, not the ones that the group buying team think are a good deal when they set it up. 95% on cable isnt unheard of. Takes that $20 a metre stuff down to $1, when its $1.70 or so at bunnings. Those group buying places think that a 50% discount is amazing without knowledge of the industry and the practices so accept it.

 

Really depends on what brand as to the discount, it is not 'X' off everything 

I visited the local Ideal branch and followed the above advice. The salesperson was helpful. She initially quoted me a high price but when I (politely) asked if she could do better agreed to give me a discount. According to the receipt the prices are 'discounted' by between 45 to 50%.

I had earlier ordered 100 metres of cat 6 from element14 as they seemed to have the best deal at $100 delivered.

Shop around, particularly if you're looking for common electrical, plumbing or ventilation components. Also consider going direct to manufacturers or distributors, as many will sell directly.

When I need something obscure, like downlights that are both fire and IP rated, then I'll go to the likes of Cory or Ideal. As a general rule, I don't buy from resellers that don't publish prices.

Slightly off topic:

I spent years working for an Importer dealing with a lot of wholesale areas.

The electrical industry was the most annoying one to deal with! 

We produced different pricelists depending on "retail", "low volume wholesale", "medium volume" etc. (All had a suggested RRP!, and volume discount prices applicable to that Tier)

The electrical industry just could NOT understand "That THEY PAID THE PRICE SHOWN!"

No discount! - They just couldn't understand the concept! 12/10 Frustration level dealing with them!

I can still hear: "But what is our % discount off this list?"