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Yep that's all fine, but it's a different issue to what I'm talking about.
I've also said quite clearly that I don't think all trades are rip-offs, I've said that our builder has been quite transparent about it and happy to share how the pricing and negotiation work.
But the Howdens system, which is what my complaint was about, is obviously set up to include a big grey area.
tbc
I get discounts from my suppliers as I have been loyal to them for a long time (and therefore give them a small but reliable amount of sales).
I do not pass that savings on to my customers, i charge them the standard rate for my supplies.
I take that as profit and therefore pay slightly more tax on it.
I am an intermediary in the supply chain and want to get a slight payment for my time and effort.
It has taken time, money and energy as a skilled professional to get to the point where i am paid for my work, and for the years graft where i did not.
I do not go into Sainsbury's and demand that i pay them the same for a tin of beans as they pay their suppliers, and I expect that most DIY heroes don't either, although i would enjoy seeing them try.
I'm also aware that many tradesmen will use this mechanism to unjustifiably add cash to their mattress; but the practice is not set up to "rip off customers".
It's how you run a business and earn a living, and pay the wages of those who work for you.