Plumbing Supplier Account Tips — Reece, Tradelink & Samios
Getting the Most from Your Supplier Accounts
As a plumber, your supplier accounts at Reece, Tradelink, and Samios are some of your most important business relationships. The materials you buy directly impact your job profitability — so getting the best terms matters.
Supplier Comparison for QLD Plumbers
| Factor | Reece | Tradelink | Samios |
|---|---|---|---|
| Branches (SEQ) | 50+ | 30+ | 15+ |
| Credit terms | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Online ordering | Reece Connect | Tradelink.com.au | Samios.net.au |
| Loyalty program | Reece Rewards | Limited | Limited |
| Strength | Range & availability | Price on basics | Specialty drainage |
Tips for Better Pricing
- Ask for a pricing review annually — suppliers will often match competitor quotes
- Consolidate orders — bigger orders = better negotiating position
- Pay on time — good payment history unlocks better credit limits and pricing
- Use multiple suppliers — competition keeps everyone honest
- Buy in bulk for repeat items — PVC, copper, and fittings you use every week
Tracking Material Costs Per Job
The biggest profit leak for plumbers is not tracking material costs against each job. You buy $500 of materials from Reece but quote the job at $800 labour + materials — did you actually make money?
TradeDesk's quoting system lets you:
- Add material line items with actual costs
- Apply your markup percentage
- Track actual vs quoted materials per job
- See which jobs are profitable and which aren't
The Smart Plumber's Workflow
- Quote the job in TradeDesk (materials + labour + markup)
- Order materials from Reece/Tradelink/Samios
- Complete the work
- Lodge Form 7 via TradeDesk
- Invoice the customer (actual costs tracked)
Know your numbers. Try TradeDesk free at tradedesk.now