Would be lost without 'em! (screwfix.com)

Member Name: windwhisperer

Product:	screwfix.com
Date:	21/12/08 (29 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Can browse products at leisure. Fast delivery - free in many cases

Disadvantages: Can't access an in-store 'expert' for advice ...

A Screwfix catalogue always sits happily on my desk with bits of yellow post-it notes sticking out the top to mark the various pages of items I'm buying. You're right - I'm a big Screwfix fan!

They sell everything from toilet seats to garage door openers and make browsing DIY easy. A lot of the time you will get more information from their catalogue about a product than you can actually find out when shopping in-store.

Delivery charges vary:- for their standard service (which is still fast) it is £5 for an order under £50 and free for orders over for most of mainland UK. They also do other faster or Saturday services if you are desperate and the maximum charge is £10.
A little niggle - for a few remote areas they do have an additional charge that is only mentioned in the very, very, small print in their brochure, £6 to my location even if the order is over £50, but I can't see it being applicable to many buyers and if you do live 100 miles from your nearest DIY stockist, then I can't see it being a deterrent either.

Their catalogue extends to around 900 packed pages of products, many of which I usually find are cheaper than buying locally. Most tradesmen I would presume know of the company, but the products are equally as important to Joe Public looking to paint a room magnolia, sort out the garden or refurbish a derelict farmhouse.
Price is always important, but so is quality, and you tend to get a variety from both ends of the spectrum.

Telephone ordering has always been my preference, and the staff efficient and helpful - but be warned, they can't give you advice on which bits of wiring to buy or how to fit a spotlight. Know what you want before you dial.

The catalogue is also updated regularly and once you are registered with them will drop through your letterbox without you having to ask.

Overall a great company providing reasonably priced products and a very good service.

Summary: Well worth at least getting their free catalogue and making your own mind up