Contractor discounts are vital for many businesses, especially as costs continue to rise. Luckily, plenty of suppliers offer discounts – you just need to know where to look and how to negotiate. This article will answer all your questions, from how much a typical contractor discount is, to whether ˽av Windows and Doors offers discounts on our products. Let’s dive in.
What Are Contractor Discounts?
Contractor discounts are price reductions offered by suppliers or retailers to contractors and tradespeople. These discounts aim to incentivize bulk purchases, encourage loyalty, and build long-term relationships. Typically, contractors receive a percentage off of materials, tools, and other supplies, which helps them reduce project costs and increase their margins and profitability.
While it usually refers to discounts of a certain percentage off the final price of an order, the meaning of contractor discount can also include:
- Rebate programs
- On-time or early payment discounts
- Discounts for paying in cash
- Waiving return and restocking charges
How Much Is a Contractor Discount?
Contractor discounts vary based on many different variables. A typical contractor discount on materials can range anywhere from 5% to 20%. Discounts for rebates, on-time payments, or paying in cash are usually around 1–3% (which can really add up over time). However, with most suppliers, it depends on:
- The size of the sale (how much you’re buying in this transaction)
- Historical sales volume (how much you’ve spent in the past)
- Future sales volume (the potential you might spend a lot in the future)
- How quickly you pay (prompt payment means bigger discounts)
- Loyalty and relationships (length and quality of your relationship)
- Competitors’ discounts (what discounts similar businesses in your area offer)
Your discount can also vary based on what you’re buying. Contractor discounts on doors, windows, lighting, cabinets, and other high-margin items are usually higher. Low-margin materials, like lumber, flooring, and drywall, won’t have much of a discount.
How Do Contractor Discounts Work?
Most suppliers offer tiered contractor discount programs based on how much money you spend with them. For example, contractors who spend less than $50,000 a year receive 5% off, those who spend $50–100,000 a year receive 10%, and those who spend more than $100,000 receive 15%.
Many suppliers also offer discounts on a per-purchase basis, especially for smaller contractors or those who don’t have a transaction history. These are also tiered programs, but are based on how much you spend in one transaction.
For example, contractor discounts at Home Depot fall under their Pro Xtra program. Members receive Preferred Pricing and Volume Pricing savings on purchases of $2,500 or more through what’s known as the “Bid Room.” Contractor discounts at Lowe’s work in a similar way, but the program is called Lowe’s Volume Savings Program and the minimum spend is $1,500.
Do You Need a License to Get Contractor Discounts?
Usually, no. Sometimes, you can only get discounts with a contractor license, but more often, the programs are based on how much you spend. If you’re regularly spending thousands of dollars with a manufacturer or dealer, they’ll probably give you the contractor discount, regardless of whether you’re actually a contractor!
Can You Get Contractor Discounts on Windows and Doors?
High-margin items typically have better contractor discounts than those with low margins. That means in general, you should be able to find good contractor discounts on windows and doors. However, other, less-predictable variables also influence pricing. Supply chain issues and material shortages are the perfect example. And as we mentioned before, things like sales volume, prompt payment, loyalty, and even seasonality also influence discounts, including windows and doors.
Does ˽avTER Brands Give Contractor Discounts?
˽avTER Brands, which includes ˽avLGARD and ˽av Windows, manufactures top-quality windows and patio doors through our Certified Dealers. Any contractor discounts you’d receive would be through one of these dealers, who can give discounts at their own discretion. Typical contractor discounts on our products also include seasonal promotions that you may be able to take advantage of.
Aside from contractor discounts, ˽av Windows offers:
- Easy quoting process
- Strategically located, full-service facilities
- Fast lead times
- On-schedule deliveries
- Products certified by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA)
- Dedicated customer service centers
- Industry-leading warranties
Check out our contractor page to learn more about how we help contractors like you deliver projects on time and on budget.
How to Find the Best Contractor Discounts
The truth is that there is no “typical” contractor discount. Pricing and discounts are highly variable. This is a good thing for contractors like you, because it means you can negotiate and try other tactics to boost your buying power:
- Get a look at the price schedule. Windows and doors are often priced based on the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). Look at each dealer’s price schedule to see what percentage of the MSRP you’ll be charged.
- Just ask. Always start by simply asking for contractor discounts. They may have a loyalty program you can sign up for, or offer you a per-purchase discount. Plus, you can always shop around.
- Buy higher volumes. No matter the industry, buying supplies in bulk is always a good way to negotiate a discount.
- Form a buying group. If you’re a small business and not in a position to buy large volumes, get together with other businesses in your area and form a buying group so you can place bigger orders.
- Pay on time. Better contractor discounts go to those who prove they’re not a financial risk. Plus, many suppliers offer additional discounts just for paying on time.
- Build relationships. Once you find a supplier you like, stick with them. As you establish a transaction history and your business grows, you’ll find they give you the best contractor discounts.
Finally, remember that there are other things that are just as important as contractor discounts. Things like free returns, free pick-up of returns, and free restocking will also improve your bottom line. And a supplier’s fill rate, on-time delivery percentage, and product quality affect how quickly you finish your jobs and how satisfied your customers are.
Get a Quote on Your Project
˽av Windows and Doors offers a wide range of colors, styles, glass options, customizations, and price points that can meet the specs of any project. Plus, our focus on start-to-finish quality and best-in-class warranties ensure that your customers are happy for years to come.
Whether you have a new construction project or just need a couple of replacement windows, finding the best contractor discounts starts with getting a quote. We make that process easy, too. Just fill out this quick form and a Certified Dealer will be in touch!
