For trades
Supplier price rises for trades businesses
Materials prices move often, and wholesalers rarely send a letter when they do. If you quote jobs on last year's prices, the rise comes straight out of your margin.
Check my bills freeSame things, this year vs last
Example$4,120 a year more
than last year, for the same things (+11.3%)
Twin & earth cable 2.5mm
Electrical wholesaler · +14%
+$662/yr
Chicken breast fillet 5kg
Food wholesaler · +12%
+$551/yr
Monthly support plan
IT support · +10%
+$540/yr
Free range eggs, 15 dozen
Food wholesaler · −6%
−$236/yr
Where price creep hides
Materials
Cable, pipe, fittings and fixings, especially anything priced off copper or steel.
Fuel and freight levies
Added as separate lines, so the item price looks steady while the bill grows.
Account and card fees
Small per-invoice fees that add up across a year of orders.
Hire and consumables
Equipment hire rates, blades, PPE and site consumables.
Vehicle costs
Servicing, tyres and parts from the same workshop over time.
Three habits that keep costs honest
- Check your quoting price list against recent bills at least every quarter.
- Ask your wholesaler for an account price review once a year. Bring the numbers.
- Group orders to cut delivery and small-order fees.
Read more: how to check your own bills for supplier price rises.
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