Why fitters sometimes prefer supplying the suite
Warranty responsibility, compatibility, and why it's not always about markup.
At a glance
Quick Checklist
Key points at a glance
- 1Understand warranty responsibility clearly
- 2Consider compatibility with existing systems
- 3Ask about trade account savings
- 4Discuss returns and damage handling
- 5Agree who deals with faulty items
- 6Factor in delivery timing and coordination
Questions to ask your installer
Take these to your next conversation with your fitter
- 1Do you prefer to supply products, or should I source them?
- 2What happens if something I buy arrives faulty or damaged?
- 3Can you check compatibility if I choose my own products?
- 4Do you get trade discounts that could benefit me?
- 5How should we coordinate delivery timing?
- 6Who handles warranty claims on products?
💡 Tip: A good installer will welcome these questions. If they dismiss them, that's a red flag.
💡Myth vs Reality
Common Myth
"Installers just want to mark up products for profit"
The Reality
Many prefer supply-and-fit because it simplifies warranty responsibility and ensures compatible products. The markup is often fair value.
Common Myth
"Buying online is always cheaper"
The Reality
Trade accounts often match or beat online prices. Plus, returns and warranty claims through installers are usually smoother.
What to look for
- •Clear agreement on who's responsible if products arrive faulty
- •Understanding of warranty claims — who handles them?
- •Compatibility checks — will everything work together?
- •Trade account benefits — installers often get better prices
Common mistakes
- •Assuming you'll always save money buying products yourself
- •Not realising faulty products become your problem to resolve
- •Ordering incompatible items without installer input
- •Poor delivery timing causing project delays
Quality considerations
- •Installers take ownership when they supply products
- •Customer-supplied items shift risk to the homeowner
- •Compatibility issues are easier to prevent than fix
- •Some installers refuse to fit customer-supplied products
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This guide is written to help you make informed decisions, not to sell you anything. Always discuss your specific situation with a qualified installer.