"Has anyone found online deals that genuinely beat out local bulk pricing, even after shipping?"
I've had mixed experiences with online electrical suppliers myself. Occasionally, I've stumbled onto decent deals on specialty items—stuff that's harder to find locally—but for standard bulk items like wiring or conduit, shipping usually wipes out any savings. Have you tried looking into suppliers that offer free shipping thresholds? Sometimes bundling a few projects' worth of materials can tip the scales in your favor...although storage then becomes another headache. Curious if anyone's managed to balance that successfully.
I've found the same thing—bulk wiring or conduit rarely beats local pricing once shipping kicks in. But I've had luck online with fixtures, especially LED lighting. Some online suppliers have clearance sections or seasonal sales that local stores don't match. Storage is definitely a hassle though...my garage has become a mini warehouse at times, haha. It's a balancing act between saving money and keeping your sanity (and space).
"Storage is definitely a hassle though...my garage has become a mini warehouse at times, haha."
Haha, been there! But honestly, I've found that buying fixtures locally from reuse centers or salvage yards can sometimes beat online clearance deals—plus it's greener and saves garage space. Worth checking out if you haven't yet.
Totally agree about reuse centers. I used to chase online deals too, but after factoring in shipping and the hassle of returns, local salvage yards turned out way better. Plus, there's something satisfying about finding a hidden gem in person. My garage thanks me for it too—no more stacks of unopened boxes taking over my workspace...
Good points about salvage yards—definitely underrated. A couple things I've noticed from my own experience:
- Local reuse centers are great, but sometimes the selection can be hit or miss. I've had days where I scored amazing hardwood flooring for pennies and others where I left empty-handed after an hour of digging around.
- Online deals aren't always bad though. For smaller, specialized items (like specific hardware or fixtures), online still saves me money and time. Just gotta be strategic about it—grouping orders to minimize shipping or waiting for free shipping promos.
- Totally relate to the unopened boxes issue... I once ordered a stack of discounted ceiling fans online, thinking I'd use them eventually. Two years later, they were still stacked in the corner, mocking me every time I walked by. Ended up donating them—lesson learned.
Bottom line, mixing both approaches works best for me. Local for bulk materials and big finds, online for niche stuff. Keeps my garage (mostly) clear and my wallet happier.
