FAMILIES logging on to Amazon expect it to be cheapest – but a new study reveals it’s the DEAREST for DIY gear among the six major stores.
The online giant costs a THIRD more than B&Q for a basket of popular items, according to snapshot research by Which?.
1
Researchers looked at the costs of a basket of 18 popular DIY items including a handsaw, toolbox and paint over a year at Amazon, B&Q, Homebase, Screwfix, Toolstation and Wickes.
Bank Holiday weekend is a popular time for DIY – and comes after a boom in home improvement projects during pandemic lockdown.
B&Q was cheapest at £151.80 – and Amazon was dearest at £206.03. In total, those shopping at B&Q paid £54.23 – or 26 per cent – less than Amazon customers.
Homebase was second with an average cost of £163.42 and Screwfix close behind at £165.38.
In all but one item, Amazon was the priciest. For example, the Bosch multi construction TCT drill bit cost an average £4.11 at B&Q, but was more than double the price on Amazon at £9.30.
Yet customers expect Amazon to be cheapest.
Which? also surveyed more than 6,000 people about their in-store and online shopping experiences. Amazon received five stars for value for money in the survey – meaning respondents thought it was among the cheapest.
Overall, it got a score of 77 per cent for customer service, third behind Screwfix and Toolstation with 82 per cent.
Which? found some hefty price differences between individual items. At Homebase, the DeWalt PZ screwdriver bit box (25 pack) cost an average £8.75 – £3.79 dearer than the cheapest. At Amazon, the set was £4.96 – the only item for which it was best value.
Harry Rose, Which? magazine editor, said: “Home improvement projects have surged in popularity during the pandemic, but consumers looking to take on a DIY task do not have to pay over the odds for paint and tools.
“Our analysis shows the best places to buy DIY items combine great customer service with good value for money, and that shopping around for the best prices could make a startling difference to your bill.”
Which? used an independent price-tracking website to calculate the average basket cost – including special offers but not multibuys – from June last year to May this year at all six stores.
Amazon said: “We work hard every day to provide customers with low prices, vast selection, and fast delivery. Sellers set their own product prices in our store and we have policies to help ensure sellers are pricing their products competitively. We actively monitor our store and remove offers that violate our policies.”
Builders rip up garden at WRONG house after street has two homes with the same number
