Does anyone buy paint online?

[88GT]

It's an 80 mile round trip to the jobber. I was hoping I can get primers and clears on line, and maybe at a lower cost. Does anyone have a source for this. Dupont specifically.

[jhowell]

I've searched exhaustively for paint products online and have had little luck. Most paint manufacturers don't even have an online catalog of products. Even if I can't buy direct from the manufacturer, it would be nice to see what each offers. Especially when it comes to certain products like 2K and clear where the larger companies seem to have many variations of clear and 2K primer. You have to search through tech sheets and MSDS publications to get any idea of what they offer. Despite the silly "turf-wars" between the loyal followers of Kerker or SPI, I have to give the makers of both products a lot of respect for understanding that although it's not very big, there is a consumer market for automotive paint. They have rudimentary online catalogs with product descriptions in plain English. And this isn't beneficial for just consumers, I'm sure the pros would like to be able to find info on a product without having to deal with a sales rep who is not always available, and who is most interested in profit. Because sometimes the best tool for the job isn't always the most profitable one.

I would bet that many of the large companies prohibit online sales because that allows the retailer to grow a bigger business that becomes too powerful. What happens is the online retailer undercuts their competition and takes their business. So small dealers go under. Eventually you get to a point where only a handful of online retailers exist and they cut away until they're all operating in the margins and they begin to crumble. What you ultimately end up with is one or two huge distributors and maybe a few barely noticeable small ones. Then the distributor looks at Dupont or PPG and says "cut my cost, or I switch to someone who will." Then the manufacturer is at the mercy of not the painter, but rather the middle man who is far more vicious. It's a situation where at the end, the only person who really wins over the long term is the middleman who has the least liability and makes the most profit. This is what Wal-Mart basically does. They destroy competition and then go and bully the manufacturers. This business plan makes great sense if you're an investor in Wal-Mart, but it sucks for everyone else (including the consumer) in the long run. Go to yahoo and search "the man who said no to Wal-Mart" and it tells of how Snapper (the lawnmower company) started a relationship with Wal-Mart, but quickly pulled out when they realized what their cost would be.

The paint business is competitive enough and although the system isn't always friendly to the one time consumer or the really small business, it's best that it stays as is for everyone. But there's an idea, if the nearest paint shop is 40 miles away, maybe you can do a side business as a supplier. Unless you live in BFE.

[88GT]

I've searched exhaustively for paint products online and have had little luck. Most paint manufacturers don't even have an online catalog of products. Even if I can't buy direct from the manufacturer, it would be nice to see what each offers. Especially when it comes to certain products like 2K and clear where the larger companies seem to have many variations of clear and 2K primer. You have to search through tech sheets and MSDS publications to get any idea of what they offer. Despite the silly "turf-wars" between the loyal followers of Kerker or SPI, I have to give the makers of both products a lot of respect for understanding that although it's not very big, there is a consumer market for automotive paint. They have rudimentary online catalogs with product descriptions in plain English. And this isn't beneficial for just consumers, I'm sure the pros would like to be able to find info on a product without having to deal with a sales rep who is not always available, and who is most interested in profit. Because sometimes the best tool for the job isn't always the most profitable one.

I would bet that many of the large companies prohibit online sales because that allows the retailer to grow a bigger business that becomes too powerful. What happens is the online retailer undercuts their competition and takes their business. So small dealers go under. Eventually you get to a point where only a handful of online retailers exist and they cut away until they're all operating in the margins and they begin to crumble. What you ultimately end up with is one or two huge distributors and maybe a few barely noticeable small ones. Then the distributor looks at Dupont or PPG and says "cut my cost, or I switch to someone who will." Then the manufacturer is at the mercy of not the painter, but rather the middle man who is far more vicious. It's a situation where at the end, the only person who really wins over the long term is the middleman who has the least liability and makes the most profit. This is what Wal-Mart basically does. They destroy competition and then go and bully the manufacturers. This business plan makes great sense if you're an investor in Wal-Mart, but it sucks for everyone else (including the consumer) in the long run. Go to yahoo and search "the man who said no to Wal-Mart" and it tells of how Snapper (the lawnmower company) started a relationship with Wal-Mart, but quickly pulled out when they realized what their cost would be.

The paint business is competitive enough and although the system isn't always friendly to the one time consumer or the really small business, it's best that it stays as is for everyone. But there's an idea, if the nearest paint shop is 40 miles away, maybe you can do a side business as a supplier. Unless you live in BFE.

I pretty much live in BFE. Got the idea from a guy selling 72500 clear for half price on another site, but it's "hot" so dont wanna go that route. If I can't save money, saving a 3 hour trek would at least be nice. Thats 3 hours I could be working. Just ordered from Len yesterday...some shippable stuff and thought Id give paint a try as well. But like you, serching has gotten me no where so far. Maybe I'll talk to my jobber (whom Im in good with, 1st name basis, yada yada) and see if I can get a one time purchase of the 72500 clear at cost. I hear it's worth every dime, but it's $300 a gallon. ( I think just over 6 quarts sprayable, 2-1-10%. it's ether 2-1-1 or 2-1-10%) Been doing good with 7500 at about $175 a gallon (5 quarts sprayable)
Thanks for the reply.

[dixie1776]

i can put you in contact with my RUBBERSEAL supplier, but if your more familiar with DUPONT, I'd recommend you stick with it--i like both as far as primer and clear but perfer Dupont,Also Dupont for paint. Personally, if your dealing with len now, i doubt if i'd change cause you know that he'll be here if you have any problems.

[88GT]

i can put you in contact with my RUBBERSEAL supplier, but if your more familiar with DUPONT, I'd recommend you stick with it--i like both as far as primer and clear but perfer Dupont,Also Dupont for paint. Personally, if your dealing with len now, i doubt if i'd change cause you know that he'll be here if you have any problems.

Len can't distribute clear and primer. Otherwise I would surely get it from him. So does this contact have Dupont? I'm pretty non negotiable about the few paint products I want to get online...if it's even possible. I wont buy base coat on line for matching reasons.

[jhowell]

To save money try some relatively simple things.
1. Ask for a discount. If you're not a dick, and you are an easy customer most will cut you some break because you have the balls to ask for it, and you don't give them trouble or make them work too hard (and nothing pisses off the suppliers in the automotive aftermarket as much as a customer who makes them work hard.) I think the only thing that may be worse then expecting a supplier to get off their dead ass is expecting them to have product knowledge.
2. See if they deliver. That service may cost a few dollars more, but how much is your time worth to you? I don't know what your labor rate is, but I would think it's more then a delivery fee. If they don't deliver, find out who the next supplier is and see if they deliver. Your supplier may be a good guy, but this is your livelihood, and unless your supplier is willing to put product on your doorstep, he's not looking out for your business. It's a hard call to make, but this is where you can see just how strong your relationship is with this person.
3. Hire an errand boy for minimum wage, after school a few days a week.

Another reason why you may not see many retailers online is because shipping is almost always required, and companies like UPS and Fedex don't like to transport this king of stuff.

[88GT]

To save money try some relatively simple things.
1. Ask for a discount. I get a discount already...10% If you're not a dick, and you are an easy customer most will cut you some break because you have the balls to ask for it, and you don't give them trouble or make them work too hard (and nothing pisses off the suppliers in the automotive aftermarket as much as a customer who makes them work hard.) I think the only thing that may be worse then expecting a supplier to get off their dead ass is expecting them to have product knowledge. My jobber has a ton of knowledge2. See if they deliver. They have in the past, but depends on how much I buy. That service may cost a few dollars more, but how much is your time worth to you? I don't know what your labor rate is, but I would think it's more then a delivery fee. If they don't deliver, find out who the next supplier is and see if they deliver. Your supplier may be a good guy, but this is your livelihood, and unless your supplier is willing to put product on your doorstep, he's not looking out for your business. It's a hard call to make, but this is where you can see just how strong your relationship is with this person.
3. Hire an errand boy for minimum wage, after school a few days a week.

Another reason why you may not see many retailers online is because shipping is almost always required, and companies like UPS and Fedex don't like to transport this king of stuff.

Thanks. You just triggered a couple thoughts.

[dixie1776]

no, he only has RUBBERSEAL, but as far as primer goes, he has some good 2k, and some decent clear, i haven't tried him on anything else, as i do perfer Dupont. He normally ships UPS. ( check out the rubberseal website and let me know if your interested) for everyone else--i have NO ties to rubberseal

[55chevrolet]

http://www.bakerpbe.com/

I haven't bought from them but have talk to them.
They seem like decent people. I called about the SPI line.

[Ranchero_65]

I buy some stuff from this place http://www.autopaintdirect.com/
They sale Vaspar and HOK . Larry the guy that runs it seems like a nice guy .
I also use Kirker and so far have been pleased with it . I wouldn't use the spi if they give it to me .

[88GT]

Checked the last 2 sites. No Dupont. The 2-1-1 Valspar clear for $200 a gallon is tempting. If that was Duponts 72500 I would be on it like stink on s**t.
Thanks anyway. Anyone else?

[88GT]

My jobber finally agreed to deliver to my shop. Wouldn't have ever been an issue at all if I didn't live in BFE, but as long as I don't need it right away, they can deliver in a few days. Priced the 72500S as well. Almost $400 for just over 6 sprayable quarts. I hear it's worth it though

[CoolasIce]

Ranchero says,

I wouldn't use the spi if they give it to me .

I concur.

[Jayson M]

what is so bad about it or is it the owner is a real no it all class act

[Auto Concepts]

I use SPI on a daily basis in my shop and I haven't found anything better.
Bob