The Same Old Problem

Some years ago, when independent kitchen retailers sold a kitchen it was a reasonably straightforward affair. What customers saw on display was usually what they chose. A design was created and quotation prepared and, if everything went well, within a few weeks the job was probably wrapped up and the money in the till.

How different it is today. For many independent kitchen retailers it is now quite rare for a customer to simply just want to buy a new kitchen. With the current trend towards ‘improve not move’, a new kitchen extension is now one of the most common drivers of kitchen sales. In a recent survey, undertaken by a leading independent kitchen retailer, 89 per cent of kitchen sales over a year were due to a new extension or building work. What impact is this having on kitchen retailers, and why does it matter?

One result of this trend is the extended lead time from first customer contact through to job completion. This has now gone from typically a few weeks to often many, many months and in some cases more than a year. Kitchen designs are now being created based upon architects drawings, and retailers are having to work alongside architects and builders, agreeing the placement of utility services and the positioning of window and door openings in order to create a better kitchen space.

In short, the whole process has become much more complicated and time consuming for retailers. Typically all this expert advice, numerous site visits and design service is given free of charge and with no assurance that at the end of the process the retailer will get the kitchen order, or even if the customer will get planning permission. I know, speaking to many retailers, that this situation is putting terrific strain on their businesses and, due to extended lead times, is adversely effecting cash flow.

Serious consideration now needs to be given to whether retailers should charge for their kitchen design service. At least by doing so, the designer is getting a commitment from the customer. I have met some retailers who are now refusing to undertake any kitchen design work if planning permission has not first been granted, but even once it is in place, in my view it is not unreasonable to charge a customer around £500 for a kitchen design.

I would be interested to hear what other kitchen retailers think?

For more information about the KBBG, call Bill Miller, Managing Director on 07887 247 811 or email b.miller@derkreis.co.uk or visit the website at www.kbbg.co.uk

Ends

Image: Bill Miller, Managing Director of KBBG

Note for editors:

The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group UK is a new organisation set up to support the business of the independent kitchen specialist. Part of the renowned DER KREIS, Europe’s leading kitchen and bathroom buying group, the company has over thirty years’ experience and a turnover in excess of 2.2 billion Euros. Currently operating in nine countries with over 2,700 members, the group provides a range of exclusive tailored benefits and services to support and increase the success of each independent kitchen specialist in an effort to stay ahead of the competition and to promote the success of individual businesses.

For further press information please contact:

Claire at jmm PR

Tel: 01536 414555

Email: claire@jmmpr.co.uk

24th March 2016

Categories

Archives

Recent Posts

  • Instantor Press System Now Available at Spinks
    In Instantor
    Instantor has increased the availability of its market-leading press solutions by partnering with AE Spink Ltd., known in the trade as Spinks. Established in 1926, the same year as Instantor, Spinks is a family-run business that operates four plumbing and heating branches, two building supplies and brick centres, three bathroom showrooms, and a dedicated renewables centre. […]
  • Simon Acres Group Shares Industry Action Plan Following KBB Futures Roundtable
    In Simon Acres Group Limited
    Specialist recruitment consultancy and online training provider, Simon Acres Group Limited, unveils the outcomes from the second edition of its KBB Futures roundtable event. With InstallerSHOW as the Associate Host, the discussion was chaired by Amanda Hughes and sponsored by Blanco and Trojan Baths. KBB Futures brought manufacturers, retailers, industry associations and other inspiring leaders together to address the skills gap, improve recruitment, strengthen retention and foster meaningful collaboration across a fragmented industry. […]
  • Instantor Celebrates 100 Years of Innovation at InstallerShow 2026
    In Instantor
    Instantor, market-leaders in press solutions, marked its 100th anniversary at InstallerSHOW 2026, commemorating a century of innovation. The company, which invented and patented the original brass compression fitting in 1926, showcased it’s latest plumbing and heating ranges. The stand was the biggest in Instantor’s history, providing a platform to celebrate the milestone with an interactive game that gave installers the opportunity to win a brand new press tool. Stand 5D22 also featured a special 100 year celebration wall and video to showcase key moments throughout the company’s history, plus a visitor bar serving refreshments each afternoon. […]
  • Instantor Inside to Provide OEMs with Expertly Engineered Solutions
    In Instantor
    Instantor, market-leaders in press solutions, has brought its proven OEM engineering services under a new ‘Instantor Inside’ brand. The company, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, has been working in partnership with other plumbing and heating product manufacturers for many years to proactively solve their engineering challenges. […]
  • Instantor R-Press Fittings Now Available Through RSL GROUP Wholesalers
    In Instantor
    Instantor, market-leaders in press solutions, has expanded its network of stockists for its R-Press fittings, providing ACR installers with a safer and faster way to join pipework. The innovative range is now available through RSL GROUP Wholesalers, who specialise in supplying air conditioning, refrigeration, heat pump, tools and accessory products to the trade. […]