In this blog, we’re staying in the DIY sector and exploring Screwfix, another strong store in the DIY and trades category, and one that’s very similar to Toolstation in structure and sourcing potential.
If you found value in our Toolstation guide, you’ll likely appreciate the opportunities Screwfix offers. It follows much the same model, an online first, click and collect retailer for tradespeople, with occasional in store clearance gems hiding in plain sight. Let’s dive in.
How Screwfix Works
Screwfix, like Toolstation, caters mainly to tradespeople and people who do DIY. Their stores are often tucked into retail parks or warehouse estates, featuring:
- A counter only layout most stock is stored in the back and retrieved upon request
- A digital catalogue terminal for ordering
- A small display area at the front where reduced or overstock items are occasionally placed
- An online platform with click and collect.
Sometimes you will find discount codes on their website, an excellent benefit if you’re ordering frequently for RA.
Where to Find Profitable Items
Sourcing items works similarly to Toolstation:
- In-store:
- Check the front display area for reduced items
- Look out for clearance baskets near the counter
- Sometimes products appear on isolated shelving units, branded tools or gear that have been marked down
- Online:
- Use Arbisource, price drop monitors, or manual scans to spot deals from major brands like DeWalt, Bosch, Makita, Milwaukee, Karcher, etc.
- Build click and collect orders, then visit the store to pick them up
- Be open to flipping certain items on eBay, or Marketplaces as well as Amazon.
Many of the same categories that worked in Toolstation, thermostats, locks, CCTV kits, specialty tools, also can be sourced at Screwfix.
How Clearance Works
Clearance at Screwfix is just as minimal as at Toolstation:
- Look for baskets or small shelving at the front near the counter
- A few reduced items may be scattered in the display area
- Watch for yellow or white stickers indicating markdowns
- With the small footprint, you can scan all reduced lines quickly
Its a very similar concept to Toolstation as mentioned so replicate the same strategy as Toolstation.
Best Time of Year for Screwfix
There isn’t a strong seasonal push here:
- Screwfix is non-seasonal, with just random clearance drops throughout the year
- Occasional brand promotions (e.g., Bosch or DeWalt sales) happen sporadically
- Stock turnover and clearance timing are dead stock driven, not seasonal, so staying alert year round is key
Screwfix Hacks
Apply much the same tactics you’d use in Toolstation:
- Use Click and Collect to lock in items ahead of your trip
- Keep an eye out for promotions online.
- Chat to staff at the counter—they sometimes know about incoming clearance stock
- Inspect purchased items on site before leaving.
- List certain items on other platforms like eBay or Marketplaces for higher disposal prices
Pros and Cons of Screwfix
Pros
- Very similar to Toolstation in structure and sourcing opportunity
- Great for Click and Collect
- Easy parking and quick store access
- Possible aftermarket value on non Amazon marketplaces
Cons
- Low in store clearance inventory
- Clearance items are few and rotate quickly
- Limited quantities per product in sotre.
- Not a consistent weekly hit, more of a supplementary store
Final Thoughts
Screwfix is practically a twin of Toolstation in terms of its RA model. Both offer hybrid sourcing via Click and Collect, are trade focused, and have clearance items at the front of the store.
If you’re already sourcing at Toolstation, add Screwfix to your trip if close by. Approach it the same way, use online sourcing to build your trip, check in store clearance, and leverage trade discounts where available.
It’s not a core store you’ll visit weekly, but as a supplementary stop within your RA route, Screwfix offers value and high ticket upside that’s hard to ignore.
