01 May
Luke's Editoral

We have been around for 27 years and a new generation of Plumbers is supporting Trade Only.

Plumbers Choice has been around for over 27 years now. That’s 27 years of Trade Only. We have seen many changes over the years within our industry.
We’ve seen the evolution of plumbing products, soldering transition to press, the old fashioned paper diaries disappearing with the emergence of phones and iPads, but the thing that pulls
on the heart strings the most is the changing of the guard to future generations. 

We have seen many businesses come and go, many plumbers retire but we love to see when it stays in the family. We’ve been lucky enough to deal with many plumbers who have
followed in their father’s footsteps, some have even continued the legacy for 3 generations and all have supported Trade Only.
So this Edition’s cover is dedicated to all those multi-generations plumbing companies who have passed down their business but also passed on the Trade Only legacy! 

You are all changing an industry for the better!

LUKE BOLTON
DIRECTOR, PLUMBERS CHOICE

01 Mar
Luke's Editoral

You Spoke we listened, bringing you the latest innovations in PEX Clips to the market 

Plumbers Choice has long prided itself on helping bring innovative products to the market, anything that may make plumbers’ lives easier, a job quicker or more convenient, is something we’ve always been passionate about. Working with our suppliers we are always first to put our hand up to push new items and have many Plumbers Choice exclusives due to these relationships.

We currently stock the largest range of PEX Clips on the market, wIth many exclusive to Plumbers Choice. Whether you’re after a standard 16mm, 20mm or 25mm clip, a DualPex for (convenience and to save on waste) or innovative clips for those hard to get to places, with every type of fixing method under the sun, from masonry nails, nylon anchor tap ins, timber screws or self drilling hex heads, we’ve got you covered.

Many of these ideas come from you, the plumber. No idea is silly, whether it’s big or small, we welcome innovation. Do you have an idea for a tool and don’t know how to get it to market? Think a different screw would work in a Fastanog? Feel free to reach out and we may be able to point you in the right direction.

LUKE BOLTON
DIRECTOR, PLUMBERS CHOICE

01 Jan
Luke's Editoral

WHAT DOES THE YEAR AHEAD LOOK LIKE FOR OUR PLUMBING INDUSTRY? 

2023 saw some uncertain times creep into our industry. Interest rate rises, new home builds slowing, builders going under and the cost of living increases, have started to take their toll on some plumbers and the industry. 

In these slower times Trade Only becomes even more of an imperative. Its proven that when times are getting tough and the general public feeling the pinch and licensed trade use drops. 

Not only is this a safety risk it trickles down to the plumber who loses out on work. 

What is 2024 going to bring? The industry has always had its peaks and troughs; we hope 2024 is a good year for all and for Trade Only. 

Luke Bolton
Director, Plumbers Choice

01 Nov
Luke's Editoral

ALL WE WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A TRADE ONLY INDUSTRY

What a year it has been in the plumbing industry. Plenty of plumbers have felt the pinch from the flow on effect of interest rate rises, multiple builders collapsing and cost of living increases. It’s been a tough year for many which exemplifies the need to look after our livelihood and push for a Trade Only industry. Anything sold to a builder or the general public is money out of the plumbers’ pocket through missing work due to a DIY job, or missing the opportunity to add your mark-up on supplies.

We here at Plumbers Choice appreciate all the support you have given the Trade Only philosophy and us throughout 2023. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and may 2024 be a great year for our industry and Trade Only!

Luke Bolton
Director, Plumbers Choice

01 Sep
Luke's Editoral

Stick it to DIY

Its estimated 34% of plumbing goods are still sold to the general public. Which clearly reflects the amount of unlicensed, unsafe plumbing work still being completed by DIYers. 

We at Plumbers Choice know you, the plumbers, have bought into Trade Only. You clearly see the benefits to yourself, the industry and the community. But with so much DIY plumbing work still taking place the message is obviously not clear to everyone else. 

So it’s time to spread the word. And you can get your hands on a $500 Plumbers Choice Gift Voucher by doing so. We have included a “Stay safe, call a Licensed Plumber” sticker with every edition of this magazine. 

Simply stick your sticker on your truck, the local hardware counter, or heck, even your apprentice and then send a photo of where you’ve stuck it to: [email protected] before October 31st 2023 for your chance to win! 

Let’s stick it to DIY and support Trade Only! 

Luke Bolton
Director, Plumbers Choice

01 Jul
Luke's Editoral

Is Trade Only clear to you?

Plumbers Choice first opened its doors in 1996. Back then many plumbers din’t understand the Trade Only concepts they couldn’t see the benefit to both themselves and the industry as a whole, that supporting Trade Only not only protected the community but also their own livelihoods.

Back in the ’90’s when we started the Trade Only message, Magic Eye books were new and exciting. If you focused on the image enough you would see the hidden image emerge. Our front cover of this Edition is not only a nostalgic representation of when we started but it also represents how many of you can now clearly see the benefits of Trade Only.

We want to thank all you plumbers who support Trade Only. We were the original Trade Only Plumbing Supplier in Australia but with your support for the cause we have now seen other Merchants becoming Trade Only which is great for you, and the industry itself!

24 May
Luke's Editoral

Natural gas is an excellent transitional fuel

Natural gas is an excellent transitional fuel that can complement renewable energy sources, especially for households that use gas for cooking in the evening when the sun isn’t shining.

Natural gas is a relatively clean burning fossil fuel compared to coal and oil, releasing 50% less pollutants and greenhouse gases. It is also abundant and affordable, making it a reliable energy source while countries work to expand renewable energy production. Its low cost and availability mean it can help reduce electricity prices, making it a responsible and sensible choice for households.

Additionally, the gas infrastructure that has already been paid for (both financially and in carbon inputs) takes pressure off our electrical network that will come under increasing load in the coming years as we transition to renewables.

Of course, at Plumbers Choice we protect plumbers and gas fitters who are doing this important work by never selling to the general public.

Our goal is to change the way plumbing goods are sold in Australia to a Trade Only Industry

LUKE BOLTON
DIRECTOR, PLUMBERS CHOICE

01 Mar
Luke's Editoral

Trade Only isn’t just a marketing ploy, it’s our goal.

To change the way plumbing supplies are sold in Australia to a trade only industry.

And sometimes that’s not all peachy. Every week we knock back sales, deal with the public wasting our time, put up with builders getting abusive that we won’t sell to them and receive negative reviews like the example on the cover.

You need to show ID to buy alcohol, you need a licence to buy a gun, heck, you even need a permit to keep a blue tongue lizard as a pet. So how is it still not required to have a plumbing licence to buy plumbing supplies.

Help us fight the good fight, support trade only suppliers and let’s make Trade Only the industry standard to keep Ren from doing DIY plumbing and Ren’s son off the booze!

LUKE BOLTON
DIRECTOR, PLUMBERS CHOICE

01 Jan
Luke's Editoral

Its a New Year but we have the same goal

To change the way plumbing supplies are sold in Australia, to a trade only industry.

NO DIY is something Plumbers Choice is very passionate about. Many people don’t believe we turn away weekend warriors, home handymen, builders and more each and every day. 

In Australia over 3,300 people are hospitalised each year as a result of doing DIY work. With a large number of these being plumbing work. 

So while some suppliers are after a quick buck and will sell to anyone, our Trade Only policy is extremely strict.

A quick buck is not worth a life, nor is it worth ruining our industry. We want to support those who support us and try to help ensure there are not only less DIY deaths but plumbers’ livelihoods are protected too so the industry can be as strong as ever for the next generation of plumbers.

LUKE BOLTON
DIRECTOR, PLUMBERS CHOICE

01 Nov
Luke's Editoral

Next Generation Plumbers’

Plumbers Choice has been proudly Trade Only since we opened our doors. Only selling to licensed plumbers is not only our way to support the industry but our way to help the industry grow and protect its future.

The future of plumbing is in the next generation of plumbers’ hands, so what better way to promote the plumbing industry to our future generations of plumbers than with a Christmas themed colouring competition!

To enter, simply send a photo of your next generation plumber with their coloured in front cover of this magazine to [email protected] and place an order with Plumbers Choice before December 31st 2022.

A winner will be drawn on January 13th 2023 with a $50 Toyworld voucher going to our next generation plumber and a $250 Plumbers Choice voucher to their current generation plumber. So big kids, little kids and our industry are all winners!

LUKE BOLTON
DIRECTOR, PLUMBERS CHOICE