Where handymen buy
Handymen live at the big-box stores, so the pro program is worth joining on day one.
| Supplier | Type | What their own site says | Pro program |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Home Depot | Retailer | Calls itself the world's largest home improvement retailer, with more than 2,300 stores across North America. | Pro Xtra |
| Lowe's | Retailer | Runs MyLowe's Pro Rewards for small and mid-sized pros, with points from the first dollar spent. | MyLowe's Pro Rewards |
| ABC Supply Interiors (formerly L&W Supply) | Distributor | Interior building materials with over 270 branches nationwide. | Ask at the counter |
From each supplier's own site on the date in the sources; call your branch before you plan around it.
Your counter list
The items handymen buy every week, from the van stock on our tools list. Ask each supplier for a price on these first; they decide which account saves you the most.
| Item | Why it is on the list |
|---|---|
| Screws, anchors and nails | Every job |
| Caulk, spackle and touch-up paint | Finishing |
| Toilet parts: flappers, fill valves, wax rings | The most common small plumbing calls |
| Outlets, switches and cover plates | Small electrical jobs where allowed |
| Furnace filters and smoke alarm batteries | Easy add-ons on every visit |
For the first order, price the starter kit too: cordless drill, impact driver and batteries; circular saw and oscillating multi-tool; hand tools: hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches and a utility knife; level, tape measure, stud finder and a square; non-contact voltage tester; step ladder; multi-position ladder; drywall patch tools; caulk gun, putty knives and a shop vacuum. Bigger purchases to price at a dealer or rental house: miter saw; tile tools; plumbing basics: basin wrench, auger and pex tools; air compressor and brad nailer; work trailer or van shelving.
Opening a trade account
Bring your business name, tax ID and license number, and a credit application if you want terms. The big-box programs are compared row by row on Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro. For the tools themselves, the handyman tools list has prices read on the makers' own sites (Fluke, Little Giant, Bon Tool).
When supplier prices change
Update your handyman price list the same week a supplier raises prices. In Koira, that price list is what your estimates are built from.
Sources
- The Home Depot: About, checked October 9, 2026
- Lowe's: MyLowe's Pro Rewards announcement, checked October 9, 2026
- ABC Supply Interiors: About, checked October 9, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.