From Click to Fix: The State of Delivery in the UK Trade Sector

UK Hardware and DIY Retailers are still lagging behind when it comes to delivery

  • Fewer than 1 in 4 (22%) of hardware and DIY businesses offer same-day delivery, which could be contributing to project delays
  • Average price of delivery in the sector is £19
  • Businesses using delivery partners often achieve lower costs £17

Note: Most up to date data available as per Feb 2025

Conducted by Gophr Trade, Gophr’s specialist delivery service for the construction and DIY industry

Delivery speeds offered by major hardware and DIY retailers

Same day:

22%

Next day:

32%

2 days+:

22%

No
Guarantee:

23%

Source: Gophr research

“The lack of same-day options represents a missed revenue opportunity for hardware and DIY retailers, especially given the time-critical nature of projects and the importance of meeting national housing targets."

Implementing same-day delivery is often simpler than perceived. Existing branch networks for multi-store retailers, already supporting next-day delivery and click-and-collect, facilitate a straightforward transition. Same-day delivery offers significant value in the hardware and DIY sector. Construction projects often rely on just-in-time schedules, where even minor delays can impact profitability.”

Graham Smith, Strategic Accounts Director at Gophr

UK HARDWARE & DIY BUSINESSES ANALYSED

64 RetailersTotal Audited

29 Independent Retailers

35 Group Owned Retailers

WHICH TYPES OF HARDWARE AND DIY DELIVER FASTEST

#1  PAINTING & DECORATING SUPPLIES

  • 75% Same Day
  • 25% Next Day
  • £5.48 average delivery charge

#2  TOOL HIRE & EQUIPMENT RENTAL

  • 50% Same Day
  • 50% Next Day
  • £15.00 average delivery charge

#3  PLUMBING & HEATING SUPPLIES

  • 33% Same Day
  • 17% Next Day
  • £7 average delivery charge

#4  ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTORS

  • 28% Same Day
  • 35% Next Day
  • £6.68 average delivery charge

INDEPENDENT VS GROUP OWNED RETAILERS
HOW DO THEY MEASURE UP

OFFERS SAME OR NEXT DAY DELIVERY

  • 51 % INDEPENDENT
  • 57% GROUP

OFFERS TWO DAYS OR LONGER

  • 49% INDEPENDENT
  • 43% GROUP

DELIVERS VIA LOGISTICS PARTNERS

  • 28 % INDEPENDENT
  • 49% GROUP

DELIVERS VIA OWNED DELIVERY FLEET

  • 72% INDEPENDENT
  • 51% GROUP

Looking to offer Same Day Delivery?

Gophr can help with that..

We’re one of the UK’s leading trade delivery networks, helping thousands of hardware and DIY retailers nationwide with their deliveries.

We’re also the nationwide preferred supplier for Rexel, Leyland SDM, Screwfix and more

Get in Touch

DIY and Hardware chains analysed by Gophr

64 Total businesses audited

29 Independent Retailers

35 Group owned retailers
….

Paint & Decorating Supplies

Hire & Equipment Rental

Plumbing & Heating Supplies

Electrical Wholesalers & Distributors

Safety & Workwear Supplies

Specialized Electrical & Industrial Components

Electronics & Home Appliances Retailer

Windows, Doors & Home Improvements

Roofing & Insulation Supplies

Home Improvement & DIY Retailer

Building & Construction Supplies