Copper Fitting Price Increase: What a Plumber Can Check
A copper fitting price increase tracks the copper market more tightly than anything else you buy. Here is the mechanism, the index, and how to check yours.
By Reena10 min read
The invoice desk, page 3
Electrical Gear Lead Time and Price Escalation Exposure
Electrical gear lead time turns into price escalation exposure the day you sign. Here is how price protection actually works on panels, breakers, and gear.
By Reena12 min read
Conduit Price Increase: What Drives EMT, Rigid, and PVC
A conduit price increase starts with steel, aluminum, or PVC resin, not your rep. Here is what moves EMT, rigid, and PVC pricing, and how to check yours.
By Reena10 min read
Wire Price Increases: Romex, THHN and MC Cable Ranked
A wire price increase hits every electrical contractor differently. Romex, THHN and MC cable move at different speeds. Here is the 2026 ranking, and why.
By Reena10 min read
How Copper Prices Move Wire Prices at Your Supply House
The copper price effect on wire prices every contractor feels: how a move at the mill reaches your counter price, why it lags, and what the BLS data shows.
By Reena9 min read
The Contractor's Guide to Trade Material Costs in 2026
A trade material costs guide for contractors: what BLS index data says about electrical, plumbing and HVAC material in 2026, and which lines to watch.
By Reena11 min read
Who Gets the Rebate, the Distributor or the Contractor?
Who gets the rebate, the distributor or the contractor? Mostly the distributor, and mostly by design. Here is how the money moves and what reaches your price.
By Alex9 min read
Stacking HVAC Rebates: Utility and Federal Rules
Stacking HVAC rebates from utility and federal programs is allowed but rule-bound. Here is what breaks a stack, and how to write the estimate so it holds.
By Alex9 min read
Contractor Manufacturer Rebate Programs You Never Claim
A contractor manufacturer rebate program pays for work you already did. Here is why claims lapse, which rebates were never yours, and what to keep on file.
By Alex10 min read
HVAC and Plumbing Distributor Buying Groups Explained
HARDI, ASA and BLUE HAWK sit behind your pricing. Here is what an HVAC or plumbing distributor buying group negotiates, and what it never negotiates for you.
By Alex9 min read
Electrical Buying Groups: IMARK, Affiliated Distributors
An electrical buying group like IMARK or Affiliated Distributors sets what your supply house pays. Here is who these groups are and how they reach your price.
By Alex8 min read
Distributor Rebates and Contractor Pricing: Who Gets What
Distributor rebates drive contractor pricing more than negotiation does. Here is where SPA, buying group and loyalty rebate money goes, and what reaches you.
By Alex9 min read