T.P.S. (Trade Parts Specialists)

[bluezie]

Most of us know about TPS, which was set up to supply the trade with genuine VW parts. But they did deal with a certain amount of retail across their trade counters, and if asked if you were trade, a simple 'yes' would suffice.
Then COVID hit, all the trade counters shut, no new trade accounts were opened, so they became a totally closed shop dealing only with their existing customers. As things opened up, they were strictly only dealing with trade, and I assumed this was for ever, but recently on here I have seen plenty of cases of people obtaining parts from TPS. Does anyone know what's going on? Are certain branches tuning a blind eye, if so which ones? Have they all opened up to retail? Are people bullshytting they are trade with no evidence?
What criteria do TPS set for trade? ie-
VAT registered garage,
Non VAT registered garage,
Semi trade, as in a business that maintains their own fleet.
Semi trade, as in a sole trader maintaining their vehicle.

 

[RobertO2023]

As far as I know TPS require an approved trade account. Either a trade account with 30 day credit facility or trade account with payment at time of order. I’m not aware of a non approved accounts for retail customers?

 

[MK2Golf24v]

Aberdeen TPS will deal with non trade no problem, always has done.

 

[RobertO2023]

Aberdeen TPS will deal with non trade no problem, always has done.

Aberdeen TPS will deal with non trade no problem, always has done.

Ah…I agree on that .My account gives trade prices. Non approved accounts can go to any TPS and get parts at retail prices that makes sense

 

[Wills]

Chester are always helpful. I ring up asking for a quote with the part number. Never an issue…

 

[MK2Golf24v]

Ah…I agree on that .My account gives trade prices. Non approved accounts can go to any TPS and get parts at retail prices that makes sense

It’s not “retail” You still get it cheaper than buying from the dealer parts dept. And usually a discount applied too.

 

[Pauly]

I think it’s hit and miss and branch dependant, strictly speaking they are trade only and believe this is the narrative they are fed from HQ but like all businesses they are given sales targets and under pressure to perform so lots of branches will have a cash account or a placeholder account they use for retail sales, you just got to try your luck and see what they say

 

[tommy_t6.1]

I've used the TPS in Trafford MCR for a few bits and never been asked for any credentials!

 

[Dellmassive]

i have a cash account with my local TPS. . . setup last year.

applied as a "Semi trade, as in a business that maintains their own fleet." - but then they phoned me and asked about the fleet size and expected spend per anum. . .

fleet of two and not much i replied.

after a short chat with the manager he was happy to set me up an account with no credit etc. . .we have an account number.

funnily enough we haven't actually used them as yet.

.

 

[bluezie]

Well, just tried it on with two different TPS again, and they were adamant they will not sell to anyone except registered garages, and they must be account holders.
Being 'semi trade' ie running a fleet for a business didn't sway them. Seems like it's game over with TPS, unless you have had a long standing 'agreement' going on.

 

[RobertO2023]

I hear that TPS have tightened their policies now only supplying actual garages / workshops. No doubt someone will tell me differently?