As a professional contractor, time is money. Between managing multiple job sites, juggling subcontractors, and keeping clients happy, you don‘t have time to waste chasing down materials and negotiating with multiple suppliers. That‘s where Lowe‘s Pro Desk comes in.
Designed specifically for the needs of professional contractors, builders, installers, and other trades, Lowe‘s Pro Desk offers an array of services to help you work smarter, not harder. From dedicated account reps and customized pricing to jobsite delivery and online ordering, Lowe‘s Pro Desk has you covered.
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know about Lowe‘s Pro Desk services and Pro loyalty program. Learn how to access Pro-exclusive benefits, stretch your budget further with volume discounts, and streamline your purchasing to keep your projects on track and your profits growing. Let‘s get into it!
The Contractor Market is Booming, and So Are Pro Services
The market for professional contractor services is huge and growing fast. According to a report from Harvard‘s Joint Center for Housing Studies, the home improvement market hit $567 billion in 2022, with professional contractors performing over half of that work.
As more homeowners invest in remodeling and renovation projects, contractors are busier than ever. But with increased demand comes increased competition. To stand out and keep winning bids, contractors need every advantage they can get to work efficiently and keep costs down. That‘s where Pro loyalty programs like Lowe‘s Pro Desk come in.
Originally launched in 2020, Lowe‘s revamped and expanded their Pro Desk program in 2022 to better cater to the needs of professional customers. And it‘s no wonder – Pro sales make up roughly 30% of Lowe‘s total revenue, accounting for over $30 billion a year.
By investing in Pro Desk services, Lowe‘s aims to become the preferred one-stop shop for Pros. "We want to make sure we have the inventory in stock, the brands pros love and trust, the service levels and the turnaround time," said Fred Stokes, Lowe‘s Senior Vice President of Pro Sales and Services.
What Can Lowe‘s Pro Desk Do For Your Business?
So what exactly can you expect from Lowe‘s Pro Desk services? While features vary somewhat by location, most Pro Desks offer:
- Dedicated staff of Pro account reps to provide personalized service
- Customized pricing and volume discounts up to 50% off
- Bulk ordering with Pro Packs and job lot quantities
- Quotes and estimates for large projects
- Enhanced expense tracking across locations and crews
- Same-day and five-day guaranteed delivery to your jobsite or shop
- 30-day payment terms and flexible financing options
- Advance order pulling and priority pro loading
- Specialty product sourcing and SOS ordering
- Tax exemption assistance for qualifying purchases
- Exclusive Pro-only deals and promotions
Think of the Pro Desk like your trusty toolbelt – it‘s there to make your job easier. With a single point of contact for all your needs, you can say goodbye to supply headaches and hello to more billable hours.
One of the biggest advantages of using Lowe‘s Pro Desk is the sheer breadth of products available to Pros. Lowe‘s stocks over 2,000 Pro-grade brands across categories like lumber, building materials, hardware, electrical, plumbing, paint, flooring, millwork, and tools.
From DeWalt and Bosch power tools to Trex decking and Owens Corning insulation, Lowe‘s carries the trusted brands contractors know and love. "I‘m confident I can source 95% of what I need for any job from my local Lowe‘s Pro Desk," said Matt Carr, a general contractor and longtime Pro customer. "They make it so convenient."
Get Rewarded For Loyalty With myLowe‘s Pro Tiers
The more you spend with Lowe‘s, the more you save and earn. Lowe‘s tiered Pro loyalty program, myLowe‘s Pro, lets you unlock incremental rewards and benefits as your annual purchasing volume grows.
The tiers break down as follows:
| Tier | Annual Spend | Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | Under $10K | Baseline 5% off, some volume pricing |
| Pro Loyalty | $10K – $25K | Extra 5-10% off paints, free drinks/snacks, bonus gifts |
| Pro Business | $25K – $100K | Extra 10-20% off, dedicated biz rep, exclusive deals |
| Pro Platinum | $100K+ | Max 20% off, largest discounts, concierge service |
As you can see, the savings really add up for high volume spenders. Let‘s say you‘re a Pro Platinum customer who spends $250,000 a year with Lowe‘s. With an average 20% discount, you could save $50,000 annually – enough to hire another crew member or upgrade your truck fleet.
Even at the lower tiers, perks like free coffee and snacks can make early morning supply runs a little easier. "It‘s a small thing, but grabbing a free Gatorade on the way to my first job site of the day is a nice bonus," said Luis Morales, an electrician and Pro Loyalty member.
How Does Lowe‘s Pro Stack Up Against The Competition?
Of course, Lowe‘s isn‘t the only home improvement retailer courting professional contractors. Their biggest rival, The Home Depot, also offers a robust Pro Xtra loyalty program. So how do the two compare? Let‘s break it down:
| Feature | Lowe‘s Pro | Home Depot Pro Xtra |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | 5-50% off, bulk/volume | Scaled discounts, bulk pricing |
| Tiers | 4 levels based on spend | 3 levels plus Pro Black VIP |
| Brands | 2,000+ Pro brands | 2,500+ Pro brands |
| Delivery | 2-30 day options | 2-5 day options |
| Financing | 5% off Lowe‘s accounts, Pro card | 0% for 60 days on $299+, Pro card |
| App Features | Real-time stock check, custom lists | Real-time stock check, reorder lists |
| Rewards | Annual rewards gift card | Earn $20 per $1000 in form of eGift cards |
| Exclusive Promos | Pro Appreciation Events, giveaways | Pro Appreciation Month, sweepstakes |
As you can see, both retailers offer fairly comparable Pro loyalty programs, with a few key differences:
- Lowe‘s offers slightly better discounts for high volume orders
- Home Depot carries more Pro-focused brands overall
- Home Depot has faster guaranteed delivery options
- Lowe‘s offers annual gift card rewards, while Home Depot has an eGift card program
- Lowe‘s lets you save 5% everyday on purchases with their Business Account
Ultimately, the best Pro desk for you will likely come down to location and personal preference. If you have a conveniently located Lowe‘s with an exceptionally helpful Pro staff, that may be your best bet. But if you‘re a diehard Milwaukee tool fan, you may prefer Home Depot‘s selection.
Of course, you don‘t have to be monogamous with your home improvement retailer. Many savvy Pros belong to both Lowe‘s and Home Depot‘s programs to maximize selection, availability, and savings.
Pro Tips For Making The Most of Lowe‘s Pro Desk
To get the most mileage out of your Lowe‘s Pro Desk membership, keep these expert tips in mind:
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Get to know your Pro staff and don‘t hesitate to tap their expertise. My Lowe‘s Pro rep is almost like another member of my crew – always looking out for deals and letting me know when key products are back in stock.
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Ask about setting up a Tax Exempt Account if you have a valid state reseller permit or qualify for other exemptions. No sense paying sales tax on materials you‘re going to mark up anyway!
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Use the Lowe‘s For Pros mobile app to easily place orders, create custom shopping lists, and check real-time inventory. You can even scan an item in-store to add it to a job list for future reference.
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Take advantage of interest-free financing options to better manage cash flow, especially on bigger jobs with a lot of upfront material costs. Lowe‘s Business Account holders can save 5% everyday on purchases.
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If lead times are tight, ask the Pro Desk about SOS (Special Order Sales) options. They can often expedite items from other stores or suppliers to keep your project on track.
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Attend Pro-only events like demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and appreciation days. They‘re a great opportunity to see new products in action, network with other Pros, and score some free gear.
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Always pay with your registered Pro account to ensure you‘re getting appropriate discounts and earning credit towards your annual spending tier.
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Don‘t be afraid to special order items in larger quantities to maximize volume pricing. Lowe‘s is usually happy to store and deliver bulk orders to your shop or jobsite as needed.
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Check your local store‘s Pro desk hours, as they often open earlier than the main store to accommodate early-bird contractors. Some Lowe‘s even have a dedicated Pro loading area for fast pickups.
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Safety first! Don‘t forget to take advantage of Lowe‘s free truck rentals for hauling larger loads. Your back (and your insurance premiums) will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lowe‘s Pro Desk
Still have burning questions about how Lowe‘s Pro Desk works? We‘ve got answers to some of the most common FAQs:
Q: How do I sign up for a Lowe‘s Pro account?
A: You can sign up online at Lowes.com/pro or in-person at your local Lowe‘s Pro Desk. You‘ll need to provide some basic information about your business, like your company name, address, and tax ID number.
Q: Is there a fee to join Lowe‘s Pro?
A: Nope, signing up for a Lowe‘s Pro account is totally free. You just need to meet the eligibility requirements, which usually means proving you‘re a licensed contractor or professional tradesperson.
Q: What kind of discounts can I expect with Lowe‘s Pro?
A: Lowe‘s offers Pro members tiered discounts ranging from 5-50% off, depending on the category and your annual spend volume. Generally, the more you buy, the more you save. Pro accounts also get access to special volume pricing on bulk orders.
Q: How does Lowe‘s Pro differ from a regular Lowe‘s consumer account?
A: Lowe‘s Pro accounts offer a range of exclusive benefits beyond what regular shoppers get, like dedicated service reps, volume pricing, jobsite delivery, extended terms and financing, Pro-only promotions, and more. It‘s a higher level of service tailored to the unique needs of contractors and professionals.
Q: Can anyone use my Lowe‘s Pro account, or is it just for me?
A: You can add authorized users to your Lowe‘s Pro account, like employees or crew members. This allows them to make purchases on your company‘s behalf while still earning rewards under your master account. However, you are still responsible for any charges made.
Q: What forms of payment does Lowe‘s Pro accept?
A: Lowe‘s Pro Desk accepts most major credit cards, debit cards, Lowe‘s gift cards, Lowe‘s Accounts Receivable, and Lowe‘s Business Account Cards. They also offer flexible financing options for larger purchases, like 5% off every day with the Lowe‘s Business Account.
Q: How does Lowe‘s Pro handle returns and exchanges?
A: Lowe‘s offers a generous 90-day return policy for most Pro purchases. You can return items in-store or by mail, with or without a receipt. Lowe‘s also offers exchanges on defective or damaged items within 30 days, no questions asked. Some exceptions apply for clearance, used, or special order items.
The Bottom Line on Lowe‘s Pro Desk
Whether you‘re a solo handyman or a large contracting firm, Lowe‘s Pro Desk services can help you save time, money, and headaches on all your material sourcing needs. With competitive volume pricing, convenient jobsite delivery, dedicated account reps, and a slew of other Pro-centric perks, Lowe‘s aims to be every contractor‘s one-stop-shop.
Sure, you may pay a smidge more than buying from bare-bones suppliers or big box stores without Pro programs. But for most Pros, the time saved and frustrations avoided are well worth any negligible difference in upfront costs. Plus, with Lowe‘s Pro tiered discounts and annual rewards, you can quickly earn back any premium paid.
In the world of contracting, time is money, and reputation is everything. Lowe‘s Pro Desk gives you the tools (literal and figurative) to maximize both. From ensuring you have the right materials in hand to meet tough client deadlines, to helping you stay under budget with volume discounts, Lowe‘s Pro Desk is in the business of making you look good and keeping your bottom line strong.
As the saying goes, work smarter, not harder. In today‘s competitive contracting market, can you afford not to put Lowe‘s Pro Desk expertise to work for your business?
To learn more about setting up a Lowe‘s Pro account and unlocking Pro-only perks, swing by your local Lowe‘s Pro Desk or visit Lowes.com/pro. Your future self (and your accountant) will thank you.
