Just my two cents... I was always under the impression that copper was a commodity and price was driven by the market? I don't know HD could get a better price then a supply house weather they bought volume or not. I do know that when they sell copper, like gasoline, they are selling for the price it is going to cost to replace the product, not what they had paid for it.
As far as supply houses, I like the convience of faxing orders to them and having 95% accuracy of what I was looking for.
The supply house is also great for 24 hour service. I have had little luck getting help in HD when they are open let alone 2 in the morning and I need something for an emergency.
We do pay a little more at the supply house but I feel that it is justifyable for the service, as mentioned, that they provide.
Thats all
Safety First!
