Team Penguin (TP) were looking for a way to supply the expansion of their business and found a better way.
Owned by Paul, Team Penguin has been servicing residential clients across the Southern Highlands in NSW for five years, with two vans on the road.
Initially, Paul faced numerous challenges with suppliers, including inconsistent pricing, bulk purchasing demands, and a high initial investment to get started.
Inconsistent Pricing
TP was often quoted higher prices compared to other plumbers for the same parts, and found that prices could change from one order to the next depending on how, when, or where the order was placed. Whether it was ordering online, picking up from a different branch, or returning after a delay, the costs shifted. This inconsistency meant Paul and his team wasted hours afterhours rechecking invoices against quoted prices — time better spent on actual jobs.
The Inconsistent Pricing Trap
One week it’s $12. Next week it’s $16. And if you go to a different branch or order online — another story entirely.
You waste hours checking invoices against quotes.
Forge says enough. Transparent pricing. No surprises.
Bulk Purchasing Requirements
Suppliers required large quantity purchases to provide lower prices, which TP couldn’t manage during its initial growth phase.
High Initial Investment
Upon deciding to go full-time, Paul needed a substantial capital investment for stocking supplies. Other suppliers were inflexible with payment plans, posing a significant hurdle for TP’s expansion.
Solution: Forge Plumbing
When Paul turned to Forge Plumbing, they offered immediate support by providing a flexible payment plan that suited TP’s financial situation. This enabled TP to upscale their business efficiently.
“At a crucial stage of my business growth, I needed stock to equip my van, but no one was supportive. Forge were.”
Business Impact
Time Savings:
By partnering with Forge Plumbing, TP reduced the need for frequent store visits, allowing Paul and his team to focus more on completing jobs rather than sourcing parts.
Cost Efficiency:
As a direct manufacturer and exclusive supplier to licensed plumbers, Forge keeps overheads low — no flashy showroom, no gimmicky carpark — and passes those savings straight on. Their pricing structure protects plumber margins by keeping materials affordable, and unlike traditional suppliers, Forge doesn’t expose trade prices to the public. Because as Forge says: “You didn’t spend four years at trade school to just charge out your hours. Get back to the good old days of making money on your materials.”
Reliable Stock Management:
With Forge’s support, TP now has the necessary materials on hand, reducing last-minute store runs and ensuring job continuity.
Supportive Replacement Process:
Unlike other suppliers, Forge supports TP by allowing them to replace faulty parts themselves rather than sending out their own plumbers, saving time and maintaining customer satisfaction.
“Whatever we can get from Forge, we do. They’ve made our business model so much easier. We no longer make 3–4 trips a day for missing parts. With Forge, we’re always stocked and ready."
The Forge Way
Streamlined Stock Ordering:
Forge’s online ordering system simplifies stock management and ensures timely delivery.
Cost Savings:
Exclusive pricing for licensed plumbers helps TP reduce material costs significantly while protecting their margins.
Reliable Supply:
Forge’s dependable delivery system means TP always has the necessary supplies on hand, eliminating project delays.
In Forge Plumbing, TP has found a reliable supplier who supports their growth, understands their needs, and provides flexible solutions. Forge has not only made TP’s operations more efficient but also significantly contributed to their profitability and business expansion goals.
For more information on how Forge Plumbing can support your business, visit forgeplumbing.com.au or
contact us at 1300 120 100 or [email protected]