Quick Overview
- 1#1: Kerridge Commercial Systems - Provides comprehensive ERP solutions for plumbers and builders merchants, managing inventory, sales, purchasing, CRM, and logistics end-to-end.
- 2#2: Bluebox - Delivers EPOS, stock control, CRM, and e-commerce tailored specifically for trade counters in plumbers and builders merchants.
- 3#3: Hentec ERP - Offers modular ERP software for builders merchants handling quotes, orders, warehousing, deliveries, and financial integration.
- 4#4: Lynx - Supplies trade counter and delivery management software optimized for plumbing and building supplies merchants.
- 5#5: Codex - Provides POS, stock management, and back-office systems for independent plumbers merchants and hardware stores.
- 6#6: Vertis - Manages wholesale and branch operations for building materials merchants with inventory, pricing, and order fulfillment.
- 7#7: COINS - Delivers integrated ERP for construction distributors and plumbers merchants focusing on supply chain and project management.
- 8#8: Ideal Applications - Develops Ideal Merchant software for trade account management, stock control, and sales in plumbers merchants.
- 9#9: Proteus Software - Provides ERP for distributors and merchants with advanced inventory, order processing, and customer management features.
- 10#10: Cin7 - Offers cloud-based inventory and order management integrating multiple sales channels for growing merchants.
Tools were selected based on their ability to deliver comprehensive functionality—including inventory control, order processing, and CRM integration—paired with user-friendly design, lasting quality, and strong value, ensuring they meet the dynamic demands of modern plumbing and building supplies merchants.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top plumbers merchant software options including Kerridge Commercial Systems, Bluebox, Hentec ERP, Lynx, Codex, and more, offering insights into key features and functionalities to guide informed software selection.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kerridge Commercial Systems Provides comprehensive ERP solutions for plumbers and builders merchants, managing inventory, sales, purchasing, CRM, and logistics end-to-end. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Bluebox Delivers EPOS, stock control, CRM, and e-commerce tailored specifically for trade counters in plumbers and builders merchants. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Hentec ERP Offers modular ERP software for builders merchants handling quotes, orders, warehousing, deliveries, and financial integration. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Lynx Supplies trade counter and delivery management software optimized for plumbing and building supplies merchants. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Codex Provides POS, stock management, and back-office systems for independent plumbers merchants and hardware stores. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Vertis Manages wholesale and branch operations for building materials merchants with inventory, pricing, and order fulfillment. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | COINS Delivers integrated ERP for construction distributors and plumbers merchants focusing on supply chain and project management. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Ideal Applications Develops Ideal Merchant software for trade account management, stock control, and sales in plumbers merchants. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Proteus Software Provides ERP for distributors and merchants with advanced inventory, order processing, and customer management features. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | Cin7 Offers cloud-based inventory and order management integrating multiple sales channels for growing merchants. | other | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.1/10 |
Provides comprehensive ERP solutions for plumbers and builders merchants, managing inventory, sales, purchasing, CRM, and logistics end-to-end.
Delivers EPOS, stock control, CRM, and e-commerce tailored specifically for trade counters in plumbers and builders merchants.
Offers modular ERP software for builders merchants handling quotes, orders, warehousing, deliveries, and financial integration.
Supplies trade counter and delivery management software optimized for plumbing and building supplies merchants.
Provides POS, stock management, and back-office systems for independent plumbers merchants and hardware stores.
Manages wholesale and branch operations for building materials merchants with inventory, pricing, and order fulfillment.
Delivers integrated ERP for construction distributors and plumbers merchants focusing on supply chain and project management.
Develops Ideal Merchant software for trade account management, stock control, and sales in plumbers merchants.
Provides ERP for distributors and merchants with advanced inventory, order processing, and customer management features.
Offers cloud-based inventory and order management integrating multiple sales channels for growing merchants.
Kerridge Commercial Systems
enterpriseProvides comprehensive ERP solutions for plumbers and builders merchants, managing inventory, sales, purchasing, CRM, and logistics end-to-end.
Sophisticated pricing engine supporting customer hierarchies, quantity breaks, promotions, and rebates tailored to merchant trade complexities
Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) provides enterprise-grade ERP software like K8 and Kerridge X, tailored for plumbers merchants and builders merchants in the wholesale trade sector. It handles end-to-end operations including inventory management, multi-branch purchasing, complex order processing, customer-specific pricing, van sales, CRM, and integrated e-commerce. The platform excels in scalability for large operations, offering robust financials, reporting, and compliance tools specific to the UK merchant industry.
Pros
- Comprehensive industry-specific features for plumbers merchants like advanced pricing matrices and branch management
- Strong integration capabilities with ePoS, websites, and third-party logistics
- Proven scalability and reliability for multi-site operations with excellent UK-based support
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation for non-technical users
- High upfront costs and customization expenses
- Less intuitive interface compared to modern cloud-native SaaS alternatives
Best For
Large plumbers merchants with multiple branches requiring a full-featured, customizable ERP system.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically £25,000+ annually per site, plus implementation fees based on modules, users, and scale.
Bluebox
specializedDelivers EPOS, stock control, CRM, and e-commerce tailored specifically for trade counters in plumbers and builders merchants.
Seamless real-time synchronization between trade counter EPOS and online B2B ordering portal
Bluebox is a specialized software platform designed for plumbers merchants and builders merchants, providing integrated EPOS for trade counter sales, real-time stock management, and B2B e-commerce solutions. It supports multi-branch operations, customer-specific pricing tiers, and seamless synchronization between in-store and online channels to streamline daily operations. The system also includes CRM tools, supplier integration, and advanced reporting for informed decision-making.
Pros
- Fully integrated EPOS and B2B e-commerce for unified sales channels
- Robust multi-branch stock control and pricing management
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics tailored to merchants
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small single-branch operations
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Established plumbers merchants with multiple branches needing an all-in-one solution for trade counter, online sales, and inventory management.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically starting at £400-£600 per month for mid-sized setups, scaling with branches, users, and custom modules.
Hentec ERP
specializedOffers modular ERP software for builders merchants handling quotes, orders, warehousing, deliveries, and financial integration.
Advanced multi-depot stock control with real-time visibility and automated replenishment for plumbing product lines
Hentec ERP is a specialized enterprise resource planning software tailored for plumbers merchants, builders merchants, and heating suppliers, offering end-to-end management of inventory, sales, purchasing, and accounts. It supports multi-branch operations, trade counter POS, and e-commerce integration to streamline operations for the plumbing trade. The system excels in handling complex stock control for plumbing products like pipes, fittings, and boilers, with robust reporting for profitability analysis.
Pros
- Highly customizable inventory management with batch tracking ideal for plumbing supplies
- Strong multi-branch and trade counter POS integration
- Comprehensive reporting and profitability tools for merchants
Cons
- On-premise installation limits flexibility compared to cloud rivals
- Dated user interface requires training
- Pricing lacks transparency and requires custom quotes
Best For
Mid-sized plumbers merchants with multiple branches needing robust, sector-specific stock and sales management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically perpetual license with annual maintenance or subscription from £5,000+ depending on modules and users.
Lynx
specializedSupplies trade counter and delivery management software optimized for plumbing and building supplies merchants.
Advanced delivery and route optimization module tailored for merchant logistics and van sales
Lynx, from lynx.co.uk, is a robust ERP software tailored for plumbers merchants and builders merchants, offering end-to-end management of stock, sales, purchasing, and accounts. It supports trade counter operations, online sales via integrated e-commerce, and delivery scheduling with route optimization. Designed for the UK trade sector, it excels in handling complex inventory for plumbing, heating, and DIY supplies while integrating with major accounting systems like Sage.
Pros
- Comprehensive stock control with real-time multi-branch visibility
- Seamless integration with e-commerce platforms and accounts software
- Powerful delivery management including route optimization and proof of delivery
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small merchants
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS competitors
Best For
Mid-sized plumbers merchants with multiple branches requiring a full-featured ERP for complex inventory and logistics.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically £800-£2,500/month depending on users, modules, and deployment (cloud or on-premise).
Codex
specializedProvides POS, stock management, and back-office systems for independent plumbers merchants and hardware stores.
Sophisticated pricing matrix supporting unlimited customer tiers, quantity breaks, and promotional rules for precise trade pricing.
Codex Merchant from Codex IT is a specialized EPOS and stock management software tailored for plumbers' merchants and builders' merchants, providing real-time inventory control, trade counter sales, and purchase order processing. It supports customer account management with tiered pricing, delivery scheduling, and detailed reporting to optimize daily operations. The system integrates with e-commerce sites, accounting packages like Sage, and supplier EDI for seamless data flow.
Pros
- Comprehensive stock visibility and control across multiple branches
- Industry-proven reliability with strong supplier integrations
- Flexible pricing rules for customer groups and promotions
Cons
- Primarily desktop-based with limited mobile access
- Initial setup and training require investment
- Pricing details require direct quotes, lacking transparency
Best For
Established mid-sized plumbers' merchants needing robust, customizable stock and sales management without full cloud dependency.
Pricing
Custom pricing via quote, typically £2,000-£10,000+ initial setup plus annual support fees per site/users.
Vertis
specializedManages wholesale and branch operations for building materials merchants with inventory, pricing, and order fulfillment.
Advanced trade counter EPOS with real-time integration to central stock and pricing for high-volume merchant environments
Vertis is a specialized ERP software solution tailored for UK builders' merchants and plumbers merchants, providing end-to-end management of trade counter operations, inventory, sales, and purchasing. It integrates point-of-sale (POS), stock control, supplier management, accounts, and delivery scheduling to optimize daily workflows. Additionally, it offers a B2B e-commerce portal for trade customers to place orders online, enhancing customer engagement and sales channels.
Pros
- Highly tailored for plumbers merchants with industry-specific modules like trade counter POS and van sales
- Real-time stock visibility across multiple branches
- Integrated B2B web portal for customer self-service ordering
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users due to comprehensive feature set
- Pricing requires direct quotes and lacks public transparency
- Limited emphasis on modern mobile apps compared to newer competitors
Best For
Established mid-sized plumbers merchants in the UK seeking a robust, industry-proven ERP to manage trade counter and wholesale operations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting from £500-£1,500 per month based on modules, users, and sites; annual contracts with implementation fees.
COINS
enterpriseDelivers integrated ERP for construction distributors and plumbers merchants focusing on supply chain and project management.
Integrated branch-level inventory management with automatic stock allocation and real-time synchronization across all sales channels
COINS is a comprehensive ERP platform tailored for builders' and plumbers' merchants, providing end-to-end management of inventory, sales, purchasing, CRM, and financials across multiple branches. It offers real-time stock visibility, trade counter POS, e-commerce integration, and advanced business intelligence tools to streamline operations. Designed for the building supply industry, it supports complex pricing, promotions, and supplier management specific to plumbers merchants.
Pros
- Industry-specific modules for plumbers merchants including branch stock control and trade counter sales
- Robust integration with e-commerce and mobile warehouse apps for real-time efficiency
- Powerful BI and reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive functionality
- High implementation costs and time for setup
- Pricing can be prohibitive for smaller merchants
Best For
Mid-to-large plumbers merchants with multiple branches seeking a scalable, all-in-one ERP solution.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing model; custom quotes typically start at £50,000+ annually for mid-sized setups, plus implementation fees.
Ideal Applications
specializedDevelops Ideal Merchant software for trade account management, stock control, and sales in plumbers merchants.
Direct integration with cash weigh scales and label printers for ultra-fast, accurate trade counter weighing and pricing.
Ideal Applications offers specialized software for plumbers merchants and builders merchants, featuring EPOS systems, stock control, purchase and sales ledgers, and CRM tools tailored to the trade counter environment. It supports multi-branch operations with real-time stock visibility, quoting, invoicing, and delivery management. The suite includes both desktop (Ideal Desktop/Mac) and web-based options, with strong hardware integrations for scanners, scales, and printers.
Pros
- Industry-specific features like trade counter EPOS and cash scale integration
- Comprehensive stock management across multiple branches
- Reliable support for hardware peripherals common in merchants
Cons
- User interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native apps
- Limited native mobile access and reporting customization
- Pricing requires custom quotes, lacking transparency
Best For
Medium-sized plumbers merchants with physical trade counters needing robust desktop-based inventory and EPOS systems.
Pricing
Custom quotes required; typically perpetual licenses from £5,000+ per branch with annual maintenance around 15-20%, or subscription models starting at £200/month.
Proteus Software
enterpriseProvides ERP for distributors and merchants with advanced inventory, order processing, and customer management features.
Integrated trade counter POS with real-time stock allocation across branches and online channels
Proteus Software is a comprehensive ERP system tailored for builders and plumbers merchants, providing end-to-end management of stock, sales, purchasing, and finances. It supports multi-branch operations with features like point-of-sale (POS), warehouse management, e-commerce integration, and advanced reporting. The solution emphasizes reliability for trade counter and online sales in the plumbing and heating sector.
Pros
- Robust stock control and multi-branch visibility
- Strong integration with POS and e-commerce
- Proven track record with established merchants
Cons
- Dated user interface requiring training
- Complex initial setup and customization
- Higher pricing limits appeal for smaller operations
Best For
Mid-sized plumbers merchants with multiple branches needing scalable ERP for trade counter and warehouse operations.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on modules and users; typically £5,000+ annually for base systems, scaling with enterprise features.
Cin7
otherOffers cloud-based inventory and order management integrating multiple sales channels for growing merchants.
Core Inventory Engine with 100% accuracy guarantee through automated stock adjustments and real-time syncing across all channels
Cin7 is a robust cloud-based inventory management and order fulfillment platform that centralizes stock control across multiple sales channels, including POS, e-commerce, and marketplaces. Tailored for plumbers merchants, it handles complex SKUs like pipes, fittings, valves, and tools with features for multi-location inventory, serial/lot tracking, and supplier EDI integration. It streamlines quoting, invoicing, and B2B order portals, providing real-time visibility to optimize supply chain operations for trade-focused businesses.
Pros
- Powerful multi-channel inventory synchronization prevents stockouts on high-volume plumbing items
- Seamless integrations with accounting (Xero, QuickBooks) and supplier EDI for efficient procurement
- B2B customer portal enables 24/7 self-service ordering for plumbers and contractors
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options overwhelming smaller teams
- Pricing can escalate quickly for multi-warehouse setups common in merchants
- Limited native industry-specific features like CAD integration for custom plumbing designs
Best For
Mid-sized plumbers merchants with multiple locations and diverse sales channels needing advanced inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Starter plan (up to 3 users, 1 warehouse); scales to $999+/month for Enterprise with unlimited users and advanced features; custom quotes required.
Conclusion
The reviewed software solutions, spanning ERP, EPOS, inventory, and CRM tools, each offer unique strengths to meet the needs of plumbers and builders merchants. At the summit, Kerridge Commercial Systems leads with its end-to-end ERP, unifying inventory, sales, and logistics. Bluebox and Hentec ERP follow as strong alternatives, tailored to trade counter operations and modular workflows respectively, ensuring the right fit for diverse business goals.
Explore Kerridge Commercial Systems first to unlock seamless, comprehensive management—with its robust features, it’s the key to streamlining your merchant operations effectively.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison