Home Depot Pro Desk or Lowe's Pro Desk?
If you’re like most field service pros, your local home improvement store probably feels more like a second home. You know how to navigate the familiar aisles, weaving between paint and plumbing departments to find the materials you need to get the job done.
Chances are that you either shop at Home Depot or Lowe’s, the two largest retailers in this industry. Both companies are priced competitively and help contractors like you drive business by saving time and money.
Today’s post takes a look at Home Depot vs. Lowe’s Pro Desk and compares the perks of each account. Once you learn the difference between these two programs, you’ll have a better idea of where you should shop—and how you can save.
The Home Depot Pro Desk
If you spend plenty of time (and money) at the Big Orange, you might be missing out on some significant savings if you haven’t signed up for a Pro account. What’s a Home Depot Pro Account, you ask? It’s the retailer’s membership program that gives pros like yourself access to everyday benefits and discounts.
Home Depot professional and contractor services check just about every box you could ask for from a home improvement retailer. By opening an account, you can add to your bottom line and grow your business with exclusive promotions reserved just for Pro members.
Home Depot Pro Desk Benefits
Bulk Pricing
No matter which service industry you work in, you’re guaranteed to find the right overhead material within Home Depot’s spread of 4,000+ bulk price eligible products. Buy more and save more with large-volume discounts on items such as:
Drywall
Plywood
Conduit
Insulation
Shingles
Pavers
Mortar & concrete
Paint tools & supplies
You’ll discover bulk savings on all sorts of project materials you could need to get the job done. Whether you stock up and keep a supply reserve at HQ, or buy in bulk to complete a construction phase, lower estimates on raw materials mean a higher profit margin for your business.
Mobile Coupons
The savings don’t stop there, though. As a Home Depot Pro member, you can sign up for exclusive text alerts and receive notifications about special promotions, offers, coupons, new product updates, video demos, and more.
Whether you want to stay on top of the latest plumbing trends or ensure you’re painting with the newest, eco-friendly lacquer, these mobile coupons can help you afford the next-best-thing. With such generous discounts, you can ensure your business stays relevant and up-to-date—rather than being left behind in the dust. They’ll even give you a $5 coupon just for signing up!
Commercial Credit
Maximize your purchasing power and equip yourself with a credit card built to power business. With a commercial credit card from Home Depot, you can explore new business opportunities while enjoying a number of perks such as:
Fuel savings for every $100 spent on qualifying purchases
60 days to pay with no interest
Easy-to-read, itemized billing statements organized by SKU
Purchase tracking by PO number, job name, or job number
Online account management
4x longer to make a return (up to 1 year) than regular Home Depot customers
Buyer ID cards allow authorized users to make purchases
Control and insight over employee spending
All in all, linking a commercial credit card to your Pro Desk Home Depot account simplifies your finances and bookkeeping. No more scanning through statements to locate company transactions; simply glance at your statement to see all your charges neatly organized when it comes time for billing and invoicing using your small business management software.
Expanded Assortment
Odd job? Unique client specifications? No problem. Order millions of products, including hard-to-find commercial items, not available in-stores or online. Access to Home Depot’s expanded assortment could be the difference between getting a bid and losing it to a contractor who had the supplies you were missing. All you need to do is contact your local Home Depot Pro Desk and tell them what you’re looking for.
Shipping & Delivery
When you find the item you’re looking for, take advantage of Home Depot’s multiple shipping and fulfilment options. This includes direct delivery from over 2,500+ stores to job sites all over the country. If you’re shopping online, enjoy free delivery on over a million items for most orders over $45.
THD Rental
Sometimes, you’ll come across a job that requires a rare tool uncommon to your ordinary line of work. Landscapers, for example, might have work truck chock full of every piece of gardening equipment imaginable. But if a customer wants to refinish an outdoor deck as a part of their backyard renovation, they might have to go buy a floor sander to get the job done.
The Home Depot Pro Desk helps solve this pain point with all of their tool rental options. Rather than spending hundreds of dollars on a piece of equipment you hardly use in addition to having to store and maintain it, you can rent the professional tool you need at a much more affordable price.
Making a big move? Whether you’re expanding from your garage to an office building, or need to deliver construction materials to a job site, Home Depot offers truck rentals so you transport all your large items safely.
Home Depot Pro Xtra
Painters, in particular, should consider signing up for Home Depot Pro Xtra, which delivers all the same benefits as the Home Depot Pro Desk plus additional industry-specific perks.
Competitive Pricing
Shoppers enjoy everyday low pricing from Home Depot, but as a Pro Xtra member, you save more bulk purchase options and volume-based discounts on orders of $1,500 and more.
Pro Rewards
As a Pro customer, you’re automatically signed up for Pro Paints Rewards. With this program, the more paint, stains, and primers you purchase, the more money you save. There are three different tiers:
Bronze – Spend $2,000, get 10% off
Silver – Spend $4,000, get 15% off
Gold – Spend $7,500, get 20% off
Spend Control
If you have a team of subcontractors who need to pick up a few more gallons of pain, you can conveniently improve in-store purchases via text message—meaning you don’t need to stop what you’re doing to answer a phone call while out in the field. Track spending by adding credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, or a checking account to your personalized Pro account. This allows you to easily sort purchases and organize receipts.
Business Tools
The online Pro features offer a number of tools that makes business easier and more efficient. When used in tandem with painting contractor software, you’ll be able to search, order, and track purchases faster than ever. Using the Home Depot Pro business dashboard, you can:
Create and save custom lists of frequently ordered items
Use part numbers to add items directly to your cart and expedite purchases
Organize orders by job name or PO number
Track purchases by job, location, PO, or date and export to Excel
Sort purchases by product category, job name, or date to analyze spending
Create, save, and print quotes with a 7-day guaranteed price lock
One unique aspect of the Home Depot Pro Desk is how this platform delivers an experience customized just for you. You’ll receive personalized product recommendations, offers, and content specific to your business as well as next-level customer service from a Pro Account Sales Associate (PASA) who cares about your specific company.
Sign up for free and start using your Home Depot Pro benefits for bulk pricing, job site delivery, and expanded product lines.
The Lowe’s Pro Desk
Looking at the stats from the market share, we can see that Home Depot ($195 billion) blew Lowe’s ($72 billion) out of the water in 2018. That said, Lowe’s is under new management and taking aggressive steps to close that gap. Let’s compare Home Depot vs. Lowe’s Pro Desk to see how the two big box stores stack up next to each other.
You’ll be able to plan ahead with confidence knowing your 2-day delivery will arrive on time—because as contractors know, a delay in schedule can have major consequences for the completion of a job. Need it there faster? You can arrange for that, too.
When you need material on the fly, call ahead or order online then pick up in-store within two hours of your purchase—the Home Depot Pro team will provide dedicated checkout and order loading for fast and expedient service. And with Reserved Pro Parking, you’ll get in, get out, and get back to work in no time flat.
Lowe’s Contractor Discount for Pros Benefits
Volume Discount Pricing
Save between 5-50% off over 2,000 products through Lowe’s Volume Discount Pricing program. Pros can save big on large bulk orders for most of the items available in store, such as:
Building and maintenance (roofing, lumber, fencing, drywall)
Rough plumbing (water heaters, pipe & pipe fittings, water treatment, supply line & valves)
Rough electrical (electrical cord & wire, doorbells, outlets & switches)
Heating & cooling (air filters, thermostats, registers & grilles, HVAC duct & fittings)
Home décor (bath, decorative lighting, paint tools, light bulbs)
Seasonal (patio, irrigation, outdoor equipment, lawn & garden)
If your purchase is at least $1,000, stop by the Lowe’s Pro Desk before checkout and request a discounted quote (good for 30 days).
Contractor Packs™
You can receive a customized quote within minutes at the Lowe’s Pro Desk, or for added convenience, simply shop from pre-marked Contractor Packs™. These black-and-yellow packages are quick, convenient, discounted bundles of items that you use most. These labels can be found on thousands of Lowe’s in-stock products and materials, so you’ll be able to enjoy up-front, transparent pricing with fast check out.
Pro Exclusive Promotions
The Lowe’s Pro Desk makes it easy for you to save on the essentials for your business by sending you specific promos relevant to your unique company. Shop exclusive online Pro deals, such as an extra 25% of shelving or 15% off drill kits, or take advantage of members-only in-store events.
Lowe’s Business Credit Cards
Looking to score even more savings? Then stop by the Lowe’s Pro Desk and apply for a business card to receive 5% off eligible purchases every day. Lowe’s offers three different credit cards for contractors:
Lowe’s Business Account: With this card, you get reduced job site delivery rates, itemized statements that are easy to understand, and the ability to pay off your bill over time with low monthly payments.
Lowe’s Accounts Receivable: Best for medium to large businesses that need accounting functionality, this card allows you to set up authorized buyers who can make transactions without the card on-hand.
Lowe’s Business Rewards Card from American Express: Earn rewards both inside and outside Lowe’s when you charge this card. Points can be redeemed for gift cards, which you can then use to purchase other business expenses.
Regardless of which card you choose, you’ll get 5% off everyday purchases (exclusions apply), discounted deliveries, and financial control with spending limits, alerts, and report summaries.
Convenience In-Store & At Your Door
Pick up your purchase in-store or choose from a variety of parcel shipping options including standard (1-3 days), 2-day, or next-day deliveries. Lowe’s Pros members enjoy free standard shipping on eligible products (must weigh less than 150 lbs) when shopping online. If you need materials sent straight to a job site, you can easily schedule a Lowe’s truck delivery from a local store.
Prefer making purchases in-store? No problem. Shop when it’s convenient for you with extended store hours, and get in and out in a hurry with dedicated Pro parking and checkout. In the matchup of Home Depot vs. Lowe’s Pro Desk, shipping, delivery, and in-store shopping are all about the same.
Business Tools
By logging into your account at LowesForPros.com, you’ll find access to a number of convenient tools, services, and pricing that you need to manage your business. Similar to Home Depot’s dashboard, you can save time and money with features such as:
Quick Order Lists make every second count by ordering at the click of a button
Copy and paste items from a spreadsheet or inventory document to add to your cart
Create and manage catalogs to direct spending and control product selection
Manage your organization’s settings and permissions across groups or users within your company
Control budgets with purchase approvals and spending limits
Request a Lowe’s Tax-Exempt Management System (TEMS) ID for seamless tax-exempt purchasing
Dedicated Account Management
When you visit the Lowe’s Pro Desk and sign up for an account, you’ll be assigned a dedicated account manager who will assist you with your buying needs, set up your tax exemption in-store and online, generate pricing quotes, and answer all of your questions along the way.
Partner with Lowe’s ProServices at the right level for your business needs and choose between a local Specialist, Regional Sales Manager, and National Account Manager depending on the size of your organization. If you have standing home service agreements, Lowe’s account managers can anticipate your client’s needs, help you track their purchase order, and provide you with personal recommendations.
A unique take away from the Lowe’s Pro Desk is the wealth of resources available to their members online. Whether you need construction calculators for concrete beams, tips on how to remove caulk from your hands, or ideas on basement floors, Lowe’s offers plenty of learning material you can apply to your business.
It’s also free to create a Lowe’s for Pros account or register with an existing one.
What is better: Home Depot or Lowes?
In the comparison of the Home Depot vs. Lowes Pro Desk, you can see that both memberships are similar with the exception of a few differences. Let’s take a look at how they stack up against each other.
Bulk Discounts
Pro customers can buy in bulk and save at both home improvement retailers. But the real question: is Home Depot or Lowes cheaper?
When you average out the cost of all items, Home Depot and Lowes have essentially the same pricing. The two big box stores engage in daily price battles, and it’s not uncommon to see the same item priced within pennies of each other at each retailer. Less popular items, such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC equipment, tend to have greater price disparity.
Will Home Depot price match? In most cases, yes. As the top two home improvement stores, these organizations engage in competitive pricing and are therefore likely to match or beat the other in order to secure your business.
Pro tip: Before making any big purchases, always do research online beforehand to compare the Home Depot vs. Lowe’s Pro prices.
It’s worth noting that although the Home Depot Pro Desk offers a higher quantity of bulk-eligible items, the Lowe’s catalog is more robust and contains additional discounted categories that the Big Orange lacks. Pro customers at both stores will receive exclusive, members-only coupons and promotions.
Company Credit Cards
CompareCards conducted an analysis of Home Depot vs. Lowes Pro credit cards to see who came out ahead and it looks like Lowe’s takes the lead.
Home Depot vs. Lowe's Credit Card
| Home Depot | Lowe's | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| APR | 17.99% – 26.99% | 17.99% – 26.99% |
| Project Financing | Up to 24 months during special promotions* | Monthly fixed-rate interest offers on purchases more than $2,000* |
| New Member Discount | Save $100 on your qualifying purchase of $1,000 or more (Valid Through 7/31/2019)* | ❌ |
| Everyday Discount | ❌ | 5% off eligible purchases |
*Terms and conditions apply and are subject to change.
The Lowes Advantage Card beats the Home Depot Consumer Credit Card in everything but APR. If you qualify for the lowest APR with Home Depot, you may have lower interest fees, however, this is offset by the everyday savings you earn when shopping with the Lowe’s card. Lowe’s also offers project financing which may be attractive to contractors who would prefer to postpone payment on their company credit card until a job is complete and the customer has paid in full.
Remember that these are store cards, meaning they can only be used at the specific retail location and nowhere else. If you want to have the flexibility of using your card anywhere—while earning savings along the way—then the Lowe’s Business Rewards Card from American Express is a good option.
Note: Although Lowe’s offers its cardholders more features, it might not necessarily mean it’s the best option for you. Home Depot has over 2,200 stores while Lowe’s has over 2,000, so if there’s not when in your area, it might not make sense to apply for credit.
Product Assortment
The Home Depot Pro Desk offers low prices similar to Lowe’s, but who has the better product assortment? It depends on preference.
Both home improvement retailers carry their own store brand as well as exclusive brands. Although you will find many of the same items at other stores, there are some brands you will only be able to find at one location or the other.
Exclusive Brands
| Home Depot | Lowe's | |
|---|---|---|
| Tools | Husky, Ryobi, RIGID | Kobalt, Task Force |
| Windows | Anderson | Pella |
| Paint | Behr, Glidden | Valspar, Sherwin-Williams |
So, if you know that you prefer the Behr color palette over other brands, you should probably sign up for Home Depot Pro Xtra over Lowe’s for Pros. However, it might be smart to shop inventories at both retailers for the widest selection; you may find, for example, that Lowe’s has a wider array of lighting fixtures while Home Depot has a larger lumber department.
Online Shopping and In-Store Pick up
The Home Depot vs. Lowe’s Pro shopping experience is pretty standard across the board.
Ordering Options
| Ordering Options | Home Depot | Lowe's |
|---|---|---|
| Free Standard Delivery* | ✅ | ✅ |
| Expedited Delivery | ✅ | ✅ |
| Job Site Delivery | ✅ | ✅ |
| In-Store Pickup | ✅ | ✅ |
| Reserved Parking | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dedicated Checkout | ✅ | ✅ |
Both companies allow you to shop however you prefer and every purchase is backed by a fair return policy.
Business Management
Pros at Home Depot and Lowe’s both have access to an online dashboard complete with business management tools, but the former platform—as well as the Home Depot Pro app—outshines its competitor in terms of features and functionality. Use it in conjunction with your business proposal apps to ensure your business makes the most of tech.
Key Takeaways
At the end of the day, the Home Depot Pro Desk might be better suited to painters looking for rewards on their purchases, or to small business owners who want better insights into their finances. The Lowe’s Pro Desk, alternatively, might be best for contractors and subcontractors who want to earn money back on their everyday purchases.
That said, you don’t need to be exclusively in one camp or the other. They’re both free to join, so why not reap the benefits of both programs? Whichever home improvement retailer you shop at, remember that Housecall Pro has you covered with all your business management needs.
Housecall Pro is rated the #1 software to run your HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Carpet Cleaning and other home service businesses. Our features allow you to schedule and dispatch jobs, get booked online, send invoice and receive payment within minutes whether if you are in the office or out in the field. This comprehensive software can help you grow revenue by 30% in one year and save up to 500 hours a year. Join all the other successful home service businesses who have already started and try Housecall Pro for 14 days free today.