What Ferguson Enterprises is and who it serves

Ferguson Enterprises is a wholesale distributor of plumbing, HVAC, and fire protection supplies. It sells primarily to licensed plumbers, contractors, and builders — not to individual homeowners. If you are a homeowner looking to buy a single faucet or pipe fitting, Ferguson is not the right place; you would go to a retail store like Home Depot or Lowe's instead.

Ferguson operates hundreds of locations across the United States and Canada. Each location stocks thousands of items: pipes, fittings, valves, water heaters, fixtures, tools, and specialized equipment. The company also sells to property managers, municipalities, and commercial building owners who need supplies in bulk or on a regular schedule.

The business model is straightforward: contractors and plumbers open an account with Ferguson, receive a wholesale price (lower than retail), and order supplies either in person at a branch, by phone, or online through Ferguson's website. Many contractors have standing orders that repeat weekly or monthly.

Key Takeaways

  • Ferguson sells to licensed contractors and plumbers at wholesale prices, not to homeowners buying single items.
  • You can find Ferguson locations by searching their website or calling their customer service line to locate the branch nearest you.
  • To open an account, you typically need to provide proof of your business license and tax ID, and the process usually takes a few business days.
  • Ferguson offers both in-person shopping at branches and online ordering through their website, with options for same-day or next-day delivery in many areas.
  • Pricing is based on volume and account type, so larger contractors often negotiate better rates than smaller operations.

How to find a Ferguson location near you

Ferguson has a location finder on its website. Go to ferguson.com, look for the "Locations" or "Find a Branch" section, and enter your zip code. The search will show you the nearest Ferguson branches, their hours, phone numbers, and sometimes their inventory levels for specific items.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to call, Ferguson's main customer service line can direct you to your local branch. Many branches also have dedicated account managers who handle phone orders and can answer questions about pricing and availability.

Branches are typically open during standard business hours — usually 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with limited or no weekend hours. Some locations offer early opening or extended hours for contractors with standing orders.

Opening a business account with Ferguson

To buy from Ferguson, you need a business account. You cannot walk in and pay cash as a homeowner would at a retail store. The account process process varies slightly by location, but generally requires the same documents.

You will need to provide your business license, federal tax ID (EIN), and proof of your contractor or plumber license if your state requires one. Ferguson may also ask for a credit reference — the name of another supplier you have worked with — or a personal may provide from the business owner. The process usually takes three to five business days to process.

Once approved, you receive an account number and can begin ordering. Your pricing tier depends on your business size and order volume. A solo plumber might receive one discount level, while a large commercial contractor receives a steeper discount.

Ordering methods and delivery options

Ferguson offers three main ways to order: in person at a branch, by phone, or online through their website. Most contractors use a combination of all three depending on the situation.

In-person shopping lets you see items, ask questions, and walk out with supplies the same day. Phone orders work well for repeat items or when you need something quickly and do not want to drive to the branch. Online ordering through ferguson.com is convenient for planning ahead and comparing prices across product lines.

Delivery options vary by location. Many branches offer same-day or next-day delivery for orders placed before a certain time (often 2 p.m.). Some contractors arrange standing delivery schedules — for example, a delivery every Monday morning. Delivery fees depend on order size and distance, and large orders sometimes may have access to for free delivery.

Pricing and account discounts

Ferguson does not publish prices on its website the way a retail store does. Prices are negotiated based on your account type, order volume, and relationship with the branch. A contractor who orders $500 per week will receive a different price than one who orders $5,000 per week.

Most accounts receive a tiered discount structure: the more you order, the better your price. Some contractors also negotiate volume rebates — a percentage back at the end of the year if they hit a spending target. Seasonal pricing changes occur, and Ferguson sometimes runs promotions on specific product lines.

To understand your pricing, ask your account manager for a price list or quote on the items you order most often. Comparing prices across suppliers is normal in the contracting business, and Ferguson expects it.

What happens if you need something Ferguson does not stock

Ferguson stocks thousands of items, but not every specialty product. If your branch does not have something in stock, the staff can usually order it from another Ferguson location or from a manufacturer. This typically adds one to three business days to your delivery time.

For items Ferguson does not carry at all, your account manager can often recommend a supplier or help you find an alternative product that will work for your job. Building these relationships with your local branch is one reason many contractors stick with Ferguson — the staff knows the local market and can problem-solve quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy from Ferguson if I am a homeowner doing my own repairs?

No. Ferguson requires a business account and typically asks for proof of a contractor or plumber license. If you need supplies for a home repair, visit a retail home improvement store or a local plumbing supply shop that sells to homeowners. Those stores carry similar products at retail prices.

What if I do not have a business license yet?

You will need one to open a Ferguson account. The process for getting a business license varies by state and county — some take a few days, others a few weeks. Contact your local city or county clerk's office to find out what you need. Once you have the license, you can explore for a Ferguson account.

Do I have to buy in bulk?

No minimum order size is required, but Ferguson's pricing model assumes you are buying regularly and in reasonable quantities. A contractor ordering five fittings at a time will not receive the same discount as one ordering fifty. If you only need a few items occasionally, a retail store may be more cost-effective.

Can I return items to Ferguson?

Yes, but return policies vary by location and product type. Some items can be returned within a certain number of days if unused and in original packaging. Special-order items or custom products may not be returnable. Ask your account manager about the return policy when you open your account.

What if the nearest Ferguson is far from my job site?

Many Ferguson branches offer delivery, which can be faster than driving across town. You can also call ahead to confirm they have what you need in stock, then pick it up on your way to the job. Some contractors maintain accounts at multiple Ferguson locations to reduce travel time.