Pricing in the wire mesh industry can be both confusing and volatile. By and large, because the wire mesh market is closely linked to the metals market, pricing for wire mesh can be impacted by fluctuations in the value of copper, nickel and iron. Further, because there are so many different specifications and countless ways in which mesh can be purchased, pricing for wire mesh is not always straightforward. We have developed the following section to help resolve some of these common pricing related questions.
Pricing Questions
How is wire mesh priced?
Once a customer selects his/her mesh count, diameter wire and type of material, determining quantity needed is important. Pricing for wire mesh is based upon quantity required. Generally speaking, the larger the quantity you request, the better pricing per unit you will receive. The most common way pricing is provided is by the square foot. Abbreviated as SQFT, square foot pricing multiplies the width of the piece or roll of mesh by the width of the piece or the roll. So, for example, when a 25FT x 48″ wide (4FT) is priced at $2.00 per SQFT, a price quote of $2.00 per SQFT pricing looks like this:
Keep in mind that 24″, 36″, 48″, 60″ and 72″ wide convert to 2FT, 3FT, 4FT, 5FT and 6FT, respectively.
Another way in which wire mesh is occasionally priced is simply by the roll or piece. This is particularly the case with galvanized welded wire mesh, heavy duty plain steel or stainless steel welded wire mesh panels.
Thirdly, although less common, a useful pricing method is as a lot charge. Often times, when there is a large quotation for numerous pieces of varying sizes, a lot charge is the most effective way to present pricing.
Finally, pricing and availability are subject to prior sale(s); pricing validity on most items is typically 10 days and is subject to change based on market conditions. Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.
Is shipping included in the price?
Unless otherwise stated, pricing does not include shipping costs. As a rule, when pricing is provided, delivery is considered FOB Origin. This includes our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania warehouse or any of Darby’s mills.
For more information on shipping, please visit Darby’s FAQ section.
Does your website offer pricing?
At this time, Darby’s website contains pricing for a select number of items, and for pre-determined quantities.
Currently, we feature the ability to view pricing and purchase directly from our website for two categories of popularly used wire mesh: Fireplace Screen, Galvanized Hardware Cloth and various meshes commonly used in beekeeping.
To visit these pages, please visit: Galvanized Hardware Cloth, Fireplace Screen or Beekeeping Mesh.
Should you not see pricing for a particular item, we kindly ask that you submit your inquiry, via email, phone, or fax. This will allow our estimating department to carefully consider the request and offer pricing options.
Please keep in mind, Darby offers one of the lowest minimum order quantities in the industry. For more information, please visit Darby’s minimum order quantity.
What about large quantities or custom manufacturing?
Wire mesh can be used in a wide array of industrial applications, and as such, is commonly manufactured in 100FT rolls. By purchasing material in full 100FT rolls, you will receive the lowest SQFT price as there is no labor or waste associated with your purchase.
Darby maintains the capabilities to custom manufacture both woven and welded wire mesh, and pricing will be based on your exact specifications, as well as the quantity you need. We will tabulate your pricing and lead time based on wire availability, loom dedication and other related manufacturing factors.
If possible, when a relatively small quantity is needed, we suggest that a customer first opt for stocked wire mesh. Custom manufacturing, including set up costs, wire procurement and labor, can be expensive, and finding a suitable alternative from stock will keep costs down and improve lead time significantly.
Pricing for large quantities and custom manufacturing is provided on a case by case basis and can submitted directly to Darby’s sales team by clicking here: RFQ Page
Sample Policy
To make sure a particular wire mesh specification will comply with your requirements, Edward J. Darby & Son, Inc. recommends sampling a specific mesh, when possible. Darby will provide samples for the cost of $10.00 per item plus shipping. Upon request, when an order for material totaling more than $350.00 is placed, we will issue a $10.00 credit.
The typical sample size on most mesh items available from stock is 3″ x 3″ and will usually ship 2-4 days after the order is placed. Samples requests and orders cannot be expedited.
At this time, Darby is only able to offer samples for items readily available from stock. Samples for non-stock, custom manufactured, or items sold only in full 100FT rolls may not be available to purchase as a sample. Darby is unable to accept returns for sample orders.
For samples larger than 3″ x 3″ in size or for prototypes, please keep in mind that we do offer one of the lowest minimum orders in the industry. Darby reserves the right to decline sample requests/orders.
Minimum Order
Edward J. Darby & Son, Inc. has a $90.00 minimum per mesh item, when applicable. Without question, we do our best to maintain one of the lowest minimum order amounts in the industry. Our low minimum order is ideal for research and development projects, prototypes and small quantity requirements.
By and large, this $90.00 minimum order applies to most items readily available from stock. It does not apply to special orders, custom manufactured items, or items generally only sold in full 100 foot rolls. Given market conditions, availability and other variables, Darby’s minimum order amount is subject to change.
This minimum order may increase should material test reports (MTRs) or any other documentation be required; the request for such documentation must be made at the time of quote and during the ordering process.
Aside from the cost of the material, itself, there is a significant amount of labor involved in processing and cutting any type of order. Most wire mesh is stocked in full 100 FT rolls, which must be pulled from stock, unrolled, cut to size, packed and prepared for shipment. The remaining roll must be repackaged and then placed back into stock.
The standard lead time on a minimum order is a few days and does not include UPS shipping costs. Except in rare instances, minimum orders cannot ship the same day; however, the customer has the option to expedite the shipping method (UPS 2nd Day, UPS Next Day) if necessary.
Historically, Darby has always had one of the lowest minimum order quantities throughout the industry; as a major industrial supplier, we realize that there were times that many of our customers would run short in a production job. We were there to help then, and we continue to today.
Currently, we do not keep scraps, drop-offs or remnants on the floor.
Payment Terms
Edward J. Darby & Son, Inc. offers credit to qualified businesses, upon approval. Our standard payment terms are: ½% 10, Net 30 days. To apply for an open account, qualified businesses must submit a Credit Application, which lists three trade references and one bank references. A decision on your application will be made as soon as responses from these references are received and normally takes anywhere from 1-5 days.
Past due accounts are subject to a minimum service charge of 1.5% per month or 18% per year.
For your convenience, we accept most major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. An itemized, 3.5% surcharge may be applied to a credit card transaction; please speak to your salesperson or our credit department with specific questions. We also accept payment and/or pre-payment via ACH/Wire transfer or check.
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