Combined Building Supplies (CBS) has transformed the landscape for small-to-medium independent builders and tradies in New Zealand — and now that same builder-led, combined-buying model is launching in Australia.
After successfully supporting more than 2,000 members across New Zealand, CBS is crossing the Tasman to tackle a familiar problem in the Australian construction sector: independent builders paying more than large developers for the same materials.
“We spent significant time on the ground in Australia listening to local tradies,” says the CBS leadership team. “What we saw was a market crying out for transparency. Rising material costs are hitting small builders hardest, and it became clear this was a service Australia needed.”
About Combined Building Supplies (CBS)
Combined Building Supplies was founded in New Zealand as a builders’ cooperative, built on the principle of strength in numbers and putting independent builders first.
In Australia, CBS operates as a member-based buying group — not a cooperative.
While the legal structure differs, the philosophy remains the same: aggregate independent builders’ spend to unlock better pricing, stronger supplier relationships, and fairer treatment for small businesses.
CBS exists to speak for independent builders and tradies — not large developers or corporate construction firms — by consolidating member spend and negotiating competitive, transparent pricing with industry-leading suppliers.
How The CBS Operating Model Works
At its core, CBS is about harnessing collective buying power.
A single builder may have limited leverage with a major supplier.
Hundreds — or thousands — of builders acting together are impossible to ignore.
CBS negotiates master pricing agreements with suppliers, then links those terms to individual member accounts. Members continue to trade locally, with familiar branch staff, while benefiting from pricing normally reserved for tier-one operators.
No Annual Fees — By Design
In a move that sets CBS apart from many Australian buying groups:
- No annual membership fees
- One-off joining fee only
- Ongoing access to negotiated pricing
“When we researched the Australian market, we saw many groups charging ongoing fees just to stay in,” says CBS. “That didn’t sit right with us. Our model is built for builders, not shareholders.”
What Makes CBS Different?
The Australian market already has buying groups — but CBS operates differently:
- No Annual Fees: One-off joining fee. No renewals. No surprises.
- Member-First Model: Decisions are made to reduce member costs, not to maximise dividends for owners.
- Real People, Real Support: Members deal with people who understand the trade — not offshore call centres.
- Proven Track Record: CBS isn’t testing a theory. The model has been working in New Zealand through inflation, supply shortages, and volatile pricing.
- Straight-Talking Transparency: No hype. No fluff. Just builder-led advocacy and better buying power.
The Big-Builder Advantage — Without Being a Big Builder
CBS members gain access to pricing structures typically reserved for major developers.
Whether it’s timber, plumbing, electrical, or trade retail accounts like Bunnings Trade, CBS works to ensure your invoices reflect tier-one pricing, without giving up your independence.
The Australian Roadmap
CBS is currently in its Foundation Phase in Australia:
- Meeting with local suppliers
- Finalising national and regional agreements
- Onboarding the first group of Australian members
A formal Australian launch is planned for March 2026.
In April, CBS will build momentum with a presence at the Bunnings Trade Expo, meeting prospective members and suppliers and showcasing how CBS integrates seamlessly with existing trade accounts.
CBS Australia – Frequently Asked Questions
- How can CBS offer “tier-one” pricing to small builders?
It’s simple maths. On your own, your spend may not move the needle. Combined with nearly 2,000 builders, it absolutely does. Suppliers sharpen pricing to access a high-volume, reliable group. - What’s the catch with no annual fees?
There isn’t one. You pay a one-off joining fee to cover setup and onboarding. After that, you simply access the pricing. - Do I have to change where I shop?
No. In many cases, you keep your existing supplier accounts. CBS links your account to negotiated master terms so you see reduced pricing automatically. - How is CBS different from other buying groups?
Most are private companies built to generate profit for owners.
CBS operates on a member-first, industry-led model, focused on transparency, service, and lowering material costs. - Is this model proven?
Yes. While CBS is new to Australia, the model has been highly successful in New Zealand. The last 12 months have been spent “Australianising” the approach for local suppliers, GST, and trading conditions. - Who is CBS not for?
If you’re already a tier-one developer spending millions, CBS may not add much value.
CBS is designed for small-to-medium builders and tradies who are currently paying more than they should.
If you’re tired of overpaying for the basics — or want to see how your current pricing stacks up — we’d love to talk. For media enquiries, membership details, or supplier interest email [email protected] or visit our website.