(Remember them at Christmastime too.) You should not bother folks with small orders or other deals that are barely worth the trouble.
You might also try approaching contractors who are in the process of ordering materials for a job. Adding your order to theirs will increase the volume, and thus the discount, for everyone involved. This works easily and well for building materials. Again, a suitable gratuity such as a sixpack or a bottle of Cutty Sark may be in order, particularly if you want to continue the relationship.
It is also possible to break the wholesale barrier legitimately
