We are currently looking for a local supplier of liquid calcium chloride.

.), and appliances (I'll vet their supplier once and make sure all purchases are from them).

Are those local companies or a national supplier???

Otherwise I will get a much better product, service and a lot of times price when going to a lumber yard, window & door supplier etc. 

To answer your question, prime to sub (layman's term: GC to sub) is none of your business, but when you cut the check, be sure you have Unconditional waiver from ALL subs and supplier plus conditional waiver from GC.

@Austin HughesI don't know how different this is from what you're doing now, but I generally pay for materials myself (trade-account or credit card) from the vendor/supplier.

Expect to pay about $5-7/sy for mid-grade nylon carpet, about $1.80/sy for 8 pound pad and about $4.50/sy for installation these days...Let me know if you want a reference for a supplier...

Interacting with suppliers and contractors to make sure things happen as expected.VA - Virtual assistant.

I never do fridges but always do SS appliances because they cost about the same as white from my supplier. 

Most suppliers can carry materials for 90 days, use them.Take a draw for labor from the owner.