Working with electrical components in any line of business entails a consistent supply of quality and standardised electrical supplies. Whether you’re a professional installation electrician or work in specialised fields like construction and maintenance, factors like product range, pricing, and quality determine safety, compliance, and the trust you build with new or existing customers as a qualified electrician. The same applies to anyone with a knack for DIY projects.
Choosing a reliable electrical wholesaler that offers quality products not only impacts productivity and enjoying time and cost savings but also the reduced risk of electrical faults with potentially dangerous consequences. Reliable suppliers don’t just sell inventory that’s tried and tested, but can also help grow your business with the consistency required in meeting deadlines or specific project needs.
Do Your Research
Look up company profiles, and the experience they have in the field, and read customer reviews. Established businesses that have been providing electrical supplies to a wider buying base, and are centred on professionals who can provide expert advice and support are ones that should make your shortlist.
Also, consider whether businesses operate solely online or have inventory in outlets or nearby warehouses. This ensures larger stock numbers, and that orders are processed and delivered on time.
Product Range
Stores and suppliers differ in the type of electrical goods they sell. Local hardware stores go with general supplies, often focusing on residential products, such as generic switches or sockets.
Well-stock specialist electrical wholesalers provide anything from an assorted range of lighting (ceiling, wall, bathroom, outdoor lights, industrial and emergency lighting solutions), a full range of standardised switches and sockets that meet or exceed National IET Wiring Regulations (or BS7671) relating to designs, wiring and materials, to specifics relating to installation and wiring, such as circuit protection, cabinets and enclosures, electrical fixings and even tools for the trade.
One-stop shops have expanded to include HVAC supplies (ducting, fans, heaters, etc.), commercial and industrial electrical supplies (lighting, ventilation, industrial sockets and switches, cabling, conduit, etc.) and security and energy-efficient solutions such as alarms, photocell lights, thermostats, occupancy/vacancy detectors and more. These suppliers are also more likely to stock specialised items in one-off projects.
Tiered Branding
Source suppliers that offer products in different price brackets. This relates to tiered branding to meet different needs. Consider whether the electrical wholesaler stocks brands that you’re willing to work with and whether stores also offer options in lower or higher tiers. This ensures more flexibility in meeting different client needs and wants.
Quality and Compliance
As mentioned above, standardised and certified electrical supplies are ones that have been thoroughly tested, meet minimal safety requirements and adhere to Building Regulations set out in England and Wales. They must also be produced from non-toxic materials and comply with the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive.
With that said, customers associate quality more with the tradesperson hired for the project, than the actual supplier. This means it’s your job to select quality items based on experience and knowledge.
A large part of this is also choosing between locally produced and imported inventory, especially when balancing costs in projects of larger scope. Besides certifications (CE marks) and brands, consider build quality, design considerations, IP ratings, material choices and overall fit and finish as points of reference.
Pricing and Deals
While prices are important, compare offers from multiple electrical wholesalers, especially when choosing respected electrical parts brands known for reliability and quality. Cheaping out with the lowest offers and unknown, often imported parts can cost you more in the long run, with compromised safety and lost trust.
Good business practices are all about balance, and when it comes to parts that work as they should or cause life-threatening safety and health issues, spending a little more always pays. Besides compliance, parts need to be reliable, last for quoted warranty periods and for renovations or upgrades, and have design features that make them appealing.
Look for bulk buying offers when dealing with high volumes and turnaround, special offers on common items, and varied payment options that let businesses juggle between cash flow and expenditures.
Product Availability
Specialised items that meet changing customer expectations and needs may be hard to find or need to be back-ordered, significantly delaying projects. This also entails careful planning and sifting through wholesalers with larger stock.
Consider how suppliers deal with availability issues for both regular stock and infrequent items that spring up in emergencies, and the waiting times to process your orders.
Customer Service and Expertise
Knowledgeable and experienced staff will know the ins and outs of different equipment and are ready to share advice on what works and what doesn’t in a specific project or job. For electricians just starting out, this can be the direction they need to build their business.
Staff can also offer recommendations on new equipment, new product lines and installation tips. Reputed wholesalers will also respect return policies and warranties in damaged equipment, and have items replaced free of charge. Building trust and a working relationship is what counts.
Location and Deliveries
Local wholesalers can be beneficial by shortening delivery times or allowing in-store pickup. This can impact deadlines, especially when working with larger volumes. Assess the company’s delivery policies, while focusing on speed, cost and whether they deliver to designated addresses.
With that said, online stores do offer several benefits. They’ll have lower overheads, often translating to lower prices, usually a wider product range with multiple brands and pricing brackets and the ability to order specialised products faster. And they take orders any time of the day.
Yes, you miss out on the in-store experience and the option of inspecting products before you buy, but if you know your stuff, there are savings to be had. Many wholesalers operate both business models, with online purchasing and dedicated stores with actual addresses.
Summing Up
Going with a single electrical parts supply store, and one that’s well-stocked and reliable, benefits your business. Working relations are easier to establish and maintain than dealing with multiple suppliers simultaneously, and growing trust with increased orders will get you more discounts or bargaining power on future purchases.
Orders are also streamlined, meaning less time sifting through websites or shuffling through traffic. Many electricians choose a larger supplier for their main inventory, while niche products can be purchased from smaller or specialist stores dealing in particular products or brands.
