The landscape of the electrical sector continues to change at a rapid pace, and that is posing new challenges for the wholesalers who serve it.

In common with many other areas of industry, the electrical contracting sector has faced a continual tide of change over recent times. Although the underlying nature of the work itself remains constant, there are now many new and different influences at play, and one area where this is especially apparent is the way in which contractors purchase their raw materials from wholesalers. These new influences impose fresh challenges on the wholesalers, and this is prompting them to change the way they do business. 

Fast and flexible 

Today’s wholesalers must certainly be far more flexible than in previous times. It’s essential that they can offer a very wide range of electrical lines and supply whatever the customer requires at any time. 

Delivering benefits 

The way in which customers actually receive electrical products from the wholesaler has undergone significant changes over recent times too. If we look back some 10 years ago, very few wholesalers 

provided a delivery service as standard. However, demand from the market means that both delivery-to-site and click-and-collect services are now an increasingly common part of the landscape. 

Future-proof product ranges 

Although the type of electrical goods which wholesalers’ stock have always changed, the pace of that change is now far more rapid than it’s ever been. As an example, USB sockets and Wi-Fi sockets have moved from being a comparative rarity some five years ago, to the stage where they are now an everyday requirement. 

Online or in-store? 

The dominance of the internet and online trading has also posed challenges for the wholesaler. Keeping up-to-date with the latest technologies is a major task, but absolutely vital for the wholesaler. However, those who are truly switched-on will also recognise the many benefits of retaining real stores as part of their business. 

Legal lighting 

The many rules and regulations which govern today’s world also have a major impact on the electrical wholesaler. For example, after September 1st this year it became illegal to import the eco-halogen lightbulbs which have become so popular into the UK, and customers need to move towards using LED bulbs instead. 

Keep the customer satisfied 

There are many other elements at play in today’s market which the wholesaler must also take into consideration. For example, they must recognise the clear distinction that exists between tradespeople who want to buy value-for-money own-brand or tertiary brands at the best prices, and others who want to purchase specific brands whose products they know. 

Darryl Brady (Range Negotiator)