Which wholesaler (SW Area)

[safedepth]

Hi all, Particularly aimed at those in the westcountry this but you can all chip in if you like.

As it says, which is the preferred wholesaler and why. I'll be buying in the Plymouth area mostly.

Many thanks.

 

[Zeespark]

TLC or Edmundsons. Both pretty good for price and service.

AndyGuinness

 

[safedepth]

Cheers,

I should have said. I was in Wilts this afternoon, the fella could not have been more helpful which was very good but of the 10ish things I wanted 2 were not in stock. Whilst dealing with me another man came in and one of his items was also out of stock. He is able to get them in for first thing tomorrow morning so all is not lost but I'm not sure if this is normal practice for all the factors.

Price was also an issue. I spent 30 mins last night pricing up my needs from SF and B & Q. My local one has the new Trade Point which is a carbon copy of SF, (they are both owned by Kingfisher group). I know their product lines don't match a decent wholesaler but they are very good on price for what they hold.

Wilts were unable to match them on conduit, including accessories, and CU's. I appreciate I still need a wholesaler but it all comes back to which one.

 

[Evans Electric]

Hi Safedepth, you will find they are all the same regarding stock on the shelf, these days I would be suprised if a list of 10 items was all in stock. You need to be in front with your order TBH don't rely on getting it all on the day you are doing the job.

Can you get have a 30 or 60 day account with SF ?

I've used Denmans for years they are usually the best on prices but you need to ask for the best discounts. There is a branch in Plymouth I see.

I also find Electric Centre helpful too.

Deke

 

[safedepth]

Hi Safedepth, you will find they are all the same regarding stock on the shelf, these days I would be suprised if a list of 10 items was all in stock. You need to be in front with your order TBH don't rely on getting it all on the day you are doing the job.Can you get have a 30 or 60 day account with SF ?

I've used Denmans for years they are usually the best on prices but you need to ask for the best discounts. There is a branch in Plymouth I see.

I also find Electric Centre helpful too.

Deke

Thanks Deke.

I already have an account with SF, it has been very useful for all sorts of stuff. I've used Denmans here in Plymouth as well but only for a couple of minor items, each in stock. The gent behind the counter there was also very helpful.

I have heard some poor reports on CEF but nothing specific to Plymouth branch.

 

[Zeespark]

Avoid CEF like the PLAGUE.

AndyGuinness

 

[Lurch]

you will find they are all the same regarding stock on the shelf, these days I would be suprised if a list of 10 items was all in stock.

Exactly what I was going to say, nowhere stocks anything any more.

Find a decent wholesaler and stick with it, unless you're throwing loads of trade through them all your discounts won't be all that great. Using 1 wholesaler for the majority should get you some preferential discounts. Worth having a couple of accounts just in case,

I know I can get some stuff cheaper from Screwfix or B&Q but it's just easier to use the wholesalers, and it all depends on what the kit is. Some stuff B&Q\SF sell is absolute crap, some isn't. Also it's the hassle factor of when things go wrong, I know if I go into the wholesalers I can get advance replacements and it just gets swapped. PITA going to B&Q\SF and getting advance replacements and then them trying to get out of refunding you for the faulty kit.

 

[Evans Electric]

You will find that CEF are generally disliked in the trade, I include myself. The reasons I wont go into on a public Forum. Although, like poo and poverty , they are all over the place !

 

[M107]

I use GFE who have just renamed as Eyre & Ellison.

Always helpful, no problems will deliver where ever you want (while doing town xmas lighting switch on last friday I called for extra cable at 16:30ish they delivered on the high street at 17:00). Give a good discount & always next day delivery on items not in stock.

They also let me take materials if customer is undicided between different fittings & only bill for the item used when I return with the items customer didn't want.

Also Occasionally use TLC & when in dire straights while out on a job SF or EF

 

[Lyngarth]

I use Wilts..Cef & Jsc all within 1 mile of each other, so what one is missing the others normally have in stock. Plus there is a Screw Fix just down the road.

 

[kme]

TLC from me almost always, except for heavy duty ind./comm. work; when I use newey & eyre (newlec) or Senate.

Echo Deke & Lurch`s comments r.e. stock. Most places are really carp at keeping stock, however TLC website reckon they can get ANYTHING "regular" by next day............ Not so in my experience.

 

[davetheglitz]

I tend to use Denmans in Saltash - good, friendly, professional (unlike the Plymouth branch!) and you know what price you will be paying as it is in their magazine. Western Electrical - very good. Excellent range. If you want to play one wholesaler against the other City can be good as long as you know the Denmans price to start with! If you are in the South Hams area then you've got Wilts, City, Denmans and Western all within 1/2 mile of each other without having to go across the city - so see what and who you prefer. Note - free coffee at Westerns and pasties/rolls on Monday mornings!

Good Luck

Dave

 

[binky]

Denamns and Westerns for me - handy cos they're the right side of town for you.

 

[safedepth]

Thanks all especially Dave and Binky for their local knowledge.

Update on Wilts. I went in this morning to collect the items that weren't available yesterday. Assured they would be on the delivery overnight, unfortunately of the 7 items 3 failed to arrive. I actually felt sorry for the staff. His bosses had left him in a pile of poo and there was little he could do but apologise.

Of course from my perspective it does mean I will be trying elsewhere, they have had a chance and blown it. Shame as the staff were helpful.