Electrical Supply: Finding a Good Source

Whether you're an electrician just getting started in his or her new career, a building handyman who needs access to affordable, bulk supplies, or a master electrician with a thriving contracting company, finding a good electrical supply source is essential. While you can get much of what you need from local hardware stores, this is only going to take you so far. Hardware stores must cater first to the layman, which is going to leave only a portion of their available inventory allotted for dedicated professionals. Some stores are leery about carrying certain products for liability reasons as well. Because you never want to have to call every store in town when you need a part, you need to find a one-stop-shop that works.

- Comparison Shopping

If you're in the profession to make money (and who isn't?), you'll need to find an electrical supply source that can provide you with wholesale prices that you can then mark up for your customers. A professional contractor should never have to take a loss on his equipment. At the same time, however, you can't afford to drive up your bill to cover overpriced product. You'll drive yourself out of business just to keep your bank account stable. A better choice is to find an outlet that is accustomed to working with professionals and can provide you with a fair price point.

- Consider Buying Online

If you're from the old school, you may have a deep attachment to the process of walking into a brick and mortar store, conversing with the manager or clerk, and making a measured decision about what you're going to buy. Maybe you even like to haggle a bit over the price. There's nothing wrong with that, but you could be missing out on some deep savings by ignoring the online possibilities. There are several large online electrical supply shops, and their inventory almost certainly dwarfs anything you can find in among physical stores. The next time you can't find something locally, you might consider taking a shot on the Internet.

- Used Product

When it comes to some parts and products, buying new is essential. You can't put used parts into a customer's home, after all. When it comes to other tasks, however, used materials might work out fine. You can certainly save a lot of money buying this way. At the same time, though, you must be careful to purchase only from electrical supply merchants and individuals with a good reputation. You don't want something broken coming in the mail, or worse, something that could be unsafe to work with.