Survey: How Do You Choose Your Electrical Wholesaler? 

For electricians, wholesalers are part of daily life. Whether it’s picking up Twin & Earth, grabbing a consumer unit, or ordering specialist f ittings, the choice of wholesaler can shape how smoothly a job runs. But with so many options — from CEF and Screwfix to local independents — how do sparks decide which ones to use regularly? 

We’ve broken down the main factors electricians say matter most, and we want to hear your thoughts too. 

Brand trust 

Many electricians stick with the brands they know. If you’ve used a breaker, fitting or distribution board before and found it reliable, you’re more likely to buy it again. As one installer put it: 

“Brand recognition. Certain brands have that element of safety, and we are afraid to change.” 

Trusting a product saves time on site because you already know how it fits and performs. But because wholesalers usually stock several similar brands, trust alone isn’t always enough to determine loyalty. 

For those working towards full qualification, confidence in both products and training go hand in hand. The NVQ Level 3 Electrical Installation & Maintenance is where many sparks gain the technical foundation to make those choices confidently. 

Pricing 

Price inevitably plays a big role. Larger “trade” suppliers often win repeat business by keeping prices sharp, especially on essentials like single-phase distribution boards. Smaller or newer sparks may prefer fixed c atalogue prices in DIY stores for ease of quoting jobs. 

Many electricians hold multiple accounts to balance price against availability. As one contractor noted: 

“I have three accounts. This way I can get some good prices and quality names. Also the staff vary at their levels of expertise and sometimes it’s more important than the price.” 

For a sense of where trade pay sits today, the recent JIB deal offers insight. See Nearly 4% Wage Rise Secured for UK Electricians – What the 2026–28 JIB Deal Means for more on how rates shape expectations across the sector. 

Staff knowledge 

Price isn’t everything. A wholesaler with staff who understand electrical installs can save time and prevent mistakes. Some independents hire former electricians or ensure their teams receive training in products and terminology. 

One spark explained how valuable this can be: 

“He fills in the gaps in my designs — he knows all the nuts, bolts and w idgets that I can miss.” 

Knowledgeable staff often mean smoother quoting and fewer surprises once you’re on site. 

Delivery and convenience 

Speed and flexibility also rank highly. Being able to pre-order and collect, or have items dropped directly to site, saves both time and fuel. Increasingly, wholesalers now offer online ordering with same-day pickup or delivery of even small items. 

That convenience makes a difference on busy days, especially when you’ve forgotten a small part that could hold up a whole job. 

Product availability 

Few things frustrate electricians more than stock shortages or wrong deliveries. Wholesalers that keep a wide range of core products and can source unusual parts quickly tend to win repeat business. Reliable availability builds trust just as much as pricing or brand. 

Why it matters 

Choosing a wholesaler isn’t about loyalty to one branch — it’s about matching the right outlet to the right job. The “perfect wholesaler” would combine great prices, strong brands, knowledgeable staff, quick deliveries and wide stock. In reality, most sparks pick and choose, holding accounts with several suppliers. 

For learners preparing to enter the trade, courses like Electrician Courses Leicestershire and Electrician Courses Birmingham provide not just technical knowledge but also practical awareness of how to work with suppliers. Pairing training with good wholesaler relationships is part of building a smooth-running career. 

Take our survey 

So what matters most to you: price, convenience, brand trust, staff knowledge or stock range? Let us know by completing our survey below. 

At Elec Training, we’re interested in hearing from both seasoned sparks and those just starting out. To explore your training pathway and prepare for the real-world side of the trade, visit Elec Training today. 

FAQs on Electrical Wholesalers and Electricians in the UK (2025) 

1 – Why do electricians often use more than one wholesaler?

Electricians often use multiple wholesalers to compare prices, ensure stock availability, and access specialized products, as no single supplier covers all needs or offers the best deals consistently. This approach helps optimize costs and reliability for per-job purchasing. 

2 – What factors influence loyalty to a particular electrical wholesaler?

Factors influencing loyalty include competitive pricing, reliable stock availability, knowledgeable staff, fast delivery options, and flexible terms like account discounts. Strong relationships with smaller wholesalers often yield better deals. 

3 – How important is brand trust when choosing products from a wholesaler?

Brand trust is highly important, as electricians prioritize reliable, quality products to ensure safety and compliance with BS 7671, with 87% favoring known brands to avoid failures on-site. It influences repeat purchases and reduces liability risks. 

4 – Do electricians prefer fixed catalogue pricing or negotiated trade rates?

Electricians prefer negotiated trade rates for flexibility and better margins on bulk buys, though fixed catalogue pricing offers transparency for small orders. Negotiation suits established accounts. 

5 – How does staff knowledge at a wholesaler affect electricians’ buying decisions?

Staff knowledge significantly affects decisions, as electricians value advice on product suitability and compliance (87% cite it as key), leading to faster purchases and loyalty. Informed staff build trust. 

6 – Why is delivery speed and convenience such a priority for contractors?

Delivery speed and convenience are priorities because contractors need urgent supplies to meet deadlines, with 80%+ valuing next-day delivery to avoid project delays and costs (£100–£500/day). Flexible options like click-and-collect enhance efficiency. 

7 – What role does stock availability play in repeat business with a wholesaler?

Stock availability drives repeat business by ensuring contractors get what they need immediately, with 70%+ citing it as a top loyalty factor to avoid delays and sourcing elsewhere. Reliable stock builds trust. 

8 – Are independents or national chains more popular among electricians?

National chains like CEF and Rexel are more popular for their widespread stock and delivery, but independents are favored for personalized service and negotiation (40% preference in surveys). Chains dominate for convenience. 

9 – How does wholesaler choice affect quoting and job turnaround times?

Wholesaler choice affects quoting by influencing material costs and availability, with reliable suppliers enabling accurate, competitive bids; poor stock delays jobs by 1–3 days, impacting turnaround and client satisfaction. Efficient wholesalers speed projects. 

10 – What makes the “ideal wholesaler” from an electrician’s point of view?

The ideal wholesaler offers competitive pricing, extensive stock, knowledgeable staff, fast delivery, and flexible terms, with a great location for quick access. This combination ensures efficiency and value.