Something I have noticed recently ... the conflict between wholesalers who have taken ownership of certain brands ...which has resulted in an increase in price or a lack of availability at certain wholsalers.
Suppliers ...wholesalers and contractors teaming up ... making it literally impossible for you to compete for tenders.
This must be the most blantant example I have experienced to date ... I went to a site meeting yesterday ... a rather interesting one ... I was requested as an installer to quote to do a minor installation ... but a very tricky installation ... it didnt take long for me to figue out that the supplier of the product had teams of staff already on site doing the same type of work they were asking me to do ... however due to the lack of experience in the field the installer needed advice on how to overcome the issues they faced ... so I was called in to "quote" for a small portion of the work ... I have been doing this for too long to get caught out like that ... so i submitted a quote to design the installation ... once they accept that quote and pay the consulting fee then I will share my thoughts.
Suddenly I start taking note of this kind of practise ... and notice not only are solar suppliers doing it ... but there are electrical wholsalers which have contractor vehicles leaving early in the morning and arriving at closing time and parking on the premises in the evening.
Another example ... AC/DC has partnered with Sunburst electrical ... so as a contactor purchasing goods for AC/DC you dont stand a chance when tendering against them.
This has always been seen as bad practices ... which in this day and age has become the norm ... thank goodness I only have a few months left to maintain my ethical standards in my bussiness (one of the most difficult challenges of running a bussiness) ... then we can do what we need to do to get the job.
I also believe it is time to bypass wholesalers and places like AC/DC and suppliers should sell directly to contrators ... which would make it fair ground for all to play.
Loyality has become quality products and fax machines.
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