Prices and Service at CEF / City Electrical Factors?

[HappyHippyDad]

Hello all.

I've been meaning to ask this for sometime.

Could I ask CEF as a forum sponsor whether they regard their prices as competitive?

I think it would be useful for you to know peoples thoughts on your pricing as having the knowledge can only be helpful.

I personally do not use CEF as I find your prices far, far higher than all other wholesalers, so i just go there when needs must, possibly twice a year. Many other electricians I talk to feel the same so this is not just me being picky.

I dont have a trade account with you, but when I walk into other wholesalers without a trade account they offer trade prices as I am in the trade. The chaps on the counter are friendly and helpful but even after they state they have given me a great discount the price is still (not just a little higher) far higher than I could have got it for elsewhere (if they had it in stock).

I do hope this thread stays as I don't feel this is slurring your name or being rude, it's just simply asking why your prices are higher than other wholesalers?

Saw a thread about another supplier and thought I'd ask what the prices and service is like at this one.

• Prices at Edmundson - http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/prices-at-edmundson.113925/
  
• Prices at Screwfix / Electrifix? - http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/prices-at-screwfix-electrifix.113924/
  
• Prices at TLC? - http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/prices-at-tlc.113922/
  
• Prices at Yesss? - http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/prices-at-yesss.113921/
• Prices at CEF? - http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/prices-at-cef.108907/
• Prices at Toolstation? - http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/prices-at-toolstation.113926/

And just for those who wonder, these are the most used electrical suppliers in the UK, according to our own members....

Most Used Electrical Suppliers & Electrical Wholesalers - http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/most-used-electrical-suppliers-electrical-wholesalers.89888/

 

[Octopus]

In my experience CEF prices have more ups and downs then the Himalayas.

Over the last couple of months my local CEF have been leaving me messages asking me to call them - but not giving me a reason why! I have 3 suppliers I prefer to use, I have confidence in them and they have both reasonable pricing AND excellent service!

 

[hightower]

I don't think you can whack a good relationship with a local wholesaler. Mine sold me a box of wagos a tenner cheaper than screwfix, and a reel of 100m of 2.5 about 15 quid cheaper. On top of this, it's all quality gear.

Would CEF be classed as a local wholesaler or is it a bit big for its boots?

 

[Andy78]

I have inside information as to the pricing system used by CEF branches. They each get issued with a special machine that apparently keeps track of current pricing trends and latest wholesale prices, and uses that information in relation to the purchasing behaviour of a particular account to produce the most relevant price. The machines are identical to the one pictured below.

 

[Andy78]

I don't think you can whack a good relationship with a local wholesaler. Mine sold me a box of wagos a tenner cheaper than screwfix, and a reel of 100m of 2.5 about 15 quid cheaper. On top of this, it's all quality gear.

Would CEF be classed as a local wholesaler or is it a bit big for its boots?

At 391 UK branches I think they are classed as a large national chain. They are certainly local to many places, but I think you are meaning local independent wholesalers.

 

[akwoody2]

I agree, they are expensive compared to others and often their pricing isn't consistent but in my area I do find their product knowledge is far greater. I use CEF 50% of the time for parts because I know ill get the right part sent to me.

On another note, they have a reliable website you can order from for next day delivery.

 

[jackhammerJIM]

personally cannot stand them .

 

[Andy78]

The last time I reluctantly used my local branch was to get a proteus mcb. Seeing as CEF are exclusive stockists of this brand I was somewhat surprised and overwhelmingly disappointed to find that any proteus TP breakers had to ordered in as only SP breakers are kept on the shelf. No problem though with their next day service. I got a call 5 days later to tell me the part was in. Useless.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

A couple of places I have worked at used CEF, one place also used RS, so CEF prices didn't seem to high.
Annoying though to order stuff over the phone, only to find when you go to pick it up, that some items have been replaced with other not suitable items.
Annoying to get a price over the phone, only to be given a higher one when you turn up at the store.
Annoying to open the delivered item only to find it smashed to pieces.
Annoying to be told that the third switch I have had to return is faulty because I keep switching it.
As for the Tamlite fittings, surely they could use some stronger card to make them out of?

 

[Sparkie30]

I keep well away from cef, rip off and take forever to give you a price.

 

[Trevle]

I find CEF prices very high, even on the stuff manufactured by their group. I paid £23+VAT for a 10w led pir light the other day. Should've of went screwfix, they had them for £18 all in.

 

[123]

Also annoying that when you get a quote for a branded product, say an Ansell 70W Wall Pack Son, and they order the item, that the delivered item is CEF Tam****e brand, and the invoice is higher for the item.

 

[Andy78]

I wonder if the forum sponsor will take note that every thread about their company always turns into a general moan about lack of quality of service, poor quality own brand goods, high pricing, and inconsistent pricing.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I didn't intend this to turn into a moan about CEF, I was more hoping that the forum member CEFPaul would comment. He may do, but if this thread just turns into a CEF bashing it will just get deleted.

 

[Phil Thompson]

I keep well away from cef, rip off and take forever to give you a price.

Was in with a list for pricing on Thursday, at my local branch, asked me for an email address, still waiting 2 days later.
Yet they have more staff and generally are less busy than the independent ones.
I asked about dado trunking, no data needed and a 16 way dist board, instead of telling me they don't stock it, they told me, you can't get non data dado trunking, how about just 4x2 trunking and you could put dry liners in it. And you can't get a 16 way only an 18 way.

In the month of February I've saved approx £350-400 on materials of equal or better quality by using independent wholesalers, and the service and willingness to help has been much superior too.

Out of 2 other sparks I've been chatting to the past week, 1 closed his account and the other says he has one but only uses them if he's stuck and really has to.

The trying to force accounts on folks is the one that annoys me the most along with the higher price without account. They know by the lists of items and the way you describe them that you're in the trade so can easily tell the difference if they don't know you.

I dont expect a reply reply as the last question went unanswered. I don't mind paying more for better quality, but not to walk out paying 10-20% more than someone else, too difficult to stay competitive with CEF pricing. It's almost as though they're trying to be like B&Q, Homebase, Screwfix etc and deal more with the public than trade.

 

[infinity]

I used a 400A bus bar bad 200A MEM Glasgow not cheap as you can imagine, just before Xmas
Invoices customer in Jan to have my invoice questioned a couple weeks later.
He sent me a quote from CEF for the same items around £40 cheaper than I paid! He just rang up as a cash customer and got a better price than me 2 weeks later. Then It looks like I've really overcharged for the unit!
How is his possible?! I'm still waiting for An answer 3 weeks on.

 

[123]

I didn't intend this to turn into a moan about CEF, I was more hoping that the forum member CEFPaul would comment. He may do, but if this thread just turns into a CEF bashing it will just get deleted.

CEFPaul? May be waiting a while...He probably works for YESSS now lolJoin Date15-07-2015Last Activity23-10-2015Avatar

 

[123]

Was in with a list for pricing on Thursday, at my local branch, asked me for an email address, still waiting 2 days later.
Yet they have more staff and generally are less busy than the independent ones.
I asked about dado trunking, no data needed and a 16 way dist board, instead of telling me they don't stock it, they told me, you can't get non data dado trunking, how about just 4x2 trunking and you could put dry liners in it. And you can't get a 16 way only an 18 way.

In the month of February I've saved approx £350-400 on materials of equal or better quality by using independent wholesalers, and the service and willingness to help has been much superior too.

Out of 2 other sparks I've been chatting to the past week, 1 closed his account and the other says he has one but only uses them if he's stuck and really has to.

The trying to force accounts on folks is the one that annoys me the most along with the higher price without account. They know by the lists of items and the way you describe them that you're in the trade so can easily tell the difference if they don't know you.

I dont expect a reply reply as the last question went unanswered. I don't mind paying more for better quality, but not to walk out paying 10-20% more than someone else, too difficult to stay competitive with CEF pricing. It's almost as though they're trying to be like B&Q, Homebase, Screwfix etc and deal more with the public than trade.

Where is your local CEF? A CEF with many staff seems a bit novel, my local branch stuggled badly for staff last year (not used them at all since around September) and doubt I will again.

 

[Sparkie30]

I didn't intend this to turn into a moan about CEF, I was more hoping that the forum member CEFPaul would comment. He may do, but if this thread just turns into a CEF bashing it will just get deleted.

why will it get deleted ? People are telling their experiences. They should improve then.

 

[stevethesparks]

It was difficult to mention CEF just a few weeks ago, now it appears you can say what you like. Have they withdrawn their sponsorship?

 

[Hellmooth]

My first account was with CEF, used them a couple of times but now just use Yesss.

 

[LankyWill]

I think their prices are ridiculously high, i mean i only use them for odd bits as the eddies down the road are pretty competitive and their prices are fairly reasonable. The one thing i find strange is they hide their prices on the web which looks to me as an easy way to rip you off. Plus their own brand products are terrible and they don't stock reputable brands either. I always feel i leave with no dignity and my trousers round my ankles....

 

[Leesparkykent]

My local CEF thanet branch is spot on. Their salesman Mat often jumps in his car to deliver stuff out to site if the vans already left. They stock Hager and click which we often use. When quoting for the bigger jobs the office sends the material list out to CEF, kew electrical supplies and phase electrical supplies and then play them off of each other untill i get the cheapest price. My only gripe with them is you have to Check every figure (that's what CEF stands for btw lol) as you normally have a little surprise on your monthly invoice with something they haven't discounted properly.

 

[Andy78]

My local CEF thanet branch is spot on. Their salesman Mat often jumps in his car to deliver stuff out to site if the vans already left. They stock Hager and click which we often use. When quoting for the bigger jobs the office sends the material list out to CEF, kew electrical supplies and phase electrical supplies and then play them off of each other untill i get the cheapest price. My only gripe with them is you have to Check every figure (that's what CEF stands for btw lol) as you normally have a little surprise on your monthly invoice with something they haven't discounted properly.

And that's why I'd never regularly use them. I have experienced this first hand and heard the same complaint from many account holders and forum users.
This can lead me to only 2 logical conclusions. That their pricing and billing system is flawed and has been for many years, therefore rendering it unreliable and possibly unsuitable for purpose. Or that there is an endemic culture of misleading and overcharging customers on a nationwide and regular basis in an effort to maximise profits at the expense of repeat business from accounts that they do not deem worthy of proper care and attention, whilst looking after and giving proper discount to the larger spending accounts.

I may of course be wrong, these are only my assumptions.

 

[slingshot2000]

Check Every Figure (that's what CEF stands for btw lol) as you normally have a little surprise on your monthly invoice with something they haven't discounted properly.

Brilliant !

 

[Leesparkykent]

And that's why I'd never regularly use them. I have experienced this first hand and heard the same complaint from many account holders and forum users.
This can lead me to only 2 logical conclusions. That their pricing and billing system is flawed and has been for many years, therefore rendering it unreliable and possibly unsuitable for purpose. Or that there is an endemic culture of misleading and overcharging customers on a nationwide and regular basis in an effort to maximise profits at the expense of repeat business from accounts that they do not deem worthy of proper care and attention, whilst looking after and giving proper discount to the larger spending accounts.

I may of course be wrong, these are only my assumptions.

We average around 12k a month on material so that's probably why we get looked after. I just email them straight back and don't pay the invoice untill its sorted.

 

[Phil Thompson]

Where is your local CEF? A CEF with many staff seems a bit novel, my local branch stuggled badly for staff last year (not used them at all since around September) and doubt I will again.

Bangor is my local one. But been using W.E.S. more as the prices are way cheaper and service is much faster, and that's with just 1 driver and 2 on the counter. Was in Century yesterday and they seem a lot more switched on, left a list in so awaiting to see the prices, but have heard good reports about them and the van comes down my way regularly so easy to get deliveries.

 

[stevey1983]

To be fair to them my cef have been pretty good lately, prices cheaper than others and fast getting quotes back to me. Wont use there proteus or m2 as its cheap tat though

 

[rolyberkin]

I went in to my local CEF the other day as a bulb had blown in my house, I have an account there, some new bloke was behind the counter and told me the bulb I had in my hand was from a cheap Chinese fitting probably from a DIY store! Try around the corner in Screwfix he said! Now the funny thing is that I bought the fitting from CEF. Just feel like they are more interested in mugging people off than making money! I refuse to use them now unless needs must.

 

[plugsandsparks]

Don't use them, TBH there is plenty of competition in this market, no need to moan just go somewhere else.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I was hoping CEF would respond as I was genuinely interested in their pricing. I hear lots of people saying that their prices are high, and they are, however almost one in four of electricians on this site use them as their main supplier, so I must be missing something. See link below.

http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk...ctrical-suppliers-electrical-wholesalers.html

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Just had a scout around the site.

Looks pretty unlikely they'll be a reply from CEF :leaving:

I'll stick with Wilts.

 

[Marvo]

CEF are a sponsor who haven't been active on the forum. It's not ideal but there's not much we can do about I'm afraid. I'd suggest you contact them direct via their website if you've got complaints or queries.

 

[Octopus]

CEF are a sponsor who haven't been active on the forum. It's not ideal but there's not much we can do about I'm afraid. I'd suggest you contact them direct via their website if you've got complaints or queries.

TBH I think that most of us have "choice" about suppliers and we are voting with our wallets to go elsewhere..........

 

[NDG Elecs]

I have used CEF a handful of times only as other wholesalers are in my area and I tend to use them instead. The times I have used CEF I actually found their prices reasonable. This has been for small value items only. There are a couple of CEFs within five miles of me but due to their reputation preceding them I tend to avoid.

 

[drzsta]

Sorry to bring back an old thread but it did make me chuckle today at work. CEF are our companies preferred supplier and we spend hundreds of thousands across the group with them yet I can get better prices straight off their website than when we get quotes from our local CEF branch for the same products! :banghead:

 

[Rampage]

Just registered so I can check prices on the Internet.
Said I DIDN'T want a credit account, but still they have obtained the name of my partner, previous address and details about where I hold bank accounts. Would have been nice to know they do this, probably buried somewhere in the terms and conditions.

 

[Rampage]

Wylex TP 16B MCB:

CEF: £43.20 (inc £10 for it to be delivered to store)
Screwfix £22.99

 

[Admin]

Just to keep it fair.....

Saw a thread about another supplier and thought I'd ask what the prices and service is like at this one.

• Prices at Edmundson - http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/prices-at-edmundson.113925/
  
• Prices at Screwfix / Electrifix? - http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/prices-at-screwfix-electrifix.113924/
  
• Prices at TLC? - http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/prices-at-tlc.113922/
  
• Prices at Yesss? - http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/prices-at-yesss.113921/
• Prices at CEF? - http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/prices-at-cef.108907/
• Prices at Toolstation? - http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/prices-at-toolstation.113926/

And just for those who wonder, these are the most used electrical suppliers in the UK, according to our own members....

Most Used Electrical Suppliers & Electrical Wholesalers - http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/most-used-electrical-suppliers-electrical-wholesalers.89888/