Paul,
It really is a case of 'you look after the customer' the 'customer will look after you'.
If you have worked as an engineer, you will know that time, quality of goods and services is crucial for us to get the job done and move onto the next one. Essentially earning more money!
I believe that companies like Screwfix have adapted to this sequence to support the trade’s person and hence have competitive prices, branded & unbranded product offerings together with a super fast delivery service. They also put certain package deals together (i.e. New board + 10 sockets etc) which can be attractive for any new rewire work.
Now I do have an account with screwfix and I do have accounts with local wholesalers (who are IBA members) and I must admit I tend to use my local suppliers 99% of the time (i.e. either pop or in or they deliver to the job) generally because they look after me, but the screwfix account on-line is very handy if I have forgotten something (standard type stock) that I need desperately quickly.
You know yourself that word of mouth is the best form of business, as you’re on this site why not enquire about sponsoring the site and offer some deals to the members? Not sure how many members there are but we all use supplies?
Why not add a link to this site from your site and vice versa?
You may have to speak with one of the moderators of the site but you could create a best buys link, where you could offer some deals to the members etc?
Anyway just some food for though, best of luck with your venture!
Warren