We love supporting local businesses! Each issue, we have a yarn with a customer from one of our wholesale members. Meet A Local Customer of Trade Electrical Data Supplies (TEDS) Chatswood.
What do you like most about your local wholesaler? Over the past five years I have built up a great rapport with the team at TEDS. Their exceptional customer service and extensive product knowledge make them both friendly and approachable for any of my electrical needs. Additionally, their diverse in-store inventory greatly enhances the ability to provide high-quality electrical work for my clients. Has there been a standout moment they’ve helped you out? Every day is a standout day at TEDS. However, recently, the fast out-of-hours turnaround for the order and delivery for sub-main cables for a large factory in Mona Vale has helped me immensely.
What’s the most difficult job you’ve ever had?
A full electrical rewire in a heritage-listed house. Two other contractors had said they were unable to complete it. I completed this job without ceiling space and floor space and was able to bring it up to current electrical standards.
What has been your most memorable day at work? Winning the contract on a multimillion-dollar new build home in Ruskin Rowe, Avalon, working with some of the best builders in Sydney. Who’s the worst apprentice/ colleague you’ve had, and why? I spent a lot of money on tools and electrical equipment for a new apprentice, only to have him leave without notice, taking the tools and equipment with him.
What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened on a job?
Watching a builder’s apprentice have to take a running push start to start a demolition saw.
What’s the biggest %&$* up that someone else made that you’ve had to make right? It was on a recent job – a residential main switchboard upgrade. I found new final subcircuits joined in the roof space to original cotton-covered wiring throughout the house. The insulation was breaking down throughout the steel conduits. What’s the best nickname you’ve ever heard a co-worker have? Sex fingers – because he f***s everything he touches.
You’ve visited the customer, given the potential job the once over, and sent off the quote. At the same time, you email the invoice to that other customer whose job you completed the day before, and all being well, payment will land in a few days. You’ve already got a few jobs lined up in [...]<p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://gemcell.com.au/news/follow-up-strategy-for-electrical-contractors/">Read More...<span class="screen-reader-text"> from The follow up secret: how to win more work </span></a></p>
In business, it’s smart to create a name for yourself. Be known for something. Yes, a Jack of all trades can seem like a good position to take from the outset – particularly when you’re starting out and need ‘any’ work. But, as time progresses, there are certain types of work you like doing more [...]<p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://gemcell.com.au/news/become-a-trusted-adviser/">Read More...<span class="screen-reader-text"> from How to become a trusted adviser and authority in your niche</span></a></p>
Let’s face it, social media’s pretty convenient for electrical businesses and contractors. It’s free. Most of your customers – and potential customers – are on there, and it’s super easy to be active. Take a photo on your phone each day, upload it there and then with a comment and off you go. Which begs the [...]<p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://gemcell.com.au/news/do-tradies-need-websites/">Read More...<span class="screen-reader-text"> from Why Your Electrical Business Needs a Website (And Why Social Media Isn’t Enough)</span></a></p>
