How to Start Electrical Supplies Business?

With the need for electrical supply in every area of society, an electrical supply store is one business that promises to thrive? that is, with proper preparation.

If you are thinking of starting this business, we have an essential guide that will ask you questions you need to ask yourself before going further.

electrical supplies business

Electrical supply is needed in every area of today's society – from homes to offices to manufacturing plants. Given the right conditions, this is an excellent business to pursue. If you are considering going into this business, here are some questions to ask yourself:

Is there a market for electrical supplies in your target area of operation? What is this market? Is it homeowners, businesses, commercial or industrial plants? Do you have the capacity to provide electrical supplies to the existing market? Translated, it means do you have the funding and the management expertise to start an electrical supply store suited to the market's needs?

An electrical supply store for homeowners is the simplest one to start. You must maintain an inventory of the essential electrical supply like batteries, lighting fixtures, switches, wires, fuses, and battery chargers needed in homes. On the other hand, if you build an electrical supply store for industries and electrical contractors, you'd need more capital to buy inventories and a more advanced system to manage ordering and deliveries.

Similar Articles

The next question to ask is: do you know the electrical supply? Your customer will not only need items from your shop. Sometimes they will also need advice on the proper electrical gadget to use. You must be knowledgeable about electric circuits and provide at least the basic answers to customer queries.

What will be your return policy? Will you accept returns? At what condition and for how long will it be valid? If you will operate big, will you be providing volume discounts?

Where will you source inventories? While getting supplies directly from manufacturers is always best, it is often tricky if you are a small retailer. Most likely, you'd deal with a distributor. But with diligence, you may find a manufacturer ready to work with you. The Internet holds a great reserve of information on manufacturers from abroad that can provide wholesale products at discounts.

And one of the most critical questions is, do you have the financial capacity to pursue your plan? Aside from personal savings, you can turn to friends, family, investors, and banks to provide the cash to rent or build a store and buy inventory, equipment, shelves, and drawers.

If you have clear answers to some questions and think you can resolve the rest, this business could be the right one for you to pursue.

Watch this Video to Learn How to Manage your Electrical Supply Warehouse

Recommended Articles

  • How to Start an Electrical Company
    An electrical company is a venture in which the lives of the workers are at risks. Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of the electricians to ensure also the safety of lives and properties.
  • Buying Guide for Small Business Switches
    Small business switches buying guides are just few reminders when installing or replacing switches in your small business.

643 Comments

  • Onesmus Hanhapo said on July 20, 2010
    Hi, Can you please send me a sample business plan for an Electrical Supplies store. I would like to establish one in Namibia, Windhoek where i reside. Thank you. Regards, Onesmus
  • vishnu said on August 15, 2010
    Sir, I want to start a electrical supply business in trivandrum, kerala. please help and direct me in the business. Vishnu. V
  • Millard anderson said on August 19, 2010
    i am interested to start a electrical supply business in Dallas, texas but i need more help from you
  • jaineet said on September 6, 2010
    Hi, i would like to start Electrical Supplies store (wholesale). I would like to establish one in Nadi, Fiji Islands where i reside.
  • surendra said on October 4, 2010
    Hi i want to start electrical supplies store in Noida with my brother pls advise how much i have to invest. what is right procedure to start.
  • Jesse Gitonga said on October 8, 2010
    I am starting electrical supply wholesale and retail business in Nairobi, Kenya. How do i acquire good knowledge and how do i capture clients and get market in such dynamic location. Thank you.
  • Mrs Soobhen said on December 3, 2010
    Hi, I am from Mauritius, i would like to import electrical parts to african countries, can u guide me how to settle into this. thanking you
  • John Maru said on January 18, 2011
    Hi I need some management expertise assistance to establish an electrical supplies business in Port Moresby.Papua New Guinea I need assistance in management and suppliers of products. can you assist in any of these areas. I will find the money to start
  • Rikesh said on February 3, 2011
    Hi i want to start electrical supplies store in Vapi, Gujarat, india with my brother pls advise how much i have to invest. what is right procedure to start. Regds, Rikesh
  • joel evangelista said on March 9, 2011
    i plan to start an electrical supply business in my home town. i am a registered electrician. and i'm accepting/getting electrical wiring contracts to residential building in my area. How much least capital we can start this kind of business? thank, and more power.
  • James expert adviser said on March 10, 2011
    @joel evangelista, where are you from. Startup cost will vary with the location so let me know your business location.

    Jestin James
    Startup Biz Hub - Senior Advisor (Staff)

  • sudhagar said on May 31, 2011
    hi i want to start electrical supply business in ariyalur, tamilnadu. i am a electrical engineering graduate. please guide me.
  • Jason said on June 1, 2011
    Hello,I am considering starting a electrical supply business in Roosevelt,Utah.I will be supply the oilfield in the area.What Type of capitol is needed to start.Are there any franchise opportunity out there?
  • Seyha said on July 1, 2011
    I would like to start with electrical supply business in Cambodia. I don't know where should i contact manufacturer. Thanks for advice
  • hashimsamad said on July 2, 2011
    Hi, I am planning to start an electrical supply shop focusing on home and residential contractors. Your valuable advise will be highly helpful. Shop will be rented. Place : Kerala, south India Regards, hashim
  • Rodgers said on July 9, 2011
    Hi, I am planning to start electrical supply business. what should i do. Dar es salaam, Tanzania
  • Sakthi said on July 19, 2011
    Hello Sir, Am planning to start a electric retail shop in my own town(hub for more than 30 developing villages) providing electrical home need products, Please give me your guidance. Thanks
  • DON M. CHABERT said on August 3, 2011
    I AM LOOKING TO OPEN UP AN ELECTRICAL SUPPLY STORE IN LOUISIANA AREA CODE 70345 THERE IS A SUPPLIER THAT HANDLES GE PANEL BOARDS HOW DO I ALSO BECOME A GE DEALER IN SAME ARE ALSO I HAVE THE MEANS TO GENERATE A LOT OF BUSINESS. THANKS
  • DON M. CHABERT said on August 3, 2011
    CUT OFF LA. 70345 UNITED STATES. WANT TO BECOME A GE DEALER
  • Shyam said on October 21, 2011
    hi sir, i am shyam from puducherry, i am an electrical engineering student , how to supply electrical products and how to manufacturing sir please tell some ideas
  • Juan gonzalez said on October 25, 2011
    I am from Houston Texas, I am Electrical Mechanical technician, also I am a master Electrician with 30 years experience, I would Like start a small Electrical Email Supplier, I have a lot of contacts In houston were I can make a great sales, I am trying to understand how to become a sales Electrical supplier with the option of expansion, can you guide on this matter. I would like start slow by selling basic Supplies, the most that sell almost all the time and can be reused Switches,Plugs , Conduit , and basic breakers, basic wire as well as music MC cable, and have a contact that can sell manufacture materials with out me touching them
  • Rolando E. Cawaling said on November 3, 2011
    I am a retiree of a Philippine Government Electrical Power Corporation and I want to put up an electrical supplies store in our province here in Sorsogon City. Can you send me a detailed plan on how to setup and arrange/group electrical supplies in its individual shelves. Thank You and more power.....
  • sandeep said on November 13, 2011
    Hi sir, i am sandeep from pune(India) i have my own business in industrial automation (Electrical and Electronics )products trading business so i want to export those products to another country so pl guide me.
  • sabari nathan said on November 21, 2011
    i would like to electrical equipment whole sale supply in Tamilnadu please more inform you that.thanks regard.
  • sridhar said on November 25, 2011
    sir, i am sridhar, i have good experience in electrical field, i like to start business. electrical material shop with electrical service. how to start my business. how much minimum need money? location chennai or changlepet dist.
  • jeeva said on December 6, 2011
    hi sir, i am jeeva from tamilnadu in india. Well i decide to start electrical spare parts supplies business, i need some advanced procedure to start in this business, plz help me.. Thankyou.
  • sahulhamed said on December 16, 2011
    hi sir i am sahul how to start electrical shop(whole sale) in my own town(tirunelveley). pls tell me some idea. how much minimum money
  • Landon said on December 23, 2011
    Hi I am looking to start a small electrical and pluming store in the town of manchester, ohio there are power plants around and i was wondering how to go about starting it up and getting business from power plants and also where to buy my supplies from just tell me whatever you think would point me in the right direction thanks
  • ariel said on January 2, 2012
    i am a planning officer of a town in the philippines, and planning to establish an electrical supply business, residential and commercial establishments are developing in this town, i have a store in the public market to put up this business but i need your advise on how to start the business, thank you and more power!!!
  • Joel said on January 5, 2012
    Hi, i am planning to have a small electrical supplies store business in General Santos City, Philippines. Can you send me some procedures to start this business? where can i buy my supplies near to my place? Can you give me an idea how much money will I start with? Thank you and more power!
  • Siraj Khan said on January 23, 2012
    Hi, I'm planning to start a wholesale electrical store in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. I have no experience in electrical store. Need your help on this how to start and how much minimum capital is required to start a wholesale shop. Thanks in advance, Siraj Khan
  • pal said on February 17, 2012
    Hi, My plan is to open electrical supply business. I am in Toronto. I want to know how to start and how much minimum capital to start that. Thanks Pal.
  • chaitanya said on February 24, 2012
    hai, i started a electrical shop now i want to improve my shop, i need information where the cheap electrical goods available in hyd. plz inform me sir with contact details
  • rakesh yadav said on March 7, 2012
    hai, i want to start electrical shop at mumbai(airoli) i need information. i have no experience in electrical store. please i need your help. from where the cheap electrical goods available and how to start the business, what all requirement needed and how much money needed to start business.
  • manish said on March 9, 2012
    Dear sir, I want to start electrical material specially line material ie conductor, cable, transformer, al.channels ,AB switch,LA, etc supplier business in amravati, maharashtra, India. Pls guide me
  • faizal khan said on March 22, 2012
    i want to start as an electrical supplier to the electrical contractors for different projects running in mp. in what manner should i start as the fund is about 2 lakhs
  • sreenish cs said on April 10, 2012
    Dear sir, I am sreenish from trivandrum india i want to start electrical supply business. please i need your help. from where the cheap & good electrical goods available and how to start the business, how much money needed to start business. please guide me.
  • Manzoor said on April 19, 2012
    My name is Manzoor, I would like to start an electrical shop business in Kerala, India. Main focus is retail sales, distribution of goods to small shops, supply of items to electrical contractors. What are the list of items I need to keep as a stock, how much will be the capital, what type of sales people I wanted to keep, etc. Please send me if you have any detailed plan related to the above business, it will be big help
  • dinesh said on April 23, 2012
    hi i would like to start an wind energy in chennai. how much i invest in this project. or give some low budget business ideas
  • vinodh said on May 7, 2012
    hi am planning to start small electrical and electronics shop in small budget. could you please guide me the procedure, rules, ideas and amount approximately. Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. email Id : vinodh1410@yahoo.com
  • Mebu Mathew said on May 10, 2012
    Sir i would like to open an electrical and plumbing business in Kerala, India. What items should i stock in the beginning stage, how much capital should i invest.
  • andries hugo said on May 10, 2012
    i'm situated in Galeshewe, Kimberley, South Africa. A place where a lot of people are busy building and fixing their houses and they always to far from any electrical supply shop & i'm also not aiming on killing people with my prices but still making a profit. Please email me a basic business plan and all information to andries.hugo@standardbank.co.za Thank you!!!
  • raghavendra said on May 13, 2012
    Hello Sir, Am planning to start a electric retail shop in my own town in andhra pradesh providing electrical home need products, where the cheap & good electrical goods available and how to start the business, how much money needed to start business. please guide me.Thanks
  • Mahesh solapur said on May 15, 2012
    Sir, I want to start a electrical supply business like electrical accessories(switches, bulbs pipes board etc) in Bagalkot, karnataka. please help and direct me in the business. Mahesh
  • V.Ashokkumar said on May 23, 2012
    I would like to start up an electrical store at kerala in a moderate town. Please send valuable advise
  • Nanaji said on June 1, 2012
    I would like to start Electrical Supplies store (wholesale) and Retail business in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. please i need your help. from where the cheap & good electrical goods available and how to start the business. please guide me
  • John Murphy said on June 3, 2012
    Hi, Could you please send me a sample business plan for an electrical supplies / wholesale store. I am considering starting my own business in the UK. Thanks
  • Fikameni Haiduwa said on June 7, 2012
    H, could you help on how to establish my electrical supplying company in Windhoek, Namibia.ideally business plan and manufactures contacts, mostly from south africa or elsewhere.
  • Becky said on June 19, 2012
    I currently manage an electrical contracting company, with the mark up on supplies we would like to be our own supply house for ourselves and some other local contractors. I would love help with this. We are located in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan.
  • PRADEEP.M said on June 26, 2012
    I am looking to start a new electrical matearil supply in bangalore sanjaynagar which is good business to make profit
  • Alitez said on June 27, 2012
    To all of you who want to start an electrical supplies store, this blog is informative. She is right, all the basics info and details on how to start is well said here. Define your market, source out the right products, work on your required budget then give it a go. For all those from Philippines looking for supplier of switches and sockets, you can email at alitezandsupply@gmail.com for Australians, pls send an email too, I know a wholesaler who has a very good products and good price too.
  • lawrence said on June 30, 2012
    hi! am lawrence in nakuru county in kenya. having an experience in electrical installation from kenya industrial training institute i have seen that it is better for me to start up a business in the same area. the problem is that i have no idea on where to get all the accessories and more so the management pliz help me.
  • S.Thaha said on July 3, 2012
    Sir, I want to start a Electrical supply business in kayamkulam, kerala pls help and direct me in the business .thank you S.Thaha
  • Gant said on July 3, 2012
    Dear Sir/Madam, I would like to know some information and requirement in charge of becoming a distributor of electrical products. I also need some guide in term of open up this kind of business. I am in Cambodia, and would like to start up this kind of business in Phnom Penh! Your Sincerely, Hak Presogant
  • Sunil Teravkar said on July 8, 2012
    I wish to start a new electrical supplies store in Lote Parshuram industrial area in khed taluka of ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. Kindly guide me how to start and minimum capital requirement and how to keep inventory
  • vivek sinha said on July 10, 2012
    hello to all great minds! I want to start my business related to power plant accessories and electrical goods in ranchi, jharkhand which is the hub or main reserve of coal and backbone of power sector in india. what will be the budget? what goods and services that i can manufacture? can anyone figure out if plz mail me?
  • Selvakumar said on July 16, 2012
    hai Dear all, I am from kanyakumari and i would like to start House Hold Electrical Item like Wire, Switch, Motor, Fan, Induction Stove, Pipe, sink, Glow set Etc. And i have plan to start electrical and hardware supply business with in one year in my home town Edayan vilai with approximately Twelve lakhs Investment if any one have business plan pl send to me and advise me through Email about any tamilnadu Dealer Ship Selva_electrical@yahoo.co.in
  • james raghunauth said on July 16, 2012
    i am an industrial electrician from guyana and rewinding electrical motors for 40 years i would like to start a supply store please send and advise me by email james_rnauth@yahoo.com
  • v p baburaj said on July 17, 2012
    For starting a middle level electrical dealer ship in my home town(kerala) how much investment i need to invest and where I can get a good wholesale dealer address and full details
  • manojkumardeshmukh said on July 21, 2012
    want to start electrical based retailer shop like decorative lamps, fans, home related electrical equipments. Can you give me any suggestion.
  • Renjith said on July 22, 2012
    I am planning to start an Electrical Supplies business within 6 months. Please advice further tips for it.
  • Henry k waweru said on July 24, 2012
    I am in Kenya(Nyahururu), i would like to have an idea of business plan and wholesale prices list.
  • sandeep patidar said on July 28, 2012
    i m planing to start an LED home and industrial and out door lighting business within 3 months. my investment 3 lakh Rs. indian currency pls. advice and business plan and tips. Neemuch, Madhya pradesh, india
  • lemuel tomas said on July 30, 2012
    Good day, I am planning to start an electrical supply store in Pasay City, Philippines to serve residential and commercial customers. I would like to know how much is the minimum capital needed in starting this kind of business. Kindly advise me also business plans and tips. Thank you very much & more power!
  • jaffer said on August 1, 2012
    hello am from Kenya and i want to start a wholesale electrical shop please give me the list of material required and prices
  • k.p.duraisami said on August 4, 2012
    Hello sir ,i am planning to start electrical goods supply store, i am doing electrical work . please give me business plan and some tips. i would like to know how much is the minimum amount needed in starting this kind of business can you give me suggestion .
  • A.dakshinamoorthy said on August 5, 2012
    hello sir i have good exp in electrical field so i like to start business electrical material shop and service also. how minimum need money and whole sale purchasing dealer in india. give me some ideas -thanks
  • jayaperakash said on August 6, 2012
    i want know where i want to buy the electronic item for wholesale business
  • jayaram said on August 6, 2012
    sir i am an electrical engineer from hosur and i want to start a electrical spares distributor in hosur so please suggest me the requirement of minimum required money wholesale purchasing dealer and better suggestions. thanks and awaiting for your reply.
  • Shams Tabrez said on August 7, 2012
    Sir, I am an electrical expert and want to become a dealer, so please suggest me the requirement of minimum money for wholesale purchasing dealer. I want to open in chitarpur dist.Ramgarh cantt Jharkhand India, Your favorable reply will be highly appreciate thanks
  • anilkumar said on August 9, 2012
    I am Anilkumar interesting to electrical supplies shop in kerala thrissur please advice me the right instructions
  • p.manikandan said on August 10, 2012
    how much money to invest in the electrical shop in new pls give your advice
  • Dharmendra mishra said on August 10, 2012
    Sir, I am electrical engineer in marine and would like to start electrical spare supplies as wholesale and retail in thane district near mumbai. sir please guide me with minimum finance require with store area and supplier list from where i can buy spares with all electrical list used in industries as well as in domestic area. Thank you in advance your advice is precious for me. Waiting for your reply. Thank you.
  • Evans samuel said on August 11, 2012
    Hi, i am from enugu state, nigeria. I am a trained skill electrical and electronic technician. However, i want to start electrical material business in my state. pls. Advice on what to do. My email is okeysamuel@gmail.com.
  • Robin Davids said on August 13, 2012
    Hi, I am from Cape Town SOuth Africa. I'm currently engaging into importing electrical cables and accessories. If you are in South Africa or Southern Africa you can mail me and we could help each other. siyaba.traders@gmail.com
  • Samuel Mothelo said on August 13, 2012
    Am in Botswana looking for electrical accessories distributors. Am planning to open shop in thirty days. Anyone willing to supply me with stock please contact me here: mothelo@yahoo.com or 26773710741
  • Sajeev said on August 16, 2012
    Sir, I am a Electrecian from Kollam [Kerala]. I have 20 years of experience in that work. Now i am looking for house hold electrical accessories distribution. I know all electrical goods. How much money need starting this business. I want your best advice please send. Thank you. Saeev.j,Kollam [Krala].
  • Sharvesh said on August 17, 2012
    Sir i am going to start electrical business in vellore district i want wholesale dealer address and contact no
  • shaik sameer ahamed said on August 17, 2012
    hi sir ,i am looking for all type of electronic distributor to supply for nellore dist.(a.p).
  • nasreen murtuza said on August 18, 2012
    Sir i want to start wholesale electrical shop in satara city (maharashtra).can u tell me what will be the margin?and which is the best option retail or wholesale?
  • mahesh rane said on August 19, 2012
    Dear Sir, I am a Ex-Servicemen and like to start my small business in electrical and hardware. Location is Roadpali , near Kalamboli dt. Raigad
  • sarath kumar said on August 20, 2012
    Sir i want to start retail electrical shop at balaramapuam town in Trivandrum city (Kerala).can u tell me what will be the margin and total investment?and which is the best option retail or wholesale?
  • Nilesh said on August 22, 2012
    i want to open trading company in bangalore. pl suggest me some important tips for that.
  • Rob Price said on August 22, 2012
    Dear Sir, I have over 10 years of experience in the Electrical Wholesale business and am keen to start up my own online business. I wanted to know if I needed any kind of licenses to start up ?
  • Manoj said on August 23, 2012
    Hello! Sir, i would like to start the solar power bussiness.and this energy will sell to the public,is there any govt rules to do this? Thanking you
  • Puleng said on August 27, 2012
    Dear Sir, I would like to start an electrical business, can you please forward the business plan template for electrical and the how to register any regulations from the government.
  • kirtesh jain said on August 27, 2012
    hi m kirtesh jain from dungarpur . i want to start my own electrical goods wholesaling in ahmedabad with minimum capital. and i want to get experience about wholesale market so pls help me how should i start my business in ahmedabad
  • Gopen Thakuria said on August 28, 2012
    sir I am gopen from guwahati . I want to start my own electrical goods wholesaling in guwahati beltola with minimum capital. and i want to get experience about wholesale market so pls help me how should i start my business in guwahati
  • John Sunny said on August 29, 2012
    We are a small Industrial(mechanical & Electrical)product supply company based in Texas,USA.One of my friend is planning to go back to kerala, India and start a small electrical trading company there in Kerala,probably in kochin. Will you please, let us get some information about the fast moving electrical items required for an electrical trading company. Also please advise the major manufacturers of fast moving electrical products and also the Wholesale electrical suppliers in India. Our company is the Manufacturers representative and exclusive agent for a malaysian based cable support system products for North America, South America and India. We are looking for reputed electrical wholesalers in india as our sole distributors. If any one is interested, please contact me.
  • ayaz ahmad said on August 31, 2012
    hi, i am ayaz ahmad want to start business in this area plz advice me and give me a simple chart. thank u
  • sunil said on August 31, 2012
    sir i am 45 yrs old and i worked 22yrs electrical and furniture experienced man. i know all the business tricks thoroughly. i want to start a business. but i have some money problems. if any one want to start the business i accompanied him and joined him and help all times. i sincerely promise that i grow the business under one year. i am in kollam. please contact me 09039268528
  • sanjay trivedi said on August 31, 2012
    Sir ,we are mfg cable lugs ,in Mumbai Maharashtra. my work shop is very small , but i mfg quality product . our range of product is 1.5 sq mm to 150 sq mm.kindly advice. sanajy trivedi, 09322232598
  • Vikas kumar said on September 1, 2012
    Sir, i want to start a big supplier electrical product such as cfl, bulb, switch, plug fan wirer etc. so where place (market) i buy all above product cheap and best. My address-mokama, patna,Bihar,India
  • Kalpesh jaiswar said on September 1, 2012
    Hi, sir i want to start a electrical hardware in a small budget as i have an knowledge of electrician, bt i dnt have any knowledge of dealers and suppliers i need contacts who can provide good margin...so plz help me sir.. Add:gorai..borivali west..mumbai..maharashtra. India.
  • K S.Rajesh Kumar said on September 3, 2012
    I want to start a Electrical supply business in CHENNAI, INDIA. KINDLY HELP ME WITH A BUSINESS PLAN.. THANKS FOR YOUR KIND ASSISTANCE. THANKS & REGARDS, K S.RAJESHKUMAR
  • chesiror sam said on September 9, 2012
    I will like to start electrical wholesale in kericho Kenya. Please assist me with budget plan and tips of of importing goods abroad. Best regards samuel chesiror +254718399403
  • Raju Kushwah said on September 10, 2012
    I want to supply CFL LIGHT in kerala so want to contact to any one in kerala who is interest in this please tell me soon.
  • Anthony said on September 12, 2012
    I am from anambra state in nigeria please sir i dont have any electrical experience before but i want go into the business how do u see that sir.
  • Chris said on September 14, 2012
    I hav an electrical supply shop in the street of uyo in nigeria but i'm not seeing any customer, plz advise me on what to do to get people buying my goods
  • shale said on September 16, 2012
    I want to start electrical shop in lesotho I need help

Comment

(All the above fields are required.)