Darren Binns, National Sales Manager at Jefferson Tools, asserts that the firm’s dedication to ‘bricks and mortar’ merchant businesses is bucking the race-to-the-bottom of online pricing.
Firstly, please tell us a bit about Jefferson Tools?
Like the many merchants we supply, Jefferson Tools is a family-run business that has been in operation for more than 20 years. Over that time, we’ve built up a well-earned reputation for quality products that range from hand and power tools, through air compressors, lighting gear, and electric supplies, to heating/cooling systems and access equipment. We’re known to the trade for our range of products and our reliability.
The company was founded by a team of professionals who had a tradesperson’s understanding of hardware and tools. Since then, we’ve earned a reputation as a reliable supplier in the industry, so much so that we recently relocated to a modern, 120,000 sq. feet headquarters and shipping centre, sited close to Maghera, Northern Ireland, which serves all the UK and Ireland. Our aim is to give merchants dependable, high-quality tools at a reasonable price, while still being modern and inventive.
What really makes us stand out is the quality of our products combined with our focus on supporting independent ‘bricks and mortar’ stockists with physical branches. We do not — and will not — supply to online retailers.
Our success is built on traditional — but profitable — partnerships that the merchant sector was built upon. That does not mean we are not a modern business that doesn’t innovate, in fact we have done this consistently to build the brand and produce the products that the trade use again and again.
What kind of products do you specialise in?
Everything a merchant could want to stock, and everything a tradesperson could want to buy. We’ve introduced thousands of specialist tools and equipment to the UK and Irish markets, and we continue to introduce fresh and innovative products every year — for example, compressors, generators, welders, hand tools, power tools, personal protection equipment, cement mixers, site electrical products, site safe security boxes, diamond blades and power tool accessories lighting, ladders, heaters, pressure washers, platforms and access equipment.
We’re always on the lookout for innovative and exciting new products with which to extend our range, and pride ourselves on developing and improving our offering. But equally, there are tools (for example, hand tools) and access equipment (such as ladders) that remain firm favourites and we are always sure to have in stock.
What advice would you give to independent merchants to sell more tools and equipment?
Don’t be afraid to try something new, as this is how you will discover the products that work best for your business. But equally, remember to always keep stock of products that sell well, and sell reliably, such as Jefferson’s range of hand and power tools and access equipment.
Finally, focus on customer service. That always pays dividends — and it’s how we treat our stockist partners!
“What really makes us stand out is the quality of our products combined with our focus on supporting independent ‘bricks and mortar’ stockists with physical branches.”
What specific benefits do independent merchants gain from stocking a brand like Jefferson Tools?
Firstly, profit is not a dirty word. Providing our stockists with access to high quality tools and equipment with a recognisable brand, combined with keen pricing and unbeatable customer service, means merchants get the best possible value for money from us.
Physical merchant branches are central to our business, and customer satisfaction stands as our highest priority. We take the time to ‘really get’ the requirements of stockists to ensure their needs are consistently met — and we are always keen to establish lasting relationships.
We support all this with specific promotional activity too. Our quarterly Tool Up campaign, for example, provides discounts on a wide range of products, and with our Regional Sales Team covering the entire UK, we can provide a personalised service and tailored solutions for individual merchant businesses.
Click here for more information on Jefferson Tools and to download the latest catalogue.
A version of this article appeared in the October edition of Professional Builders Merchant. Click here to read the full issue in flickbook format via the PBM website.
