After many years working in the lighting industry and involvement with the electrical contracting world a visit to a wholesaler trade counter is always an interesting experience. Someone once remarked that all the best politicians are busy driving cabs and cutting hair. To these we could add ‘sparks’. The trade counter format has not noticeably changed over the years. Usually a poky place with electrical equipment manufacturers vying for the limited poster and display space. While waiting their turn contractors read the Sun, drink free coffee and express their views on the world in general. It is the ultimate word of mouth environment if your target audience is electrical installers and a great place for vox pop market research. These guys will have little hesitation in telling you what they think of your product. Today I was buying some special size fluorescent tubes and had taken in the failed lamp to make sure I got the right size. At one time the old tube would then be simply thrown away but due to new environmental regulations there is now a charge of ten pounds – to cover the licence and paper work gov you know. The new tube cost just over three pounds. Looking up from reading the Sun the next electrician in line took a deep breath and quipped – we’re saving the planet mate!
Photo: Our pond freezes over.
