Steel Cable Reels Why Wholesalers Should Stock Up

For electrical wholesalers, any opportunity to create real, measurable value for clients is too good of an opportunity to pass up.

In some cases, that requires a significant investment. For example, wholesalers can invest in a Spool Winding Trolley with IIoT connectivity that provides cut-to-length cable from day one, or use Parallel Reel Payouts (PRPs) as a delivered solution.

But some value-added services are easier to implement — and no less effective for bolstering your bottom line. Here’s how you can add to your service offerings by stocking up on an essential: reusable steel reels. 

Steel Cable Reels: Simple, Effective, and In Demand

Steel reels have a few advantages over wood: They’re reusable, they resist warping due to temperature changes or moisture, and they’re inherently stronger and more resistant to impacts. In demanding environments, there’s not much of a comparison.

But they’re also substantially heavier and more expensive upfront. Electricians might prefer steel reels for certain jobs, but if they’re not willing to spend — or they’re unable to store large reels, which weigh hundreds of pounds and take up floor space — they’ll work with what’s available.

Wholesalers can solve this problem by keeping steel cable reels and spools in their inventory. That can have strategic benefits:

• Improved Inventory Management. Steel is durable, reusable, and resistant to environmental fluctuations. Wholesalers can confidently stock up without worrying about degradation or obsolescence.
• Bundling Opportunities. Steel reels can be bundled with cables and other related products, providing an incentive for customers who are looking for complete solutions.
• Reduced Handling Costs. Steel reels weigh more than wood, but they’re more resistant to damage — including breakage, warping, and other hazards of large-scale transportation. In the long run, suppliers pay less for handling and storage.
• Higher Profit Margins. Steel reels can increase profitability and provide a return on investment fairly quickly, even for relatively small-scale distributors.

Ultimately, it’s about addressing client demand by being prepared to provide the high-quality products electricians need, whether those products are purchased individually or bundled together.

Related: How an Overhead Cable Spooling Machine Saves Time for Cable Distributors
 

Beyond the Steel Reel: Expanding Value for Electrical Contractors

Wholesalers can use other strategies to create value for their clients. As we mentioned earlier, some of those strategies require investment — but distributors that differentiate themselves from the competition will see a reliable return. 

Some potential strategies: 

• Custom Cable Cutting - Provide cut-to-length cable orders, eliminating waste and saving contractors valuable time on the job site. The IIoT Spool Winding Trolley is a stand-alone payout engine that ships fully wired, ready for integration into a broader IIoT ecosystem.
• Renting Cable Reel Trailers - For construction electricians, cable reel trailers like the BHS Parallel Reel Payout Trailer (PRP-TRL) can make payout a breeze. The PRP Trailer is a turnkey solution that minimizes product loss (and makes greenfield construction much less frustrating). Learn more about cable reel trailers.
• Other Types of Tool and Equipment Rental - Expand your offerings to include specialized tools and equipment for rent, creating a one-stop shop for contractors. Products like Wire Pull Carts (WPC) can provide exceptional value by simplifying wire pulls and protecting supplies when not in use.

Solus Group carries lightweight steel reels, spooling equipment, payout equipment, and other essentials to help electrical distributors grow their businesses. 

Whether you’re looking for ways to provide new value to customers or searching for a solution to a specific wire & cable handling problem, we’re ready to help. Call  (314) 696-0200 to speak with a member of our sales team or browse our full selection of electrical handling equipment.