explore our market researches

European Sustainability Report 2024

European Sustainability Report 2024

Market reports

See all
usp

News I published 04 March 2021

Pure online players can disrupt installers' traditional buying journey

The traditional specialised wholesaler, still the main purchase channel to most installers, is doing a great job locking in installers with pricing agreements

From previous research on buying behaviour, we know that electrical installers are very loyal to traditional wholesalers. Based on the results of the European Electrical Installation Monitor Q4 2020, the traditionally specialised wholesaler is still the main purchase channel and its dominant position remains unchanged (even during the COVID-19 pandemic). Almost all installers have some kind of price agreement with wholesalers (most often fixed discounts). On average, wholesalers give 30–40% off most electrical products. The level of discounts does differ per country and product group, though. For example, discounts given for cables and wiring differ the most between countries and go up to 65% in the United Kingdom.

Yet at least 1 in 2 installers check prices online and use this information to negotiate with wholesalers

Nowadays, due to the rise of e-commerce, installers can also check prices online and order via online shops to get the best prices and thereby increase their margins. Based on our research, at least 50% of installers do check online prices. Be that as it may, those who check prices online use this information to negotiate with wholesalers rather than buy online for a better price. If lower by more than 10%, however, online prices could disrupt installers’ traditional buying journeys in most of the countries (see graph). French installers are least likely to be influenced by pure online players, as they need 23% lower online prices to decide to buy a product from a pure online player instead of from a regular supplier.

The annual bonus agreements do not impact installers’ brand decisions

Manufacturers should be aware that price agreements do not automatically build loyalty. According to the installers, the annual bonus agreements do not impact their brand decision. The only exception is France, where half of the electrical installers argue that annual bonus agreements strongly influence their brand decision.

For more detailed information about the effect of discount agreements that installers have with wholesalers and/ or manufacturers for various product groups in the installation sector, the economic development of electrical installers, and the Covid-19 impact, we refer you to the European Electrical Installation Monitor Q4 2020.

Fresh Insights Await

Our relevant reports

Delve into the newest findings across various market segments, crafted for a cutting-edge overview. Explore our insightful reports, brimming with up-to-date data, trend analyses, and in-depth examinations, all tailored to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the current market dynamics.

Construction

Home Improvement

Installation

Special reports

Construction

Decision making process Q3 2024

2024 87 pages

Unveil the decision-making processes in the construction industry through the lens of European architects. Discover the factors that influence crucial decisions and the interplay among different stakeholders.

Construction

Prefab H1 2024

2024 63 pages

Discover the adoption rate and benefits of prefabrication technology among European contractors in H1 2024. Understand the driving forces behind prefab usage and its impact on project efficiency and cost-saving.

Construction

Sustainability 2024

2024 72 pages

Painter Insight Monitor 2024 will focus on understanding the specific needs, preferences, and challenges faced by painters when it comes to sustainable products.

Construction

Importance of branding & branding funnels 2024

2024 62 pages

This report offers a comprehensive overview of importance of branding and branding funnels with a specific focus on European handymen. Brand behaviour is covered for each country, showing purchasing power, differences regarding quality, sustainability, online shopping, innovation-habit and private labels,

Construction

Future of construction Q2 2024

2024 82 pages

Explore the evolving future in construction sector among European architects in Q2 2024. Delve into the factors driving material preferences and the impact on construction aesthetics and sustainability.

Construction

Trends in material usage Q1 2024

2024 102 pages

Explore the evolving trends in material usage among European architects in Q1 2024. Delve into the factors driving material preferences and the impact on construction aesthetics and sustainability.

Home Improvement

European Garden Monitor

2023 43 pages

Explore the European Garden Monitor, a comprehensive platform dedicated to garden health monitoring in Europe. Access valuable resources and expert advice today.

Home Improvement

Purchase channels Q2 2024

2024 90 pages

The European Home Improvement Monitor offers valuable insights on purchase channels in the European home improvement industry, examining the evolving preferences and behaviors of consumers across traditional retail and emerging online platforms.

Home Improvement

Sustainability Q1 2024

2024 81 pages

Delve into sustainability trends in the home improvement sector in Q1 2024. Discover consumer preferences and the shift towards eco-friendly home improvement solutions.

Home Improvement

DIY versus DIFM Q4 2021

2024 113 pages

This report is a must-have if you’re in the home improvement industry. It provides a wealth of information on the behaviour of DIY and DIFM consumers, their motivations, and the factors that influence their purchasing decisions.

Home Improvement

DIY or DIFM Q4 2023

2024 70

Explore the prevailing trends between DIY and DIFM in Q4 2023. Understand consumer preferences and the factors influencing their choice between DIY and DIFM.

Home Improvement

Branding Q3 2023

2023 93 pages

This report offers an extensive overview of the home improvement industry, with a focus on branding and the most popular brands within different categories. Within this report, you will gain insights into how customers perceive home improvement brands and what motivates them to buy certain products.

Installation

Prefab Q3 2024

2024 110 pages

Uncover the adoption of prefabricated products in HVAC installations during Q2 2022. Delve into the benefits and challenges associated with prefabrication in HVAC.

Installation

Branding Q3 2024

2024 74 pages

Discover the power of branding in the home improvement sector. Explore how strong branding influences consumer preferences and purchase decisions.

Installation

Prefab Q3 2024

2024 119 pages

This report offers a comprehensive view of the installers’ involvement and needs regarding prefabricated electrical installations.

Installation

Smart & Connected Products Q2 2024

2024 120 pages

This report provides a comprehensive view of the attitudes of installers toward smart building solutions, specifically among electrical installers and their clients. In the report, you will find insights into the installers' experiences with installing smart products and the willingness of end users to invest in such solutions, as well as their motivations and pain points.

Installation

Smart and connected products Q2 2024

2024 129

This report provides a comprehensive view of the attitudes of installers toward smart building solutions, specifically among HVAC installers, plumbers and their clients. In the report, you will find insights into the installers' experiences with installing smart products and the willingness of end users to invest in such solutions, as well as their motivations and pain points.

Installation

BIM Q1 2024

2024 84 pages

The European Mechanical Installation Monitor report provides a detailed analysis of the plumbing and HVAC industry. This report specifically focuses on BIM adaptation in the industry.

Special reports

European Sustainability Report 2024

2024 51 pages

This report provides in-depth insights based on triangulation of key market information and data as well as data from USP Marketing Consultancy’s key monitors that are carried out year in, year out. The focus of this report is on the most important stakeholders within the construction industry, namely architects, contractors, electrical and HVAC installers within The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, France, Italy, and Spain.