Good suppliers in the UK

[antdickens 0]

Does anybody know of a good trade supplier for CCTV products in the UK. I am having real problems finding a reliable supplier.

 

 

Cheers

[Cooperman 0]

Now if you'd asked that question twenty years ago

 

There is probably two options in terms of answers to your question, antdickens.

Firstly, if you want branded quality products like (in no particular order) Sony, JVC, Panasonic, Baxall, Sanyo, Bosch etc., their are a number of big distributors many of which are part of Norbain. There are also a few smaller independent distributors that handle certain manufacturers.

 

The alternatives are mostly much smaller independent companies that import and distribute product manufactured in the Far East, i.e. China, Taiwan and Korea, some of which is o.k., and some you really wouldn't want to touch with a barge pole.

 

You have to decide what quality of equipment you want to use, and depending on where you are, perhaps look to build a relationship with a 'local' distributor.

 

I know which ones I'd consider, and I know which I loathe with a passion , so for that reason alone, I wouldn't name names in this forum.

 

If you want to elaborate a bit on what type of gear you are looking for, that might be a start, and I could always PM you with a couple of pointers.

 

I'm sure others will have their own personal favourites, and it will be interesting to see their postings.

[baywatch 1]

We used to deal with Norbain & some of their offshoots.

We found them very hard to deal with on returns & so started using smaller distributors.

This was the best thing we ever did as we now have excellent suppliers who appreciate our business (+ the fact we pay on time).

This makes them give us very good service.

We also purchase off smaller manufacturers directly.

AsCoperman writes, tell uswhat you are looking for & maybe we can help

[antdickens 0]

We have tried using one of the bigger companies, norbain's main competitior and they wheren't up to much. The rep came to see us, then came to do a site survey at a sports centre job we had got.

It was only an 8 camera system but he didn't even send accross the prices he promised which meant we did almost miss out on the job. Each time we tried to contact him he was unavailable. So we quickly decided not to use them again.

 

So we have been using smaller distributors such as COP, System Q, Digital Vidoes and FVS.

 

I would much rather stick to one or two companies.

 

I have contacted Norbain and there rep will be in touch so if they are any good i may use them for the high end gear and try to find a better smaller distributor for cheaper budget stuff.

 

Any thoughts

[Cooperman 0]

baywatch ..... ditto!

 

 

antdickens,

Whenever anyone asks where to get CCTV equipment from, I usually suggest they first look at the product available in the marketplace (you can search manufacturers sites on the web), and then ask the companies to forward a list of their distributors.

 

One quick suggestion, if you're interested? There's a really interesting trade show coming up January 25 - 27th 2005 at Stoneleigh Park, in Warwickshire.

 

http://www.iipsec.com

 

There's a good spread of CCTV manufacturers ( mostly IP product, but some conventional), otherwise the major trade show for the UK is Ifsec held at the NEC Birmingham, late spring.

 

Personally, I hate trade shows, but hey I need the exercise

[CCTVINSTALLER 0]

Lol cooperman, you're right those exhibitions really are a good exercise, IFSEC is probably one of the biggest.

 

Ant, like cooperman, i would really recommend you attend the IFSEC security exhibition, we've found a lot of suppliers here, better meeting a personal representative than a chat over the phone. We've got a range of distributors, probably more than 5, i can tell you now, there's not a single one that supplies everything we need. We buy cameras from one guy, monitors from another, etc.

 

I used to underestimate some of smaller distributors, but actually they give us better service and equipment than some of the larger ones. PM me with some of your regular requirements, i'd be more than happy to give you a few supplier contacts, because i know what a pain it is finding a good supplier!

[rory 0]

hey guys, my bro got a job at Manchester Airport by the way, just keeping you up to date, im giving it here until maybe january, see what happens, if noithing does, im over there also.

[Cooperman 0]

CCTVINSTALLER,

The only thing worse than visiting a show like IFSEC at the NEC, is actually having to work there. Rigging temporary CCTV for security at shows, is an absolute nightmare!

 

You're right about some of the smaller distributors though. They want the business, so some (but by no means all), are more attentive.

 

You may well see me at the next show ... I'll be the one in the suit

 

Rory,

If you get here in time for Iipsec 2005, just remember smart dress ... shorts aren't advisable in Warwickshire mid January, it can get a bit testy around the frosticles