How do I check a hardware store’s plumbing and electrical parts selection?

Walk the aisles with a notebook. Notice whether common fittings and connectors are in stock in several sizes, or whether shelves are patchy. Contractors and homeowners with a leak want the exact part now, and a store that can supply it earns repeat visits. Look closely at the back of the shelves for packages that have clearly sat for years.

Ask for the inventory report by category and compare it against sales. High stock and low sales in this area point to money tied up in parts that may not move. Ask how the count was taken and whether obsolete items are written down.

Then ask about the customers. Find out how many are trades and how many are casual buyers, whether anyone has an account, and what credit terms they receive. Ask which supplier fills the special orders and how long they take. Lastly, ask whether safety-rated electrical items are sourced from approved suppliers, and have your lawyer look at any supplier agreements before closing. Ask also which items are special-ordered most often, since repeat special orders point to gaps in the range. Ask also how returns of unused parts are handled, since that is common in this aisle and affects both stock counts and customer goodwill.

Key takeaways

• Walk the aisles and look for gaps and long-forgotten packages.
• Match stock levels in each category against its sales history.
• Ask who the trade accounts are and what terms they hold.