No small order surcharges with WDS...

In the formative stages of a design project, or during the repair and maintenance of equipment, it is common for small numbers of components to be required. Many component suppliers operate a minimum order surcharge, which penalises customers who require small quantities. The reason for these charges is that most suppliers do not control the manufacturing processes for their parts. As they are forced to order stock in bulk, it is inefficient for them to distribute small orders and hold the rest in stock.

Chris Putman, Sales and Marketing Director for WDS, comments: "Most bulk suppliers in the UK are limited by the manufacturers whose parts they supply. This means that small orders are met with a hefty surcharge which can make a project uneconomical. While we understand the importance of rewarding bulk orders with discounts, WDS has committed to never enforce additional charges on customers who require a one-off product."

WDS manufactures over 60 per cent of its products at its production facilities, located right next to its storeroom. This allows WDS to operate a lean manufacturing process that ensures that each part is re-stocked at appropriate times and to the right levels; over 95 per cent of orders can be processed and despatched on the same day. It is this operational efficiency that allows WDS to treat any order size with the same degree of urgency.

The range of 15,000+ products available from WDS is also highly accessible thanks to its paper catalogue and website, both of which allow for easy identification, specification and purchase via a sales hotline (0845 606 6677). Designers and engineers can also find free 2D and 3D CAD downloads in all popular formats on the website www.wdsltd.co.uk.