When choosing a supplier for your MEAN WELL power supplies there are a few factors to consider.

Some are obvious, others not so obvious. In this article we are going to look at the following factors and discuss what you need to consider: 

• Availability 
• Approvals 
• Customer service 
• Technical support and advice 
• Price vs value 

Availability of MEAN WELL Power Supplies 

This is the most critical of all. There is no benefit to being quoted at a competitive price only to find that the supplier cannot get the goods to you within the required timeframe.  

The other thing to consider is the risks associated with international shipping. During the COVID-19 pandemic we have seen considerable disruptions to global shipping.  

Partnering with a supplier based in Australia will mitigate some of the risks associated with shipping delays. 

Australian Regulatory Approvals for MEAN WELL Power Supplies 

This is an area that gets missed by some buyers. There is an assumption that every power supply manufactured by MEAN WELL carries all the required approvals for sale in Australia. This is not the case.  

This is why not all items listed on the global MEAN WELL website are shown on this website. This website focuses on items that are available with the required approvals for Australia.  

In some circumstances an item is listed on this website, because a local supplier has had a power supply tested and certified. These items need to have been imported by that entity for the certification to be valid. 

If the power supply you are considering is not shown on the MEAN WELL Australia website, please contact us to confirm that it has the required approvals for your application.  

Some businesses prefer to buy from overseas. This is usually because they have found a lower price online. It is important to understand that it is you, the importer, who is legally responsible for ensuring the power supply you are buying from overseas complies with all of Australia’s regulatory requirements. 

Some overseas suppliers use .com.au domain names. An Australian domain doesn’t mean the company is based in Australia. If you buy from such a supplier, you are still deemed to be the importer. Check the supplier has a registered business address in Australia and an Australian phone number.  

Buying from an Australian supplier removes all the stress and worry about having to comply with Australian laws and regulations. This is because the Australian supplier is legally bound to sell you a fully compliant power supply. 

Customer Service 

Customer service is a personal thing. Different suppliers offer different levels of service. Some are 100% online, others don’t have an online presence at all, and there are suppliers that offer the whole gamut.  

Think about the level of support you expect to receive when something goes wrong. If there has been a shipping error, how easy it is it going to be to resolve with an overseas supplier, compared to an Australian business?  

If you have ordered the wrong item, will the supplier take it back? Some Australian based MEAN WELL distributors offer a very generous returns policy for items they usually carry in stock. This can be a godsend, especially if you just placed a sizeable order and accidentally ordered the wrong item. This is easily done when some part numbers are very similar to others. For example, HLG-120H-24A-AUP and HLG-120H-24AB-AUP. 

Think of the shipping costs involved if you have to ship a large order back to a supplier.  

Some MEAN WELL stockists in Australia have multiple warehouses around the country, and may be willing to carry the items you regularly buy in a warehouse that is within easy reach of your business. This can be handy if an urgent need arises. 

MEAN WELL Technical Support and Advice 

When things start to get technical a language barrier is the last thing you need.  

When you buy from an Australian business you can usually get hold of someone in your own time zone, who understands what you are trying to explain to them.  

If you have ordered from an online only supplier, you may be restricted to having to solve your problem through a chain of email messages. Therefore, it may be preferrable to buy from an Australian based supplier, who has their phone number clearly displayed on their website.  

MEAN WELL Australia is happy to offer technical advice to any customer who requires assistance on selecting a suitable power supply. 

Price vs Value 

This topic has been left to last deliberately.  

Of course, you want to buy for the lowest price possible. That is understandable. But this may not be the best value for your business.  

If you would like readily available access to technical support, the option to return any unused items, and the peace of mind that the power supply you have ordered can legally be used in Australia, then you may see value in paying a little bit more.  

Overseas sellers do offer some very attractive online prices.  

However, similar prices, or sometimes better pricing is available from Australian distributors.  

Australian online businesses may only list a retail price. Before placing your overseas order online, contact the Australian seller to see what trade pricing is available. Some Australian online sellers allow you to register for trade access to their websites, so that you can see wholesale pricing and stock availability. 

If you are having any difficulties in sourcing a MEAN WELL power supply, please do not hesitate to contact MEAN WELL Australia.