How to Choose the Right Refrigeration Units to Boost Your Profits

Develop a good relationship with your supplier 

A strong relationship with your supplier lets you offer speedy delivery, consistent data specification sheets spare parts availability, manufacturer backing and the best consumer advice and support.  
 
This combined reduces your installation risk and makes you much more competitive in terms of price, quality and service. It’s this relationship between suppliers and dealers that  

Is so valuable it can make or break a business. 

We’re committed to supporting our dedicated dealers by offering swift delivery, stock recommendations for expansion and detailed technical support, to name but a few benefits.  
 

Here are a few key things we suggest asking your suppliers (including us at TEFCOLD UK) before you commit to stocking their items: 

Typical lead times and bulk availability. 

After-sales structure (warranty process, parts lead time, access to a quick response from a helpdesk). 

Which models use low-GWP refrigerants, and what safety/service training do they require? 

Product spec packs (energy consumption, footprint, installation & service guides). 

Stay ahead with energy-efficient technology 

Once you’ve established a strong relationship with your chosen suppliers, we recommend focusing on the refrigeration units that are most likely to remain desirable and have longevity in the market. 
 
That’s what you’re most likely to sell as a dealer.  
 
And, in today's market, with the seemingly never-ending cost-of-living crisis, one trait stands out above all: energy efficiency. 
 

Your customers continuously seek the most energy-efficient fridge and freezer units available. As running costs continue to skyrocket, with no signs of slowing down, we’ve noticed this trend grow over the past decade or so in particular. 
 

These days, most commercial fridges and freezers come with effective low-energy options, like inverter compressors, electronically commutated (EC) fans as well as LED lighting and smart digital controllers. These use far less electricity than some of the older models and recover well from frequent door openings, so your customers will love these. 
 

Overall, ensure that you take the time to emphasise the value of life cost savings, not just the purchase price. The lifecycle cost should include the expected kWh/year and service expenses. 

Embrace sustainable low-GWP refrigerants 

The market is slowly but surely shifting towards low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants, such as R290 (propane) and R600a (isobutane). These comply with UK F-Gas regulations. As a matter of fact some of these rules, alongside recent Government guidance, mean businesses must plan for transitioning away from and avoiding banned high-GWP gases in new equipment.  
 
So, ensure all your fridges, including your old stock, will be viable for sale under the new laws. 
 

Of course, low-GWP refrigerants also appeal to environmentally conscious operators. Although environmental concerns have fallen below immediate financial woes for many businesses in priority, organisations are still keen to market themselves as ‘green’. So there will always be a market for this. 
 

At TEFCOLD UK, we offer R290 ‘eco’ units across our product lines, including our much-loved multideck range. R290 delivers excellent energy performance and has an extremely low GWP of just 3, as does R600a. In comparison, the old R134a refrigerant, popular in the 90s and 00s, had a GWP of 1,430. 
 

However, R290 is, of course, flammable. That means service, installation and leak work must be carried out by trained/authorised technicians and in line with safety codes. Make sure your teams have documented training and that your insurer is informed when you sell or service flammable-charge equipment. 

Plan for seasonal demand 

We all know that certain products sell better in certain seasons. For instance, the buyers your customers target will inevitably look to buy more ice cream in summer, and more hot drinks in the winter.  
 
Items such as salads, pre-packed fresh produce and smoothies tend to see a spike as people try to eat more healthily after Christmas (as part of their new year's resolutions) or after their summer holidays. And comfort foods like soups, stews and pasta-based meals also experience rising demand as the temperatures drop. 
 

And in turn, this means there is a greater demand for the units that display those items at certain times. For example, in summer, especially early summer, you’ll likely see an increased demand for both ice cream display freezers and high-capacity drink chillers. Around winter and the holiday season, you’re more likely to see enquiries for beverage units, wine chillers, snack displays, portable fridges, temporary units, rentals and so on. 

Best practices for dealers: 

Forecast seasonal demand, use last year’s sales and market trends. Use earlier sales data if available, especially if last year has anomalies due to a big event in the market. 

Confirm stock with suppliers like TEFCOLD UK early to avoid last-minute shortages. Luckily we always have over 70,000 units in stock 

Build a buffer stock six to 10 weeks before predicted peak periods. 

Market these units to businesses before peak time to spread out some of the rush. 

Work with a supplier able to handle quick turnaround and delivery (such as TEFCOLD UK). 

Consider integrating new products into the mix 

Keep on top of your refrigeration units – total stock 

As discussed above, the businesses you supply will experience similar changes in demand to you. That can make it hard to keep on top of your stock without over-ordering or rushing to fulfil orders. 

First, make sure you have a sales data forecast. This won’t be completely perfect, but it will give you a good baseline from which to adapt as the upcoming year’s market reveals itself. Share this forecasted order window with your supplier’s sales representative every quarter. A good relationship with them means they can prioritise production or shipping for when you need it. 

Next up, segment your inventory into the following three categories: 

• Fast movers – like solid-door and multideck display fridges. 
• Seasonal movers – like ice-cream cabinets and beverage chillers. 
• Slow movers – niche cabinets and fish fridges. 

Don't forget to look at expanding your range to add new commercial refrigeration products too.

Your sales data may present a different story from the above examples. Tailor your approach to your own business and customers. And here are another couple of ways to stay on top of your stock: 

Keep a small number of demo or display units to showcase to customer, this can help to shorten your sales cycles. Customers buy faster when they can see and touch the product. 

Cross-stock spare parts like door seals, control modules, and thermostats to minimise emergency callouts and to protect margins and your company reputation. 

Build customer loyalty through expertise 

Invest in your business’s niche expertise and Unique Selling Points (USPs). These should include both the product technology and a deep understanding of your customers’ sectors, for instance, how particular shops and industries can use your fridges to market specific items or integrate them into their workflow in an efficient manner. 
 

Dealers who do this well are sure to win repeat business from organisations looking to re-purchase specific refrigeration units after their lifecycle is up. These could include the following: 

• Convenience stores and forecourts – High throughput, easy-to-service units, short SLAs.
• Cafés and bakeries – Counters with humidity control, aesthetic finishes, compact footprint.
• Caterers and pubs – Hard-working chest freezers, blast chillers, high-duty cycles, strong service support. 

Train your sales teams to ask useful diagnostic questions at first contact, about expected footfall, available electrical supply, back-of-house cold capacity, opening hours, etc, and match the product and service level to their operational needs. TEFCOLD UK is here to help you and bounce ideas around, whether that’s dealer training or detailed spec sheets, to make this process as easy as possible. 

How TEFCOLD UK supports dealers 

At TEFCOLD UK, we believe in growing strong relationships with our dealers, creating mutual success. TEFCOLD UK’s dealer network model provides: 

A vast range of internationally respected products. 

R290 eco-friendly units with LED lighting, digital controls, and night blinds. 

Technical documentation, installation manuals, and warranty support. 

Stocked local ranges for faster dispatch, especially for seasonal peaks. 

 

Additionally, ask your TEFCOLD UK representative about demo units, parts kit bundles for your service vans, and approved training for your technicians. We’ll do everything in our power to help you get started with our product range and to continuously support you as you develop more revenue streams and repeat business along the way. 
 

So, if you’re ready to partner with us and become a TEFCOLD UK dealer, we’re always on the lookout for people and organisations to join our network.  
 

We’ll do all the heavy lifting, helping you minimise your risk and increase and maximise your value to your customers. With a wide range of industry-leading products and five decades of expertise on hand, we’ve got your back. Let’s maximise your profits together with the right refrigeration units for you and your customers. 
 

Get in touch today to join our TEFCOLD dealer network or request a website login.