Moisture meter distributors are often challenged to find the ideal solution to all of their clients’ specific moisture testing needs. However, there is no one moisture meter that can do absolutely everything. Stocking hundreds of different moisture meter models for specific tasks is expensive, wasteful of inventory space, and makes managing stock far more difficult.
Instead of carrying dozens (or more) specific moisture meters designed exclusively for one specific task, it may be better for distributors to carry moisture meters with “universal” probe sockets that can take a wide variety of specialty electrodes that can be sold separately.
It’s important to note that the term “universal,” in this case, means the probe socket is designed to accept any probe made by that moisture meter’s manufacturer. However, it does not mean that it will work with probes made by a different manufacturer.
Why should distributors carry moisture meters with universal probe sockets? Here are a few reasons:
#1: To Save Floor Space
There’s only so much room in a storefront where distributors can display their best products. Clogging the storefront with a bunch of niche devices that only a small subsection of customers need simply doesn’t make sense. Also, even in the fabled “back,” that employees-only section of the store that customers seem to think holds an infinite supply of whatever’s not on the shelf, space comes at a premium.
Specialty electrodes for a given task typically take up less space than a moisture meter designed for that task—helping distributors save some room in their store.
#2: Because There Aren’t Moisture Meters for Every Task
Some specialty moisture testing tasks may require unusually-shaped electrodes. For example, measuring moisture behind walls, underneath the wall trim, is typically done with electrodes that have large, flat blades to get under said wall trim. Also, moisture measurement in hay bales is done with a 10”-18” long probe. Attaching such an electrode to a moisture meter permanently would make it too ungainly to use for anything but that one task.
By using a moisture meter with a universal probe socket, these specialty electrodes can be attached when they’re needed, and the meter can be used normally at all other times. This helps make each moisture meter more flexible.
#3: To Reduce Moisture Meter Inventory Costs
A reliable, high-quality moisture meter can be costly. By carrying moisture meters with universal probe sockets, however, moisture meter distributors can provide their customers with a wide variety of moisture testing capabilities while reducing their inventory costs.
Why? Because, specialty electrodes are often far less expensive to stock than purpose-built moisture testing devices!
#4: To Create Upsell Opportunities
Having moisture meters with universal probe sockets allows distributors to upsell compatible probes/electrodes to their customers with ease. For example, if a customer in the restoration or the construction industries needs to test moisture under wall trim, the 19-E/STC probe would be an ideal tool for that task.
Or, if a farmer needs to test moisture in large, thick bales of hay, the 830 series electrodes from Delmhorst would be a great addition to the farmer’s moisture testing tool kit.
Having moisture meters with universal probe sockets makes upselling easier, since these meters will be compatible with all of the probes made by the same manufacturer.
Need help finding the right moisture meters and accessories to stock for your customers? Contact us today to discuss your moisture meter inventory needs and become a Delmhorst distributor. Or, download the guide at the link below to learn more about moisture meters.
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