CEF Reviews 

28,979
TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.5

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 3,503 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the excellent service, highlighting the helpful and knowledgeable staff who go above and beyond to assist with inquiries and orders. Many appreciate the high-quality products, competitive pricing, and the convenience of online ordering with fast and often free delivery. The ease of navigating the website and the efficiency of the dispatch process are frequently mentioned as positive aspects, making the overall purchasing experience smooth. However, some customers experienced issues with delivery, including delayed arrivals, incorrect items being shipped, or damaged packaging due to handling by couriers. There were also instances where orders were not ready for collection as expected or communication regarding delivery status was lacking, leading to frustration.

What people talk about most

Delivery service

Users describe positive interactions with delivery service, frequently praising the speed and efficiency of... See more

Product

Customers consistently note positive experiences with product, often praising the quality and range... See more

Order

Clients share positive opinions on order, frequently highlighting the ease and speed of the online ordering... See more

Service

Consumers find service to be positive, with many reviewers describing it as "excellent" and "first-class" for... See more

Price

Reviewers highlight positive aspects of price, with many finding competitive and reasonable prices for... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Scott at our branch in Totton always goes that extra mile to source parts, quote a good competitive price and get parts ordered ASAP and most importantly for me keeps us informed as to when parts co... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent product (a PVA cooling towel) which was a game-changer for me in the heatwave we've just had in the UK. It's clearly an excellent product as it's used by construction workers and it was a re... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Straight away it’s a smooth transaction. quote all correct and straight to basket We are long standing clients of CEF and they have always been highly rated by us and now with the online facility it... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Our experience with CEF has always been great, regardless of which branch we use. However, the team at the Norwich branch (our core one) in particular is brilliant, with a big shout-out to Will speci... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. #21 of 31 best companies in Electrical wholesaler
  2. #5 of 7 best companies in Cable provider
  3. #5 of 16 best companies in Electrical appliance wholesaler
  4. #16 of 24 best companies in Lighting wholesaler
  5. #7 of 8 best companies in Screw supplier
  6. #33 of 46 best companies in Solar energy equipment supplier

About CEF

Written by the company

We go above and beyond for our customers wherever and whenever you contact CEF, our focus is to help you.

CEF has a UK national network of 393 branches with electrical experts in-branch ready to help with friendly advice and support to allow you to get the job done. Established in 1951, CEF is privately owned and the business now extends to the USA, Canada, Ireland, Spain, and Australia.

CEF is the expert electrical wholesaler for professional electricians and contractors all over the UK.

Our ‘Same Day In-branch’ range of almost 3,000 electrical products is available in every branch. Our fully trained sales, technical, and service staff are ready to help.

Place online orders for next working day delivery at cef.co.uk from over 300 leading suppliers.

In-branch and online we offer the largest range of products, giving you access to more than 35,000 products.

Our online customer service team is available from 8am to 8pm via phone, email, or live web chat to offer advice and assistance with your queries.

By partnering with Trustpilot we welcome your feedback, helping us ensure your experience is the best it can be.

Stocklists of: Cables and Accessories/Cable Management/CCTV, Fire and Security/Data and Networking/Heating and Ventilation/Industrial Controls/Lamps and Tubes/Lighting Luminaires/Power Tools/Renewables/Switchgear and Distribution/Test Equipment/Tools, Fixings, and Workwear/Wiring Accessories

CEF - Your local Electrical Experts

Written by the company

Over 390 Stores Nationwide
You'll be sure to find a CEF near you
Next Day Delivery
On all orders placed before 6pm
Free Delivery
Spend over £50 and get Free delivery to any mainland UK address or your nearest CEF store
Reserve and Collect
Reserve your products online and collect them from your nearest store
Customer Service
Our dedicated Customer Service team are available Mon - Fri 7.30am - 8pm

Contact info

4.5

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

29k reviews

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4.5

All reviews

(28,979)

3,311 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 2 out of 5 stars

I needed an MCB the next day but.....

I needed an MCB the next day, CEF drop down date for delivery said I could get next day before noon for £9.95, so as I was desperate I ordered that service. Needless to say it never turned up, not even later that day which would have helped, it wasn't until the following day before noon it arrived. If you offer a service and a customer pays a premium then let down by YOUR courier, surely it should be a priority for later that day. And the rest just gets worse, no acknowledgement that they messed up, I had to call and got the usual insufficiently trained call handler. No apology it was late, no automatic I'll receive my premium postage costs, so I asked what happens to my postage, she didn't know and had to put me on hold to ask, then a vague the team will see it wasn't delivered onetime and will refund you, I asked when, again she didn't know, and merely guessed 10 days may be. How can a major brand like CEF get it so wrong and them not even bother to follow it up to apologise. We are all customers and I never understand why companies insist with having terrible aftersale service and no information hoping you'll not chase them for the postage. I'm a new company starting out, and already this gave MY customer a negative experience because I couldn't get their shower on. Don't offer a service if you realistically can't fulfil its embarrassing. So now after this poor performance, what's the chances I'll use CEF in the future, last one the list and use when only desperate and never trust time frames for promised premium postage. Still waiting on my refund, but I won't hold my breath for a basic apology

6 July 2026
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Purchased a dewalt sds drill on the…

Purchased a dewalt sds drill on the website on monday evening. It was delivered on wednesday afternoon in perfect condition.
The cost of the drill was highly competative and great service from cef.
Have used before and will be doing so in the future.

6 July 2026
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great Business

Range of cables, tools, fittings and enclosures is impressive. I needed to find parts to complete a complex system move and was able to find everything I needed from Belden Equivalent shielded power and data cables to WAGO connectors and carriers, ducting and quality high performance enclosures. The next day delivery is excellent with all items well packed. Highly recommended.

3 July 2026
CEF logo

Reply from CEF

Thank you very much for your review Dan.

Best Regards
Adele Feller (Customer Services Manager)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Easy to navigate website

Easy to navigate website, delivered ahead of expectation, very well packaged. What’s not to like?

3 July 2026
CEF logo

Reply from CEF

Thank you very much for your review.

Best Regards
Adele Feller (Customer Services Manager)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Arrived fast and very safely packed

Arrived fast and very safely packed, I am still decorating so not fitted yet, I spent a long time researching for this bulb as although when the house was designed the light was positioned to give maximum light to the stairwell the forethought to a bulb change was missing as I had to find a way to decorate that area I decided it is important that the bulb has maximum life so I never have to go through this again! crossing everything that it lasts a good while because after it goes out it will be a dark walk for ever more. This was the bulb and supplier that my best friend ai suggested was the very best option for my predicament and so far looking good.

3 July 2026
CEF logo

Reply from CEF

Thank you very much for your review.

Best Regards
Adele Feller (Customer Services Manager)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

First class service

First class service !

Quality product and prompt and friendly delivery .

3 July 2026
CEF logo

Reply from CEF

Thank you very much for your review.

Best Regards
Adele Feller (Customer Services Manager)

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

DO NOT USE CEF

The shop in Redruth said they would get our product from Launceston for us, 3 days later despite repeated phone calls nothing received. Advised to order online, we did this, next day delivery ordered on a Friday, turned up on Wednesday too late for the electrician.

David in tracking was very helpful, but unfortunately he could not resolve the crap service provided by CEF. Still waiting on a refund.

3 July 2026
CEF logo

Reply from CEF

Thank you for your review.

We apologise that on this occasion we have not provided you with an acceptable level of service.

Our Customer Services team will be in contact with you.

Best Regards
Adele Feller (Customer Services Manager)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Service

Brilliant service, and next delivery!

3 July 2026
CEF logo

Reply from CEF

Thank you very much for your review Justin.

Best Regards
Adele Feller (Customer Services Manager)

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