Should I Buy LED Lights from a Distributor, Manufacturer Direct or a Lighting Solution Company?

When planning a commercial lighting project, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is where to source your lighting. Should you purchase from a distributor, go through your general contractor (GC), buy directly from a manufacturer, or partner with a lighting solutions company?

The answer depends on your project goals, budget, and the level of expertise and support you need. Let’s take a closer look at the three most common approaches.

Working with a Lighting Distributor or General Contractor

One of the most common routes is purchasing lighting through your LED lighting distributor or general contractor. In this model, you’re relying on a single point of contact to manage the process, from inventory and delivery to change orders and invoicing.

This option can be appealing for new construction projects where a GC is already managing all aspects of the build. Distributors also bring convenience since they typically handle logistics. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:

• Limited product options – Distributors often represent one or two major manufacturers. If you’re looking for a wider variety of products tailored to your facility’s needs, your options may be restricted.
• Focus on the lowest cost – GCs and distributors often prioritize pricing over performance. Without clear standards or specifications, you may end up with a product that doesn’t meet your lighting needs.
• Performance concerns – The chosen product may not be the best fit for the environment it’s being installed in, leading to underwhelming results.

For ground-up construction, this route can make sense. But if you’re considering a retrofit or specialized lighting project, limitations in product choice and performance should be carefully weighed.

Purchasing Directly from a Lighting Manufacturer

Some organizations look to save costs by going straight to the source, purchasing lighting directly from a manufacturer. On the surface, this may eliminate the general contractor’s markup and seem like a cost-effective strategy.

But there are important details to keep in mind:

• Big-name manufacturers still go through distributors – If you’re considering well-known brands like GE, Sylvania, or Philips, you won’t be able to bypass the distributor channel. Their supply chains are firmly established.
• Quality control is essential – Independent or overseas manufacturers may offer lower upfront costs, but you’ll need to thoroughly verify their certifications and performance claims. Look for CLMR-certified personnel and ensure products have UL or DOE-approved testing results.
• Risk of hidden issues – Cheaper products without independent verification can lead to maintenance issues, shorter lifespans, and increased long-term costs.

Purchasing directly from a manufacturer can work in some cases, but it requires careful research and due diligence to avoid pitfalls.

Partnering with a Lighting Solutions Company

For many businesses, a lighting solutions company provides the most comprehensive and flexible option. Unlike distributors or manufacturers who are tied to specific brands, lighting solution providers are product-neutral. Their goal is to recommend the best possible lighting for your specific project.

Some of the advantages of working with a lighting solutions company include:

• Broader product selection – Since they aren’t tied to one manufacturer, you’ll have access to a much wider range of lighting options.
• Start-to-finish project management – From design and recommendations to procurement, delivery, and installation, the entire process is coordinated for you.
• Expert guidance – Solutions companies have deep industry expertise and can set clear specifications to ensure your facility receives the right lighting for performance, safety, and energy efficiency.
• Flexibility across project types – Whether you’re planning a retrofit, conversion, or next gen LED upgrade, solutions providers adapt to your needs without being limited by brand partnerships.

By focusing on your desired outcome instead of pushing a specific product line, a lighting solutions company ensures that your investment delivers long-term results.

Making the Right Choice

While distributors and general contractors can provide convenience, and manufacturers may offer cost savings, these options often come with limited product choices and potential risks around performance or quality. A lighting solutions company, on the other hand, delivers the expertise, flexibility, and end-to-end management that most commercial projects require.

By remaining product-neutral, providers like Action Services Group focus on selecting the right lighting for your specific environment rather than pushing a single brand. This ensures that your project not only meets energy efficiency and performance goals but also provides long-term value. For retrofits, conversions, or next gen LED upgrades in existing facilities, partnering with a lighting solutions company is the most effective path to achieving reliable, cost-efficient results.

Conclusion

Choosing the right partner for your commercial lighting project can make the difference between a short-term fix and a long-term solution. While distributors and manufacturers have their place, a lighting solutions company provides the expertise, product range, and end-to-end management most businesses need to ensure success.

If you’re planning a retrofit, conversion, or facility-wide upgrade, Action Services Group can help you navigate the process with a turnkey approach tailored to your needs. To learn more, call 610-558-9773, email [email protected], or schedule a consultation that fits your schedule.