WattLamps aims at top projector spot

Start-up sets out to be 'most reliable' online retailer for projector lamps

WattLamps is stocking lamps for projectors from a wide range of brands

The projector lamp market is heating up, with Shropshire compatible inks online reseller StinkyInk jumping into the replacement market with a new venture – WattLamps.

The venture comes under the umbrella of MD John Sollars’ Solar Electronics, trading as StinkyInk and WattLamps. Sollars said WattLamps was formed in response to the increasing number of StinkyInk customers – particularly from the education sector – that were asking if they could also source projector lamps.

“We have got the print consumables business from StinkyInk and that has been a very good business for us. We do a lot of business with schools and a lot of people asked us for lamps over time,” he said.

The new web site claims WattLamps aims to be “the most reliable online retailer for projector lamps”. Asked whether that was a bold claim for a new company, Sollars said: “I don’t think it is a bold claim at all, based on our experience with print consumables.”

Sollars told CRN that the self-funded company’s experience with StinkyInk, investment in systems and delivery capabilities as well as its agnostic approach to brand meant it was confident it could offer customers top-notch service as well as the very best choice of lamp for their purposes.

While there are other resellers in the market, most also sell hardware, he added. WattLamps stocks every brand of genuine lamp, and quality compatible lamps where possible.

WattLamps also guarantees next-day delivery and offers special accounts for local government and education customers. Every item comes in a full lamp module, requiring minimum installation. Currently there are four staff, including Sollars.

Sollars said future expansion into even more product lines was under consideration.

“As long as we can get the price feeds, electronic data interchange (EDI), and it doesn’t involve me holding stock. It is the investment in the back end that makes it work,” he added.

Solar Electronics was formed in 2002 to supply trade and retail customers with toner cartridges, printer ribbons and hardware peripherals.