A good torch is something that many people underestimate the value of, but for a very affordable price, a reliable flashlight can not only provide a source of light in darkness, but also security, peace of mind and safety.

This is the premise upon which Sean Hennessy has built up his online flashlight sales business, LED Powerhouse.

The son of Micheál and Kathleen Hennessy, Sean is originally from Ballinwillin, Mitchelstown. Before setting up LED Powerhouse in Cork in 2011, he completed a Degree in Business Studies and a Post Graduate Diploma in Purchasing and Materials Management and worked in multi-nationals and in the semi-State sector of the Dublin Airport Authority.

MARKET OPPORTUNITY

When he started out, he was sourcing and importing products from China and then himself and Roland Vachet, whom Sean had previously worked with in a multi-national electronics company in Cork, set up LED Powerhouse. Roland worked in sales and marketing, while Sean worked in purchasing, so together they made for quite the powerhouse combination.

They were also both passionate about the outdoors and things like running, cycling, walking, fishing and hiking. Thanks to their international business experience and their shared love of outdoor pursuits, they realised that there was a niche in the market for top quality LED flashlights and torches at affordable prices.

Since 2014, Sean has gone solo with the business, but he stressed that himself and Roland worked well together and remain good friends.

“I was hesitant to go out on my own and there was the fear factor at play, but I just thought I’d give it a shot for a few years and see if the growth was there and if not, I’d call it a day if the potential wasn’t there.”

For the moment, the business is mainly online based and there are no employees, but if the customer base grows, Sean will look at expanding. For now, he is just focusing on being self-sustainable, so that the business might be something that he can pass onto his family or sell in the future.

Sean is very hands-on with his business and while his customers peruse his stock and see what’s available through his website, he also talks to his customers and advises them on which product would best suit their needs, as he said that the range of products available can be a little daunting.

“It’s amazing the types of people you meet and the stories you hear – I’ve sold products to people going on wildlife conservation projects, farmers needing lamps for calving and lambing, and mountain rescue personnel wanting a strong light for some nocturnal rescue missions.”

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

In an age where everything is instant and at your fingertips, Sean understands that prompt delivery of his service is of the utmost importance. For every order received, he acknowledges this with his customers straight away.

“If a customer places an order before 3pm, it goes in the post that day. Anything on the website is in stock and is ready to go. I’ve had people come back to me saying they ordered something yesterday and had it within 18 hours, in Ireland they will have the product within 1-2 days and in the UK within 3-4 days – when you get that sort of feedback, you know you’re doing something right.”

To give his business a personal touch and a point of difference, he also includes a hand written note with each order, asking the customer to please tell a friend about his business if they are happy with the service.

“I get a lot of referrals, and repeat business from people who started small and want something more powerful or need another light for a different purpose.

RELIABLE PRODUCTS

“Some of the LEDs will last 50,000 hours, which would be the same as having it on constantly for five or six years, every day of the year. There is also a limited warranty with each product for two years and in the unlikely event of a malfunction, I will take it back and get it repaired free of charge.

“These products are built to last if they are treated right, they are durable and rugged and will last for years.”

Sean sells a number of reliable brands, such as Fenix. Displaying the power of these lights, Sean explained that the Fenix TK61 has an 800m beam reach - it can be dropped from a one metre height and put into two metres of water without being compromised). Other brands include LED Lenser, Nitecore, Coast, PrincetonTec and Next Lights.

Prices start from just €7, going right up to €450 and all prices include postage and packaging, while most include batteries (with a charger if they are re-chargeable).

Sean said that the average spend for a new customer is between €35 and €40 and his products are used for things like farming, hill walking, mountain climbing, night time mountain biking, fishing, hunting, working outdoors, cyclists and those who keep torches on standby for the boot of the car or as a reserve in case there’s a power cut.

Looking to the future, Sean said that he’s very happy with where the business is at, but he would like to grow his customer base, “At the moment, I wouldn’t consider a showroom, but in some respects, that would be the dream.”

CONTACT DETAILS; Sean Hennessy, LED Powerhouse. www.ledpowerhouse.com 021 2348205, info@ledpowerhouse.com, www.facebook.com/conquerthedark on Facebook and @ledpowerhouse on Twitter.

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