Roger and Sandra Allen, along with Doug Simmons, established Maplin Electronic Supplies as a mail order business in 1972, and by 1975 the company had also opened its first store in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex. The business was acquired by Saltire plc in 1994, and by 1999 had also established its first website. In 2001 the business went through an initial management buy-out (MBO), backed by Graphite Capital, and in 2004 was subject to a secondary MBO, backed by Montagu. As well as the website and a thriving mail order business, Maplin now operates over 100 stores and employs around 1,700 people.
"Over 12,000 products are available from the
catalogue, e-commerce and store network. The broad product categories are Music, Computer products and Hobbies & Electronics. We introduce hundreds of new and exciting products every month and pride ourselves on our unique product offer. Our website keeps us busy and we are constantly working to improve it with new developments happening every day."
Maplin offers a wide range of products in the following categories: Cables, Communication, Components, Computing, Home & Car, Music, Power, Sat Nav, Tools and TV & Satellite.
As well as having a ongoing 'Clearance' section on their website, Maplin also offers 'B' Grade products, which includes used and unused returned products, end of line, slightly marked or refurbished products. All of these items come with a full 12 month guarantee but cost significantly less than usual.
Standard delivery is free on orders over £35 and takes 1-3 working days. Orders below £35 cost £2.99 to deliver, and there is also a next day delivery option that costs £10. Maplin also offers a 28 day return policy via mail or with the option of using the store network instead.
"I have been a Maplin customer for many years, but tend to use their catalogue and website for convenience these days, rather than the stores. They have a wide range of components and gadgets, as well as plenty of ideas for gifts."
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