Replies

1. 
   ted | Mar 06, 2006 01:37am | #1

   Grainger will sell to just about anyone. Just tell them you are in business for yourself. I've never paid cash their before so I don't know if they are accounts only or what. But I have used my charge card there before. I really don't use them that often anymore. I get much better selection at MSC Industrial.

2. 
   mapleman | Mar 06, 2006 01:37am | #2

   Gramps,

   I agree with metod. Give them a call. I do seem to remember, however that my local grainger won't take cash or checks, they will only bill you (or your business) Good luck.

   Lee

1. 
   Steinmetz | Mar 06, 2006 04:09am | #3

   My experience with Grainger is dismal In NYC or New Jersey, they let you stand in line, then let you peruse their catalog,select the item, bring out the item then request a 'resale number'or, "Do you have an account?"Save your breath and your time and order stuff on the internet Most don't add tax or, leave it up to you
   Steinmetz.
   ?

3. 
   jimmy | Mar 06, 2006 05:23am | #4

   mcmaster carr is mucccch better....will sell to anyone, and have at least  as good as product...

1. 
   81treehouse | Mar 06, 2006 05:35am | #5

   McMaster Carr will NOT send you a catalog.  I tried 10+ times while employed at a 8000+ employee plant and in a procurement position.  I tried multiple times after starting my own business.  They and their employees are downright RUDE!  Their comment usually was "We only print so many catalogs and only send them to special customers!  You can use internet."  So I guess most of us are not special customers so they will NOT GET MY MONEY!

   I suggest everyone try one of the other vendors mentioned who appreciate their customers!

    A bad day woodworking is better than a good day working -- yes, I'm retired!

1. 
   jimmy | Mar 06, 2006 05:39am | #6

   I'm lucky enough to have a catalog, and had to "steal" it at that.  Since the inernet you really don't even need the book...and, they have been nothing but polite to me.  Great, fast service...

   Edited 3/5/2006 9:43 pm ET by Jimmy

1. 
   81treehouse | Mar 06, 2006 05:55am | #7

   I'm glad you have one of their catalogs.  Compare their cost with the costs of other suppliers and let everyone know the results.  Maybe the difference is great enough to tolerate McMaster Carr.  Then again, maybe not!

   BTW,  I do not keep a computer with internet running on it out in the shop.  But I do keep catalogs handy.

    A bad day woodworking is better than a good day working -- yes, I'm retired!

2. 
   RickL | Mar 06, 2006 04:56pm | #10

   I do the purchasing and get a new catalog every year from  McMaster Carr. Of all the companies I deal with they are the most efficient and easiest to deal with. I can't imagine why you couldn't get a catalog if you were doing procurement, unless someone in your company already got one. They are very tight with their catalogs. You have to admit for a company to last 100 years and never advertises they must be doing something right. While not being a wholesale outfit their prices aren't too bad considering the speed of delivery and selection of products. I don't know why you consider them rude. Their ordering routine is the finest example of efficient customer service of any company I deal with.

1. 
   Mike_S | Mar 06, 2006 05:38pm | #11

   34114.7 in reply to 34114.6 

   McMaster Carr will NOT send you a catalog. 

   Huh, I've had the opposite experience from McMaster Carr, called got a very nice person who took my information and sent me a catalog no problems.  Their prices typically are better than most places I look and products are sent in a timely manner.  They are hands down my first goto source.

   Edited 3/6/2006 9:39 am ET by Mike_S

2. 
   migraine | Mar 07, 2006 05:15am | #14

   81tree... is right getting a catalogue is practically impossible.  The one I have is #101 and I got it from a friend when his new one arrived many years ago.  It's just the way they are.  It takes a outside sales person to get you one and I think you have to purchase alot before they will consider giving you one.

   That company has everything and the prices aren't bad either.

1. 
   Abe | Mar 08, 2006 03:08am | #15

   MMC tends to be on the high side of pricing in my experiences.  I have worked as a mechanical engineer for the past dozen years and I have to give them credit for always having everything in stock.  But their catalogs are hard to come by, my copies always had my name all over the covers and bindings so that they would not develop feet.  Another thing that I do not like is that they do not identify the brands of most of their products.  I am rather particular about brands of some products.  Most of my vendors give me more catalogs than I know what to do with.  MMC has a place in business but I almost always can get a much better price thru other contacts.  It's surprising how a supplier perks up when you announce a quantity of material that will clear out all of their warehouses.

4. 
   Telemike | Mar 06, 2006 08:38am | #8

   Grainger almost always has a relationship with a nearby hardware store that has an account. You end up paying a bit more than the catalog price. Call Grainger sales and ask.

   As others have pointed out, they will take almost anykind of relationship to sell you stuff. I use the State of California employees account to buy stuff. The state didn't set it up; grainger did so they could sell to the state employees. I wouldn't be surprised if they had credit union member accounts, even church accounts.

   If you call a sales rep, they will often go the extra mile to find a way to sell you stuff. If you can't find that person, well, that Grainger doesn't deserve your business anyway.

5. 
   triplenet | Mar 06, 2006 04:36pm | #9

   I have bought from Granger a few times at 2 different locations. I am in business, but don't recall being asked. Usually at those places I just tell them "cash", which means you pay full price.

   My impression is that their prices weren't great and the "order desk" concept is from dark ages. This is one area where the "big box" stores have been helpful, one can peruse the parts without felling real stupid!

   Bob

6. 
   cadiddlehopper | Mar 06, 2006 07:11pm | #12

   McMaster Carr will sell via credit card & ship. They have a catalog on line. Who wants one of those huge books?

   Cadiddlehopper

1. 
   EdHarrow | Mar 07, 2006 04:49am | #13

   Hmmmm, maybe I should sell my McMaster-Carr catalog on EBay?  Those books are notoriously hard to come by; I cannot tell how one ended up in my collection...

   That said, their website is very good, and their service is above reproach IMHO.  Often I receive my order overnight (reg UPS shipment).  I place most orders via their website, but whenever I've placed an order via phone their staff has always shown themselves to be helpful and courteous.