Sad Comment about McMaster-Carr

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I have had no problems with McMaster. So many companies withhold
payments for goods and services for up to 90 days that McMaster and
others are fed up with being a bank. Your company may have fallen
into this practice and had your account flagged for poor payment
history. The results being that they want payment with the order.

I order on open account and pay well within 30 days. No problems.

Your organization may have been the source of your credit problems.

Bob

 

[David Nebenzahl]

I'm usually wearing a company logo polo shirt, even so I've gotten the
same reception from two different Grainger branches. First question
is "who do you work for" and the second is "whose account is this
going on." If you tell them that you're buying stuff for yourself
they will still insist on associating the purchase with an account.

The electrical wholesaler down the street, I *have* walked in wearing
a shirt and tie and received prompt, friendly service.

I don't doubt your experiences w/Grainger.

It must vary according to location. I remember when I first started
buying stuff there (mine's in Berkeley, CA), I didn't have an account,
and had no trouble buying there.

They *do* ask what account the purchases are going on as a matter of
course, because, I guess, most purchases there are on account. But that
doesn't prevent you from buying if you don't have an account (again, at
least at this location).

The reason I have an account is that they asked me if I wanted one and I
said yes.

 

[Bruce L. Bergman]

I don't doubt your experiences w/Grainger.

It must vary according to location. I remember when I first started
buying stuff there (mine's in Berkeley, CA), I didn't have an account,
and had no trouble buying there.

They *do* ask what account the purchases are going on as a matter of
course, because, I guess, most purchases there are on account. But that
doesn't prevent you from buying if you don't have an account (again, at
least at this location).

The reason I have an account is that they asked me if I wanted one and I
said yes.

Grainger has never been a problem - I've walked in the same branch
for a dozen different employers over the years, and Ed just goes "Hi!"
like always - about half their counter people have worked there as
long as I've been going there - they know the fixers from the fakers.

And I know where to find those odd pieces you aren't going to get at
an electrical supply or refrigeration supply. You can't buy what
they've never even heard of.

Although I do get a LOT better price on certain items using my
sister-in-law's Fortune 50 Company (*) account number than my current
employer's number...

Haven't had a problem with McMaster-Carr - yet.

--<< Bruce >>--

(* Name withheld just in case)

 

[Cliff]

They *do* ask what account the purchases are going on as a matter of
course, because, I guess, most purchases there are on account.

Do volume accounts get discounts?
Do account salespeople get paid?

 

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Do volume accounts get discounts?
Do account salespeople get paid?

McMaster says they charge the same price for everyone. Grainger will cut me
a 10% discount if I call our assigned salesperson.

 

[David Nebenzahl]

Do volume accounts get discounts?
Do account salespeople get paid?

I'm guessing the answer to both is yes, but I have no idea, since I
don't buy enough stuff from Grainger to qualify for any discount. I'm
happy to get stuff at the prices listed in their catalog. (By the way,
have you seen their catalog? I'm talking about a *real* printed book,
not a bunch of on-line PDFs. They mailed me one this year. Everyone
calls it "the doorstop"; 3" thick, almost 4,000 pages. Must cost them
$5-10 each to produce and mail.)

 

[DerbyDad03]

Guv Bob wrote:

[much snippage]

Boycott McMaster-Carr

Boycott? On your demand? I don't think so. I certainly hope you sent
your comments directly to them, and waited for a reply, before going to
the newsgroups with them.

Perhaps your local branch is having personnel problems but I've bought
from McM-C for over 30 years and have always found them to be friendly,
efficient and prompt. They're not a bargain house but their prices are
fair, I receive my order next day and if they don't have it, well, good
luck finding it anywhere.

Just received 2 tubes of DOW RTV-732, 2nd business day after I ordered
it online from McM-C at 9:00PM. Shipped in the morning and arrived the
next day.

Typical pattern for me - small orders, no hassle, prompt delivery.