OMG Graingers online pricing is CRAZY

[larryforce]

We have an account with grainger so i know that the listed price is not what i would pay for the item, but wow with prices like this online i dont even want to phone them
https://www.acklandsgrainger.com/AG...lProductDetailDisplay.do?item_code=WELPSI100K
308 for a butane soldering iron .

http://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.co...gniting-Butane-Soldering-Iron-Kit-P56105.aspx
$66 bucks for the same dam thing.

 

[bob15]

Grainger $ 174.00

http://www.grainger.com/product/WELLER-Soldering-Tool-Kit-5JH60

Zoro tool and free shipping: $ 76.56

http://www.zoro.com/i/G0805716/?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google_Shopping_Feed&gclid=CK_Aya_Zm8ECFWsV7AodHEQA7A

 

[91bronc300]

I agree but sometimes it's worth it. I bought a split taper bushing at Grainger the other day for 12.50 plus tax and they had it in stock. The cheapest I could find it online was 21.95 with free shipping or 5.98 plus a bunch for shipping.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Graingers was never meant to be a discount store. They're for when you need something right away, and that costs a premium. However, not everything they sell is priced high; I've bought a number of items there that were comparably priced to other sources.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Zoro all the way!

 

[dr_clyde]

I've found that Grainger almost never has what I need when I'm in a jam, and any other time, I can get a better price and better service elsewhere.

 

[Joe B.]

Grainger $ 174.00

http://www.grainger.com/product/WELLER-Soldering-Tool-Kit-5JH60

Zoro tool and free shipping: $ 76.56

http://www.zoro.com/i/G0805716/?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google_Shopping_Feed&gclid=CK_Aya_Zm8ECFWsV7AodHEQA7A

I'm sure this is why Grainger opened up Zoro tool. They wanted to grow in the consumer/very small business segment that was not served well by their existing operations. I bet stuff ships from the same buildings.

 

[PT Doc]

Zoro is excellent. Electrical switches, sheaves, strain reliefs, they have it all.

 

[chrisexv6]

Graingers was never meant to be a discount store. They're for when you need something right away, and that costs a premium. However, not everything they sell is priced high; I've bought a number of items there that were comparably priced to other sources.

This.

Ive always looked at Grainger, MSC, Fastenal as the CDW (huge computer parts/software provider) of hardware and tools: it costs a whole lot more, but usually A) you need it right then and there and they are the only ones that have it and/or B) you are a large enough business that you do enough volume they will give you a discount making the prices not TOO outrageous

 

[FMC1959]

I have seen someone mention on GJ that Zoro is owned by Grainger. They exist to compete in the heavily discounted online sale.

Grainger gets the odd web sale here and there, their bread & butter is with customer accounts that have varying discounts.

 

[CobraRed]

It's often pretty hilarious.

Even their account prices are crazy on some things. I remember my last company bought a pair of wash sinks that were $3700 each... for some stainless sheetmetal we could have formed ourselves and some hardware.

Sometimes they are indispensable though due to their catalog size. Needed a 5/8-24 die for my muzzle brake after mine snapped and they not only had it that day, it was on par with ebay prices. Hit and miss.