? about Grainger store.

[BigTJ]

Can you walk in off the street and buy there or what?

 

[nine4gmc]

you can here.

 

[shoturtle]

Most store yes, but I have heard some only will work off P.O. The ones I go to sell at the store, or you can create an account online and have it set up for instore pick up.

 

[trout]

mine here will only sell to a business, of course the people at the counter will bluntly tell you you can just make up the business name.

 

[BigTJ]

Thats what I was wonderin, if thats the case I can go thru my work. Im gonna check tomorrow.

 

[WWIIjeep]

Grainger has loosened up their sales policy in recent years. They used to be "business to business" only, and were pretty strict about it, but not anymore.

Their current policy (from their corporate terms of sale and conditions) is:

W.W. Grainger, Inc. ("Grainger") sells its complete offering wholesale to business customers, while also serving individuals.

In other words, you no longer need to be a "business" to order from them.

That applies to internet and over the counter cash sales.

If a local store is refusing over the counter cash sales, it's not following current Grainger corporate policy.

 

[BigTJ]

Heard That. Getting ready to head down to the local Grainger store now, we'll see what gives in about an hour.

 

[signcrafter]

Heard That. Getting ready to head down to the local Grainger store now, we'll see what gives in about an hour.

They are open on Saturdays? Mine are only open Mon-Fri

 

[WWIIjeep]

Heard That. Getting ready to head down to the local Grainger store now, we'll see what gives in about an hour.

I think what you'll find today (Saturday) is that Grainger branch locations are only open Monday through Friday.

Unless you have a big discount or find a good sale, Grainger's prices are usually very, very high.

True, but sometimes there are other reasons for using Grainger.

I've been doing business with Grainger for over 40 years through various companies I've worked for.

For certain commodities--electric motors, for example, which have always been one of Grainger's primary product lines--Grainger carries a very broad selection, for just about any motor application you can think of, and their prices can be competitive (speaking name-brand, not off-shore unknowns).

Grainger's primary other strength is local branch stock (some may argue that, but 9 times out of 10, they've usually had the stuff we needed, or an acceptible substitute) and they're pretty consistent with next-day delivery for non-locally-stocked items.

McMaster is good, and their prices are often much better than Grainger, but they don't have the branch availability Grainger has, and they're not next-day delivery to many parts of the US.

In some areas, Grainger is one of the few conveniently-located local broad-line industrial suppliers left.

Grainger is usually pretty good about listing brands and COO, or telling you, if you ask. Not always as easy to get that information from other suppliers, including McMaster (who is better than they used to be in that respect, but still not as consistent as Grainger).

 

[Lightfoot]

if you got cash, the one here will make up a name to put it under. all they want is
dat dolla!

 

[Davefr]

Their past militant strategy of only selling BTB has backfired big time.

The branches won't turn down any paying customer and anyone can now buy from their website. They also created Drillspot and Zorotools to better compete online.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Yeah I don't think they really care about the business name unless you are wanting a line of credit. If you are going to pay when you pick-up then anyone can buy....

What is nice when you setup your account with them is that your phone number is tied to your account. So when you call they simply ask is for "X" business? So it's pretty effortless... I also call ahead because half the time the items I need are not in stock at the local store and it can take a day or two for them to get them in.

 

[BigTJ]

Dang, they wasn't open, LOL. Well, since I was there I eased on down to the Just Tool store, picked a set of Channel Locks(USA) and 9 shallow 1/2" drive impact sockets, proto, IR, Milwaukee. 3/8" to 7/8" 6pt.. My wife is schoolin me on how to post pics.

 

[Cameronl]

They've been advertising on the radio around here lately. The ads don't say anything about B2B. In fact, they're kind of silly and seem to be aimed at consumers.

 

[Justin1776]

Unless you have a big discount or find a good sale, Grainger's prices are usually very, very high.

This.

 

[Bobf]

I used to use the account my employer had with them for many years, I just paid cash and of course the tax. You couldn't just walk in and buy back then. I was looking for some decent arbors for a double shaft motor to make a buffer to match the grinder I made years ago and couldn't find anything non offshore. Looking on the net Grainger came up and had exactly what I purchased (LH & RH) probably 25 -30 yrs ago. Ordered them on-line and got em in 2 days, exactly what I bought way back when. Shipping was high (what's new) so next time its "will call" at my local outlet. I also checked the box for a FREE catalog and UPS delivered that yesterday, I think it weighs 8 lbs!
Their stuff isn't cheap $$$ but usually the quality is better than the off shore ****.

 

[EvilWelder]

They are still pricks at all my local branches, and I have been buying from them for years.

 

[bindernut]

There are several in St. Louis. The main branch is 20 minutes from my house. The people are always very helpful. I've got lots of Proto & Ingersoll Rand tools from Grainger. My dad works for Northrop Grumman in Baltimore, and can get an employee discount. On some stuff It's killer, on others it's not. But even though he works 800 miles away, he can call the store here & have an item set out in his name. I walk in, pay, and walk out with what I need. Easy as pie.

 

[EOC_Jason]

I guess our store must be lucky, there's a couple cute girls that work the front counter. They are also very knowledgeable too, not just eye candy.

 

[zuk123]

Grainger is a life saver (or at least job saver) if you work on the road. They have all the industrial stuff you can't get at the big box. Order online with local pickup from your hotel at night, good to go in a day, maybe 2. Job done.

They have a pretty good selection of real solvents and specialty cleaning products (industrial use only stuff) and some nice tools. They also stock the weird Dymo label tape I need for marking cables; I used to have to order it. (***** to run out with only a few cables left on the job.)

When I got my account I had to show a DBA. Other people I know just use a former employer who has an account. If you pay there, the account holder doesn't know and shouldn't care. Don't put it on someone's account, that would be stealing.

They will never be the cheapest price, but they are awful convenient, and carry the real stuff....

zuk

 

[OEXL16B]

What you gotta do is think of a company in town that has an account with Grainger and tell them you're from there. You're still paying with your own money, but their computer system has to bill your sale to a current account holder. I know it doesn't make sense, but that's the way it is.

 

[RECox286]

If yer money is Greenish, and has "In God we trust" you won't have any trouble

at Grainger. Just like at HF, TSC, Pepboys, Wallyworld...You name it. Just don't

expect that they are the cheapest place in town, but they do have quite a selection

to choose from.

Uncle Bob

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

they seem to have everything but the price is a premium

 

[Davefr]

I guess our store must be lucky, there's a couple cute girls that work the front counter. They are also very knowledgeable too, not just eye candy.

 

[jeffmoss26]

We ordered from them all the time at school. State pricing was at least half of retail, even more on some stuff.
I was able to buy items from them and pay the school for them through our copy center (had to pay sales tax).

 

[jjjrmx5]

I had to LOL today.

I dropped into my local Grainger which I have forever ordered via online and picked up a paper catalog and had to order a tool.

4,862 pages of goodness and the f^&*%r was thicker than 2 Bibles and weighed a ton.

They are free, but I helped pay for it by ordering an IR die grinder at an inflated cost.

I had no problem with it.

And Snap-On balks are catalogs. I LOL'd.

 

[BigTJ]

Either way I have an option to buy from them. My boss at work said you can walk in off the street and buy, he also said I can go thru work if I wanted. I been lookin thru that huge massive catolog for the last few days getting a list some what prepared.

So...all is good on the grainger front.

 

[subarub4]

I did not know about weekends and them being closed..

good to know they are not so serious about B2B anymore.. while I have my employers credit card it does have the name on it so if they do ask it wont be a issue..

but I need a belt drive motor and was all set to go until I called..

my local branch does not have it and would not get it in until Aug 13th.. so I might just pick up at another location.

 

[Zeke]

Thats what I was wonderin, if thats the case I can go thru my work. Im gonna check tomorrow.

I set up a cash account with no other information other than my name and address, email and phone.

 

[MrJason]

My local store, is grossly altruistic. I have a business account, with Net 30 terms.

I walked in with my brother, to test a rumor I had heard.

He did a cash purchase, for a simple impact socket.

Then, I walked over to another counter clerk and bought the same exact socket via cash on my account.

I paid 15% less than he did, as I had an established account, but paid cash.

The rumor was true. Local Grainger did have a bias to established businesses.

I have no opinion on if it's right or wrong. It is what it is.

Grainger, I will say, has never not had what I needed. They swing with a big bat and they definitely have a selection that big box stores can't compete with. Apples and oranges, I know.

 

[monomach]

Can you walk in off the street and buy there or what?

Sure, but you're going to get your wallet raped doing it. You need to have an account with a deep discount to make it worth shopping there.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Yep, I've noticed that ordering things they often quote prices cheaper than the catalog. I don't order much from Grainger, but when you can't find it anywhere else and you need it within a day, then they are the place.

 

[subarub4]

So what In my case I'm looking for a Dayton motor for a belt blower and I saw one on the site around $92 now my closer local store does not have it and would not be here until Aug 13th but a store futher out has one if I order online and do pick up would they not honer the price at check out?

OR if I say the motor is showing for $92 something and I get the same part number from the website and go in store will they charge me more then the site?

I ask because I'm still trying to decide if I should order and pick up or just order in person.

 

[Engine]

A few weeks back I needed some Dykem blue layout fluid for marking a sheet of steel. Nobody had it locally but Grainger so I tried to buy it there and they refused at first since I didn't have a business connection. As I was walking out without it, he said "hold on, I'll put you down as working for Allstate insurance." Huh? OK. If that's the way you do it, I'm fine with that. So I bought it. That's how they do it here, I guess. I haven't been back since then but I suppose I'm "approved" to buy now.

 

[ShaneMSnyder]

January 2 years ago the igniter on my furnace took a dump. No hvac supplier would sell to me, the hvac company wanted almost $200 bucks to come out and replace a 15 dollar part. Ordering online seemed like the only rational option and wait on shipping. As a last resort I looked on Grainger's website and found it, and it was in stock at my local store. Went there with fingers crossed and the dude at the counter said, "oh, we just went retail 2 days ago!" Wheeww! Saved my bacon. Everett, Wa. store.

 

[EOC_Jason]

I always call and have it put on will-call because often they have to get it shipped from another store. They will give you the price over the phone.

If you don't have a business, I don't suppose they would make much of a fuss as long as you are paying cash/credit card when you pick it up.

 

[subarub4]

My thing is cash is cash.. why did they get so hung up on buying under a bizz name? The prices alone is enough to keep the normal Joe out.

 

[Zeroek]

The grainger here is very limited on tools.

 

[decableguy2000]

Farm Bureau members get a discount. Never had to show them my card.

Jeremy

 

[subarub4]

So I made a account online with the name of the business I work for and I guess they send you another email when you can order online?

Will my info show up in a retail store? I ask because I have about $134 worth of stuff in my cart I need to check out and don't know if I can or not yet.