Cripe Distributing question?

[Biomed]

Many of the product descriptions on the Cripe Distributing website end with "RO". Anyone know what "RO" means?

 

[pendragon1998]

Bump

 

[SteveCh]

I've notice it, too, and wondered.

 

[kc-steve]

Reverse osmosis?
That's the only time I've ever used "RO".
People using abbreviations is a pet peeve of mine.

Steve

 

[jeremy v]

I have noticed and wondered about it too and I think it means "returned opened". Almost everything I have received from them that was labeled with RO either didn't have any packaging or it had obviously been opened and resealed at one time. There have been a few ratchets I have purchased that were labeled RO that immediately needed some tweaking of the pawls to get them to work right, and I have had one or two items that arrived missing a bit, attachment, etc. in the packaging and they were also labeled RO so that is my best assumption. That being said Cripe has been good about fixing any problems with my orders so it has not been a huge deal.

 

[woody 73]

It is early in the Day so excuse the following rant:

A few years ago cripe had a very nice web-site easy to use and a joy to place an order; then they did a makeover and botched it up. Now today I see they no longer give you a phone number to talk to a human voice...

What gives cripe?

Too the op if you send them an E-mail and ask about RO they should be able to answer your question, and be sure and tell them I miss the old ways...

 

[Josey Wales]

I think it means retail only.

 

[AmericanPreferred]

The phone is 208-424-3370. I am sure she can shed some light.

 

[woody 73]

The phone is 208-424-3370. I am sure she can shed some light.

I looked high and low for a phone number was it printed in small form on their web-site?

 

[AmericanPreferred]

I don't know if its on their website or not. I just put "Cripe Distributers" in Google and it popped right up.

 

[Danglerb]

Lots of places like Cripe start out small, luck into some big purchase, then have trouble swallowing such a big chunk and associated expansion.

 

[woody 73]

Lots of places like Cripe start out small, luck into some big purchase, then have trouble swallowing such a big chunk and associated expansion.

Sad because the old way they had a toll free number and they had a very nice person to walk you through your tool purchase.

 

[AmericanPreferred]

They still have a nice person who answers the phone. Seems every time Cripe comes up here the negative comments start. On the other hand every time someone needs a recommendation Epstiens is mentioned even though they charge 50% more for the same items. Case in point my first Cripe order this year was a 15 inch Allen 24015 (Western Forge) adjustable wrench, the Cripe cost was $21 + $6 shipping, Epstiens was $34 + $12.05 shipping, nearly 75% higher after shipping for the exact same item. These days I order enough to partially fill a medium flat rate from the ebay store, I ask for a flat rate box and my shipping has always been $12.50 for 20 or 30 peices, so I know my shipping cost is actual. All my orders have been as described and arrive in a timely matter. Why all the hate for Cripe? Love for H J Epstiens?

 

[SMKS]

They still have a nice person who answers the phone. Seems every time Cripe comes up here the negative comments start. On the other hand every time someone needs a recommendation Epstiens is mentioned even though they charge 50% more for the same items. Case in point my first Cripe order this year was a 15 inch Allen 24015 (Western Forge) adjustable wrench, the Cripe cost was $21 + $6 shipping, Epstiens was $34 + $12.05 shipping, nearly 75% higher after shipping for the exact same item. These days I order enough to partially fill a medium flat rate from the ebay store, I ask for a flat rate box and my shipping has always been $12.50 for 20 or 30 peices, so I know my shipping cost is actual. All my orders have been as described and arrive in a timely matter. Why all the hate for Cripe? Love for H J Epstiens?

Meh, I've ordered from Cripe multiple times and had a bad experience with one of them. I probably won't order from them again unless they have a screaming deal of something I really want.

My experience with Cripe has been the opposite of yours. I've often been unimpressed with their high shipping costs.

You mentioned you called Cripe to get lower shipping. Have you ever tried calling HE? They've said before on here that sometimes the online calculator doesn't work well for shipping. That may be worth a shot in the future.

Like anything else, you need to shop around on every purchase. You noted one example where Cripe was cheaper, but I'm sure there are cases where HE would be cheaper. Long story short, compare prices before your buy.

I buy tons of car parts online and one store is never the cheapest on every item. I end up buying parts from Rock Auto, Advance, Amazon and Ebay, depending on which has a the best price on that particular item.

 

[brockstar]

Having ordered both from Cripe and Epsteins-

It's well documented how poorly Cripe packs tools. Shows a lack of concern for the customer.

Epstein's is active on the forums, promoting US Made tools. Dial the phone and Jori will more than likely answer. They may cost more, but they are not a nameless web presence as Cripe is.

I gladly pay more for the Epstein experience.

 

[AmericanPreferred]

I never mentioned I called Cripe to lower shipping. HE's shipping was more than double (exact same item) and they are half the distance from me. I have shopped both, that's why I said what I said. Its not just one item that's just the one I remember most clearly. If you want to pay 75% more it's your money, but why recommend that to others? I will also challenge you to show me one thing H.E. is cheaper on than Cripe.

 

[SMKS]

I never mentioned I called Cripe to lower shipping. HE's shipping was more than double (exact same item) and they are half the distance from me. I have shopped both, that's why I said what I said. Its not just one item that's just the one I remember most clearly. If you want to pay 75% more it's your money, but why recommend that to others?

You don't need to get all defensive, I'm not trying to start an argument with you. I'm not a HE fanboy. I like them and buy from them, but I'm not encouraging people to spend "75% more" just to support them.

Again, I recommended shopping around. I'm not saying HE wasn't more expensive in the single example you note.

You did mention contacting Cripe and asking for a flat rate box:

These days I order enough to partially fill a medium flat rate from the ebay store, I ask for a flat rate box and my shipping has always been $12.50 for 20 or 30 peices, so I know my shipping cost is actual.

I assumed that contact was through a phone call, but I guess I misunderstood. In the future, a call or email to HE may net you a better shipping price, if you think the shipping they quote isn't fair.

 

[stonesfan68]

Long story short, compare prices before your buy.

I buy tons of car parts online and one store is never the cheapest on every item. I end up buying parts from Rock Auto, Advance, Amazon and Ebay, depending on which has a the best price on that particular item.

I do the same thing. I can't figure out how one place can have a water pump for $65 and another is selling the same part for $95. I'll pick the $65 place as long as they provide good service (either based on my own experience or the recommendations of others).

 

[kc-steve]

Go get 'em Stephen! I purchase from both Cripe and Epstein, but more from Epstein. I'm insulated from the shipping thing though since I pick up downtown.

But there is no comparison between Cripe and Epstein in products offered. Most if not all of Cripe's stuff are closeout items while Epsteins offers both closeout and a full line of up to date items. And if you have ever been in the store, I know Stephen has, Epstein's brick and mortar inventory is truly amazing! Their website doesn't do them justice.

Steve

 

[pendragon1998]

It's well documented how poorly Cripe packs tools. Shows a lack of concern for the customer.

I just ordered about 20 full polish wrenches, a smaller set up to 18 mm and a set of large wrenches from 23-32 mm. Contrast the Cripe order with a similar order I made at Sears Outlet that was certainly poorly packed, with the wrenches loose in a box banging that nice full polish finish on each other all to hell.

This, on the other hand, is how my order arrived from Cripe yesterday. Not shown was the tightly packed brown paper that securely held everything in place:

The only things loose were a non-full polished flare nut wrench and a 24 mm impact socket. The rest was tightly plastic wrapped and the entire box was well-taped. I couldn't find anything to complain about. This was my first Cripe order, but I thought I got a very nice price on everything and it came in perfect shape in good packaging. Your mileage may vary, but I'll order from them again.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Cripe Distributing?
Is that where Spider Man gets his tools from?

 

[purplezr2]

I have never ordered from HE but Cripes pretty much *****. I bought a large lot of clamps from them and they basically through them in a box and tossed some tape on the box. It was half broken open when it got there. The next transaction was for some more clamps and drill bits. They sent it to someone else. When I called they said they would check in to it and call me back. This happened twice more before I held on the phone for them to figure out where the stuff was. They couldn't find it so they said they would replace my order. After waiting several more weeks they informed me that they didn't send my drill bits/didn't have them. It pretty much a hassle and they only refund some of my money for the drill bits I didn't get. They offered 5% off my next order.

 

[AmericanPreferred]

My orders have been packaged the same way as pictured, have to cut the shrink wrap to seperate wrenchs. My first order was 3 or 4 years ago, Skil table saw stand with heavy fence. Most details are kind of vauge now, but I am sure this is close, retail was over $150, Cripe price less than $20, shipping $48 it weighed 80lbs and was over 5 foot long. I do remember this part for sure "free local pick up", cause I was just in Boise the month before on an ebay adventure. For me there are only 2 types of closeout sellers, those who charge according to what they paid, and those that charge what they think they can get. We have local brick and motor salvage places here and most of the stuff is roughly 80% of retail, but on occasion they have killer deals, like 6 foot lateral filing cabinets for less than $20, I googled one and retail was over $900, they must have got it for free I thought. I am not anti Epstiens, just don't understand all the allure. I do love buying USA tools at import prices or less, as I thought most folks here would. This is why the love for HE vs hate for Cripe seems suspisious to me, almost like a canned response.

 

[bobemmerich]

I have done business with both Cripe and Epstein. I've had great experience with both. I wouldn't hesitate to order from either again. I had trouble with one of my Cripe orders, but they called me to inform me an item was out of stock and we worked it out. Epstein was equally as good and even included an "extra" in the box as a thank you. I though that was awesome.
As far as the original question, I've often wondered that myself.
I too, liked the old Cripe site better.

 

[kc-steve]

They still have a nice person who answers the phone. Seems every time Cripe comes up here the negative comments start. On the other hand every time someone needs a recommendation Epstiens is mentioned even though they charge 50% more for the same items. Case in point my first Cripe order this year was a 15 inch Allen 24015 (Western Forge) adjustable wrench, the Cripe cost was $21 + $6 shipping, Epstiens was $34 + $12.05 shipping, nearly 75% higher after shipping for the exact same item. These days I order enough to partially fill a medium flat rate from the ebay store, I ask for a flat rate box and my shipping has always been $12.50 for 20 or 30 peices, so I know my shipping cost is actual. All my orders have been as described and arrive in a timely matter. Why all the hate for Cripe? Love for H J Epstiens?

To be honest AP, YOU are the one to start the Epstein bashing here in post #13.

Steve

 

[AmericanPreferred]

There were 3 or 4 negative comments, by multi-thousand post members before I spoke up. If mentioning a major price difference is bashing, I guess I don't know the meaning of the word, or the true meaning of this forum. Then someone mentioned waterpumps and auto parts store, most will meet, or beat their competitor's prices, think HE will meet or beat Cripe? it would be great for all of us if they did.

 

[SMKS]

Sigh...

EDIT - I'm deleting this post and officially saying I'm done with this thread. I'm choosing not to continue arguing. I realize for some reason you want to turn this thread into a HE bashing thread, but I guess I don't see the point of that. I would encourage you to cool your jets and enjoy the forum, but perhaps your goal is trolling.

I've ordered from Cripe about 4 or 5 times. One order went bad because they tried to ship a 3/8" flex ratchet in a padded envelop with no reinforcement. I received an empty envelope. I did end up getting a refund. That soured me on them.

I still check Cripe from time to time.

As I said before, I may order from them again if they have something I want. I would encourage anyone to order from Cripe all you want. It's your money, spend it how you please.

 

[PrisonMike]

I ordered from Cripe many times. Once the package was somehow torn and a few items were missing. Not sure whos fault it was but I was sent replacements.

 

[Danglerb]

Ebay forced all the big sellers to adopt flat rate shipping costs or at least automated shipping calculation. If you want lowest shipping cost when buying multiple items ask for an invoice before paying.

I've never ordered from HE, but I have tried, located items I wanted in searches and filled all the stuff to get to the total amount with shipping etc, and for me and items I was looking at it has never been the best deal or enough of a deal that I didn't pass.

Its a dog eat dog world in closeouts and seems very frequently any time ONE of the regular closeout sellers has a new item, everybody else will soon have that same item.

Amazon and Advanced Auto Parts are special cases due to insane pricing models, or perhaps sane ones appearing odd among the others.

MRO deserves special mention due to rock bottom prices and free shipping on items from big distributors. My Williams ratcheting driver was crazy cheap, maybe 20% less than the nearest price.

 

[CripeDistributing]

It means "Retail Only"
We have wholesale customers that look thru this site to place their orders and the RO tells them that they can not purchase these items at a discount.

 

[Ign]

I've placed a few orders from Cripe and always been satisfied. I just received my index head GW and they were well-packaged in a nicely fitted box with brown paper holding the product in place.

I did notice shipping costs were considerably less thru Ebay than their website, which surprised me. I guess it's the forced flat-rate thing mentioned in post #29. I will say the ebay shipping costs seemed realistic while their website cost seemed high.

I've never ordered thru Epstein's and had never heard of them until this forum. My business w Cripe started years ago when they were selling the 14" dry-cut Diablo blades for ~$40. But I finally got smart and traded the dry cut for a bandsaw

 

[pendragon1998]

It is nice to see a rep from Cripe here. Welcome! I, for one, was happy with my service. I would only suggest that the search function on your website could use some refining.

 

[oilslick]

Still no website that I can find besides eBay. eBay *****.

 

[Bull]

It means "Retail Only"
We have wholesale customers that look thru this site to place their orders and the RO tells them that they can not purchase these items at a discount.

Posted only once and haven't ever signed on since then? Come on back and be a member! We are always talking about you on here.

Still no website that I can find besides eBay. eBay *****.

I have read on here that some incompetent fubared their site. They know it and regret what it is doing to their business.

It's been down for a long time!