McMaster-Carr

[Farrier]

I'm totally pleased with McMaster.

Accidentally ordered some incorrect sized parts. I called them today to make an exchange, and was told that they would credit my account, ship me the correct parts and just to keep the wrong parts and not worry about shipping them back. Only $25 in parts though, but I thought that was pretty cool thing to do

 

[tdkkart]

Because it would cause more than $25 disruption in their process if you sent them back.
Receiving parts from an unverified source requires a ton of paperwork and extra labor.
The parts were probably only $15 loss.

 

[vekster]

we order parts from them for work on a weekly basis.
every so often orders get messed up.
we are told to keep the wrong parts and they will send the correct parts.
We are in Canada and still shipping is next day on large orders.
Am really impressed with the company.

 

[tymbo]

Their web site is awesome too!

 

[Thumper68]

The only thing I don't like about ordering from them is you never know what the shipping will be.

A few weeks back I ordered the rollers for the work station I was building on Sunday night had them in hand Wed. Quick shipping great price, less than anywhere else on the net.

 

[chris_1001]

I use them all the time at work. some mistakes some bad quality items.

But overall a good resource. Most places I've worked use them.

 

[exmaxima1]

Their web site is awesome too!

It's absolutely the best. If you want to see the worst, check out Zoro's website...

 

[LMS]

I love using them too, but they won't send me a paper catalog.

 

[exmaxima1]

I love using them too, but they won't send me a paper catalog.

Their website is so good you never need the catalog. I get them and give them away.

 

[oldtractors]

McMaster has the absolute best website out there. The search engine can find anything, you can get to detailed drawings, many ways to order, etc. I am not sure why other companies don't use McMaster's site as a model. Amazon is the only other one that comes close to being as easy to use as McMaster. I have an old McMaster catalog, but it is easier to look it up online or even on my phone that it is to look in the index and find it in the catalog.

 

[BoostAddiction]

Their web site is awesome too!

As a former IT guy, I think their website is the model for what great e-commerce sites ought to be. Very good search, with the ability to filter in meaningful ways. Lots of meaningful data about the product, even to the point of CAD drawings for some of the stuff where it makes sense.

Everybody says they do this, but it is a tremendous amount of work to enter the necessary data, and keep it current. So as a practical matter, almost no one actually does it right- but McMaster does. For example, take a gander at the way that Summit and Jegs try to do searching, and subsequent drilling down. It kind of works for them, but in general is a poor imitation.

McMaster is still the model for really great e-commerce sites.

And as mentioned, when you do need to talk to a person, they seem to all be pretty competent, and know their stuff.

They are my go-to source for hardware, obscure generic tools and some materials. A big part of the reason I order so much from them is that their website makes it easy to find what you are looking for, even when you don't always know what it's called, or what sizes you might need.

 

[gtae07]

As a former IT guy, I think their website is the model for what great e-commerce sites ought to be. Very good search, with the ability to filter in meaningful ways. Lots of meaningful data about the product, even to the point of CAD drawings for some of the stuff where it makes sense.

The only thing that bugs me about their website is that once you go a level or two into the product categories, you can't middle-click on an item to open it in a new tab. It's kind of a pain in that regard. Oh, and it would be nice to get shipping prices before buying.

 

[chris_1001]

The only thing that bugs me about their website is that once you go a level or two into the product categories, you can't middle-click on an item to open it in a new tab. It's kind of a pain in that regard. Oh, and it would be nice to get shipping prices before buying.

^this. I struggle with this also

 

[bwringer]

As a former IT guy, I think their website is the model for what great e-commerce sites ought to be.

Me too. MSC, Grainger, Fastenal, and Zoro are just plain pitiful by comparison.

I build web sites for much of my living and I am in complete awe of McMaster-Carr.

As far as the shipping costs, I suspect they would need to charge more for shipping and/or delay shipments if they set up the web site to do the calculation. I'm sure there's a mind-boggling array of automated systems and processes behind the scenes to optimize packaging and shipping for lowest cost. I'm sure they've also asked their industrial clients "do you want the cheapest possible shipping or do you want to know how much ahead of time?" and the answer was obvious...

In other words, relax, stop squawking about the shipping costs, and trust that you'll consistently get your stuff transported to your doorstep cheaper than you thought possible.

Still, there are three things I would change:

1) Direct product linking. If I need to send a link to someone for approval or purchase, I'd really like to just copy and paste the URL. This doesn't work. I can't imagine why they have set things up in this way, but I'm sure there's a reason. The workaround is to click "Forward" over on the right side and fill in the form or copy that link.

2) Manufacturer/COO info: You very rarely get information on what brand of product you're ordering. There are many times where it matters a great deal, such as with lubricants, cleaners, cable ties, PPE, etc. COO would be nice as well, but this varies wildly from moment to moment, even with the same manufacturer, so I understand that keeping it accurate is probably impossible. Bearings are another example -- I'd happily pay more for major brand bearings made in Europe or the US, but you don't get info on who made them or where.

3) For many types of products, photos in addition to drawings would be very helpful. Most of the time it doesn't matter

 

[LMS]

Their website is so good you never need the catalog. I get them and give them away.

Can I have your next one? I'll pay shipping.

 

[Davefr]

Two problems:

1. Everything is generic/unbranded. Sometimes I like to know the manufacturer.

2. They can't figure out shipping until after you order. Even when you specify USPS first class parcel rate they ignore your instructions and ship uncompetitive UPS!! This is a showstopper on small lightweight items.

However I love the CAD drawings!!!

 

[Tucko]

I've been there in person a few times. Even the view from the Will Call
counter is impressive..

 

[LXCam]

I've been there in person a few times. Even the view from the Will Call
counter is impressive..

The place is flat awesome. I built their data center a few years back when they expanded and remodeled the building. Their entire process of storage, pick and shipping is a sight to behold. And whomever does the design and construction planning seems to really have their act together.

The comments about getting generic parts sure hasn't been my experience. It does bother me they won't list the COO but have yet to ever receive anything substandard. And as for shipping cost, ya it's not the best pricing but the packaging has always been above board and as quickly as they turn around orders, I'm fine with paying their pricing. If it's in stock in Norwalk, I usually have it the next day.

 

[APEowner]

Two problems:

1. Everything is generic/unbranded. Sometimes I like to know the manufacturer.

2. They can't figure out shipping until after you order. Even when you specify USPS first class parcel rate they ignore your instructions and ship uncompetitive UPS!! This is a showstopper on small lightweight items.

However I love the CAD drawings!!!

It is nice to know the brand sometimes but I've never had them ship anything substandard and I've bought some nice quality tools from them that I never would have even looked at otherwise. I've even gotten some Snap-On stuff from them. I've also found that when it really matters I can call them up and see what the manufacturer is on their current stock.

I suspect that USPS wasn't willing to commit to the service level that McMaster gets from their shipping companies. McMaster doesn't charge for shipping they just pass the shipping charge on to the customer and while I can see where it would be a problem for small shops and homeowners pre-pay and add is pretty much the standard in industry. If you've negotiated a better rate with a carrier that McMaster uses you can just have them charge it to your account.

 

[bwringer]

Agreed -- I've always gotten high quality stuff, even when they didn't reveal the brand. Sometimes you can figure it out from the image.

On chemicals, they sometimes do tell you the manufacturer, or you can often figure it out from the MSDS.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Other than not knowing the shipping until after I've ordered, I love them. Haven't needing anything yet that they didn't carry. Always shipped quickly after ordering.

 

[Luciferi]

I love their website. It is so easy. I don't know why other sites don't copy it.

I really like that it tells that you ordered an item with the date. This comes in handy when browsing bolts and grommets I need to reorder.

I also wish they stated brands but I have never been disappointed with what I have received. Tools have been, SK, Marson, Wiha, bondhaus. They maybe a little more expensive but they in stock and come next day. I even called one time and had same day delivery through their own delivery service.

As for shipping, they usually are cheaper than anywhere else I order from. The only times I noticed higher shipping is when part of the order comes from Chicago.

 

[airshow]

I am a mechanical designer and equipment builder with a small manufacturing company. I use McMaster whenever possible - and the sole reason is their website.

MSC, Grainger, Zoro, etc websites are all substandard imo. Product company websites like Parker-Hannifin are a joke.

I will often pay more for something from McMaster than I could get cheaper elsewhere, simply because a) so easy to look up on their website, b) normally gets delivered next day, and c) all those easy-to-get 3D modelling downloads. I don't have time to **** around with cumbersome website searches, etc.

McMaster really does it right. As mentioned in earlier posts, yes, Mcmaster has some minor things that could be done a little better, but in the bigger picture, I have zero complaints.

Heaven help us if McMaster ever goes public or gets sold, etc.

 

[softailgarage]

The only thing I don't like about ordering from them is you never know what the shipping will be

Exactly. Although their shipping rates aren't bad, it's still nice to know how much your spending when your spending it. You have to remember too, that McMaster is geared to Corporations and business's that really don't care about the shipping or have other arrangements made with shippers. I do love everything about them, including their website ( i could spend all day on it dreaming, lol)

 

[BillK]

1) Direct product linking. If I need to send a link to someone for approval or purchase, I'd really like to just copy and paste the URL. This doesn't work. I can't imagine why they have set things up in this way, but I'm sure there's a reason. The workaround is to click "Forward" over on the right side and fill in the form or copy that link.

???? I do this all the time. All you have to do is highlight the part number then click on "product detail" The url changes and you can copy and paste it. Here is one I just did to verify that it still worked http://www.mcmaster.com/#60945k21/=13xx54z

As far an the manufacturer and coo, if you send them an e-mail they will usually let you know within 30 minutes.

 

[WhoWhatNow]

Their iPhone app is very good as well. My last 4 or 5 orders have been placed directly through the app. The CAD drawings are available in the app as is your past order history.

 

[EdT]

I order from McMaster several times a month and I have never been disappointed with the product or the service. If you attach value to your time, the ease of ordering on their site is so much better than their competitors is worth the, sometimes, higher price. The shipping costs are what they are and knowing in advance is probably not a deal breaker unless it's a really heavy item. I live about 60 miles from their distribution center near Atlanta and get next day delivery 99% of the time. The best delivery was some sheet copper for a roof I was building for a bay window. I ordered it mid morning and it appeared by courier mid afternoon for a delivery charge of $12. I probably could not have gone and picked it up in that much time for that much money even if my time was worth nothing. Great company!!

 

[Vinko]

They will tell you the COO if you ask.

Sometimes they'll tell you the mfg. too. I remember one guy mentioning a reason they don't do this. I don't remember what it was. I needed a socket and I wanted it to be the same as what we had from them a few years before and so they told me the maker. They carry (in my experience), Wright, Proto and Armstrong for the sockets. Maybe some others too.

I don't think they've ever picked an order incorrectly for us. They pay people really well too, from what I understand.

 

[cnc-me]

Their web site is awesome too!

I think it's the best e-commence site on the Internet.
I guess they did get a good rating by a source, I can't think of right now.

 

[biowrench]

McMaster is still the model for really great e-commerce sites.

And as mentioned, when you do need to talk to a person, they seem to all be pretty competent, and know their stuff.

What's really remarkable is that their website was best-in-class from the start, setting standards almost 20 years ago.

 

[az45]

I didn't know McMaster had competitors..! ?

I don't recall thinking I was ever overcharged for shipping. Its a great, but rare example of being able to charge more if your service is better than the rest.

I think Rock Auto is pretty good, similar situation with the shipping.

 

[Dr Stan]

McMaster has a distribution center in KY so I usually get my items the next day if ordered in the AM. 2 days max when they have to have something shipped from Cleveland. Good quality and service.

 

[vettex2]

Exactly. Although their shipping rates aren't bad, it's still nice to know how much your spending when your spending it. You have to remember too, that McMaster is geared to Corporations and business's that really don't care about the shipping or have other arrangements made with shippers. I do love everything about them, including their website ( i could spend all day on it dreaming, lol)

If I'm concerned, I just call them

 

[LMS]

A fellow GJ-er hooked me up with a brand spanking new one, so I have an older one (much older - it's #106) that someone can have if they are desperate. PM me if interested.

 

[bb_max]

The only thing that bugs me about their website is that once you go a level or two into the product categories, you can't middle-click on an item to open it in a new tab. It's kind of a pain in that regard. Oh, and it would be nice to get shipping prices before buying.

If you middle click on the image and not on the text, it will let you open in a new tab. Gets me every time.