"I bought through http://www.mcmaster.com, and I found a very good review from this site:
http://www.killerstartups.com/review/mcmastercarr-com-online-supply-store"
"One of my favorite places to order anything industrial related I can't find locally. I've been ordering things from McMaster-Carr for at least 15 years first hearing about them through work. I could spend HOURS just looking through their catalog (not sure if one can even get those anymore). Super fast service and good prices on hard to find things. The shipping is actually less than most places because they only charge what the actual shipping cost is and don't add on any handling fees."
"For me, it is part of the entertainment — part of the charm — of ordering from McMaster-Carr that they do not try to predict shipping charges as I check out. No estimated or inflated charges here! Instead, real people in their warehouse actually pack up my order as best they can, then charge me what it actually costs to ship.
But the greatest fun is their web site, which really, truly, gives me the feeling that I am flipping through a catalog — they organize it into pages just like a printed supply catalog, with all of the associated entertainment (and learning experience!) of seeing what similar items are on the adjacent pages.
I have used McMaster-Carr for more than a decade. They often do not state the brand of what they are selling, but always send equipment of the very best quality — as when I ordered wrenches recently, and received Stahlwille wrenches in the package from McMaster-Carr. They are the consummate old-timey supply house, but with their catalog on the web. In Atlanta, at least, I usually select UPS Ground and get the shipment the next day anyway because of their efficiency — and always on the second day after my order otherwise!"
"On 05/31/2011 I ordered part# 9001T14, 3 small (micro) replacement springs used in the hinge of a cellphone. The website was recommended by a user of a cellphone repair website who'd ordered the same part and recommended this particular online store to obtain the part.
$5.78 is a decent price, even though only 1 spring is needed to repair the phone, but the "item" is for 3 springs.
Why do I seek to write the review of the website?
#1 - price of the part was actually not relevant, as I just ordered the cellphone (I don't even have it yet) - but bought the springs for backup and expected future use.
#2 - McMaster website was very well laid out and easy to find the part.
Why write the review, and from a web-programming dummy standpoint: With very little effort, there are hundreds of "create your own online store" templates available, prebuilt to overlay WordPress or any of the other CMS auto-install websites scripts... These would include *everything* needed to run an online store.
Upon order of the part from McMaster, I was dismayed and confused that a professional online retail store was not providing shipping and handling cost information as part of the check-out process. Therefore, I IMMEDIATELY sent an email, with order # information, etc, to the customer service email address requesting a 100% complete accurate dollar amount that would be charged, to include the cost of the part, shipping/handling, before shipping the product and charging my provided credit card.
The product was shipped without authorization!
Ultimately would I order from this company again? No! I won't order from a company that can not provide full and legal disclosure of shipping prices PRIOR to shipping a product. Lesson Learned.
I will add the following:
#1 Their email response was "less than" 24 hours, but obviously not effective if the Order/Sales Information email address regarding an order isn't reviewed/responded to prior to the order being shipped.
#2 I only received the tracking number as incidental information to the response to my initial email (it's on the PDF receipt received 6/1)
#3 (AND THIS IS IMPORTANT) - In response to my response email of their 6/1 PDF receipt email, I did receive a refund. **No** - I do not believe this absolves the company from their responsibility to provide accurate costs to the customer before charging the customer and shipping the product."
"Everything arrived pretty quick and in good shape. Very happy. Five stars. I will add a couple things, though.
Their prices vary a bit compared to other suppliers. Some products are the cheapest I could find, others are overpriced - enough so that it was worth it to order from several sites and pay multiple shipping charges.
The only thing I didn't like was that they did not calculate a shipping cost and provide it prior to my order. This had me worried I was going to get a massive shipping fee. But it turned out that the shipping was actually cheaper than normal. I assume this is because they actually calculate shipping based on weight and package/box costs (as compared to just using an average based on number of products ordered). With the wide spectrum of size and weight of their products, I can sympathize with this method. Based on my experience being charged reasonably, I won't worry about getting ripped off on shipping next time."
"I am proud to be the 21st reviewer of McMaster-Carr and to give it one more 5/5 rating - they definitely deserve the best because the are the best at what they do! I work at a company that sells metal to machine shops and manufacturers - we're known for our ability to get our hands on hard to find products, but often times we just refer our customer to McMaster-Carr -- they got everything, and our customers really appreciate finding out about them. I use them all the time for anything from maintenance to shop supplies to items for my inventive ideas. Their website is top-notch and I've never have anything not arrive the day after I placed my order."
"What a great supplier. I often order from them due to needing obscure parts for automotive projects. Their website is top notch for finding things and also specifications, and they ship stuff like it was yesterday.
My last order was more reinforcement as to my positive review. I ordered several hardware items, and was shorted a bag of washers. I sent an email and got an immediate reply. I had the bag of washers in hand the following day hassle-free. BTW, their warehouse is in the next state about 300 miles away.
McMaster is on the ball, and I'll continue to be a customer of theirs."
"They are one of my preferred suppliers of industrial and commercial supplies. I've used them for over 20 years, and always recommend them to my customers.
They're not the cheapest, but they offer a great variety of products, and customer service I've never seen equaled. Their on-line ordering is terrific; I especially like the feature that as you select each item it tells you immediately if it's in stock, and when it will ship.
Their catalog, both print and on-line, also gives great general information about category of products ... what the differences are between the types offered, what they might be used for, technical data, etc.; a nice resource.
My biggest complaint is that their catalog doesn't list the brands. In some cases, I have a specific brand preference; it also makes comparison shopping difficult."
"This company has just about EVERYTHING you could ever need for every type of project,repair, supply and logistical need. They offer several shipping options and if you live nearby, you can pick up your items at their will call office. Customer service was excellent. Shipping was reasonable. I live nearby but I didn't want to drive there so I took US Postal. My order took only a few days. My order was correct and in perfect condition upon delivery. I only have one gripe... they don't tell you how much your shipping charges. You'll find that information on your invoice. My order weighed 2 lbs. Shipping US Postal was $5.25...very reasonable.
Go to their website... I promise your head will spin when you see how much stuff they have!"
"I ordered a 24 pack of 2,850 mA-hr AA Alkaline batteries from McMaster-Carr. The name brand wasn't specified on the Website, but they ended up being Energizer Industrials.
The total cost for these, with shipping and tax, was $22.65. That's a very good deal for such high mA-hr batteries if you ask me.
I ordered these on July 1, 2008 in the afternoon and got them on July 3, 2008. The shipping cost ended up being $5, which I didn't think was bad at all for the two days it took to get my order.
All in all I am very satisfied with my McMaster-Carr purchase and very highly recommend them. "
"I've ordered many times over the last few years from McMaster-Carr and have been satisfied with all my orders. I don't recall having to wait more than three days for any order. Shipping has also been reasonable, although as others may have said you won't know the exact amount until you get your invoice.
If you like building things this is your one stop shop. Their selection of parts in amazing. Anything from O - rings to sleeve bearings is available.
One thing I really liked about the online catalog is the info section at the beginning of the different part categories. Here you will be able to see the specs for the part (material, temperature range ect.) and be able to judge better, which variety will best suit your application.
Good job guys, keep up the good work."
"Amazing store to deal with. I ordered around 2:45 yesterday, they had it shipped out by 3:15 and it was delivered this morning! This was my first time doing business with McMaster-Carr but it will definitely not be the last."
"Without regret, or hesitation I can honestly say I am awed by the service and selection this company provides. I now order all related hardware/tools from this company; and talk about fast service, one evening I placed an order between 6-7 pm. The order was there the next MORNING at 9:30 AM. This Is A Great Company."
"This place is simply amazing. Their selection is unbelievable, their shipping is lightning fast, their prices are great, their web site is trivial to navigate and it has extremely detailed descriptions of all the items. I've never seen anything like it. This is a fantastic resource for common as well as esoteric hardware items. I can't recommend them enough!"
"Incredible selection of parts, materials, and tools. Very easy to place order and reasonable prices compared to other specialty stores (online or not).
The only thing I REALL DO NOT LIKE is the fact you cannot even get an estimate of shipping costs before you place your order. You have to wait patiently until the order ships and they actually charge your card until you know how much it is REALLY going to cost you. But that still hasn't stopped me from ordering there several times."