McMaster Carr shipping

[tcartwri]

My favorite company to order from. They should give seminars on how to properly handle internet orders and shipping. If I order before 3pm, it is sitting on my desk by noon the next day.... and I'm in Ottawa.

You can expect an order from HD to take 3 days to a week to get to you.

 

[charlz]

They charge by actual package weight. A low $ order that is heavyweight wont be a bargain except by their promptness.
larry

Good to know! Thanks!

 

[downsizingnow48]

I order something from McMaster Carr pretty much every week, because they have lots of hardware that is hard or impossible to find locally, and because quality is very good. Shipping costs seem reasonable to me. For Sacramento, most things come from Los Angeles, and I get it the next day or day after.

 

[Ken45101]

I do like places that have "free" shipping, you know there will not be any surprises. As said, M-C is good for having just about everything, and it is quality stuff. They are the fastest shipper I know, I've been amazed at having stuff delivered less than 24 hours after I order it. They do seem to be on the more expensive side though, so I don't order too often from them.

OTOH, there are places like Amazon with "free" shipping that takes a week to get out of their warehouse. I do like, however, like Amazon Prime since it's two day "free" shipping and pretty reliable. But, I almost always make sure the prices are competitive. Sometimes a good deal, sometimes not.

As for the OP's difference in estimated vs actual shipping, you might give them feedback to let them know that you are unhappy with the inaccurate estimate. Since they are more of an industrial supplier, most of their customers probably never notice, or care.

 

[flusher]

I order something from McMaster Carr pretty much every week, because they have lots of hardware that is hard or impossible to find locally, and because quality is very good. Shipping costs seem reasonable to me. For Sacramento, most things come from Los Angeles, and I get it the next day or day after.

Same here in the North Sacramento Valley. MC is my go-to supplier for the stuff I need for my numerous DIY projects here on the farm. No problems with shipping cost or delivery time.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I do like places that have "free" shipping, you know there will not be any surprises. As said, M-C is good for having just about everything, and it is quality stuff. They are the fastest shipper I know, I've been amazed at having stuff delivered less than 24 hours after I order it. They do seem to be on the more expensive side though, so I don't order too often from them.

OTOH, there are places like Amazon with "free" shipping that takes a week to get out of their warehouse. I do like, however, like Amazon Prime since it's two day "free" shipping and pretty reliable. But, I almost always make sure the prices are competitive. Sometimes a good deal, sometimes not.

As for the OP's difference in estimated vs actual shipping, you might give them feedback to let them know that you are unhappy with the inaccurate estimate. Since they are more of an industrial supplier, most of their customers probably never notice, or care.

Like you say MC is an industrial supplier. Up to ~20 yrs ago they did not sell to the public at all. Since their catalog includes virtually all non food items in existence this was a major loss. Iv been so relieved since at not having to use subterfuge to buy from them. As far as Im concerned, by their reputation and current actions they deserve the respect not to be lumped with advertising sellers whose performance package is miniscule by comparison. As public "parts" purchasers we can find a better deal on A part by looking around. I find my time is usually worth more unless I know right where to go and only need a specific item. A variety of specific items is MC every time. The only "Free" shipping deal I can see for them is above a $ figure at or below a weight. Still, the 20 line wide ranging order of 1 or 2 of each is its own penalty on the supplier -- and they take that in stride mostly.
larry

 

[B7510HSD]

I guess I don't get what the problem is when they said..


Shipping charges are calculated based on the weight and dimensions of each package, and we cannot determine the exact charge until after an order has shipped.



The estimated shipping charge to ship 30 u-bolts (3060T49) to you is $7.00.

 

[newbury]

I guess I don't get what the problem is when they said..


Shipping charges are calculated based on the weight and dimensions of each package, and we cannot determine the exact charge until after an order has shipped.



The estimated shipping charge to ship 30 u-bolts (3060T49) to you is $7.00.

I'd expect maybe a 10% difference on an estimate, but not 50%.

 

[EddieWalker]

I'm a huge fan of them as well and consider them the best source for bolts and just about everything they sell. I still shop around for a better price, but if I need it as soon as possible and it's something important, this is where I go and pay what they want.

Eddie

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I'm pretty sure that they charge cost on shipping, so that box that your stuff comes in is not in those shipping charges either. I have no idea how much stuff any of you actually ship, but I UPS stuff out almost everyday. I quote every order that has to go out and that is what I charge. I have had the quotes come back differently for the same exact items going to the same address on the same day. Change days and some times the costs change also. I'm sure that UPS has their ways of figuring things based on the volume that is going to a certain area.

Anyway, what I'm getting at is that it is impossible to know to the last cent what the costs are going to be until the time that shipping tag is printed out.

Would you really want a set cost and have the company constantly be making profits on the shipping charges? Would you be upset if they had quoted you $50 and then charged $53. You are looking at it as a 50% increase, look at it as a $3 increase and move on.

Good luck with all your future purchases.