Think I got screwed???

[jyoutz]

I never even look at Messicks anymore, because I can always find it cheaper. Admittedly, I use Amazon a lot, not that I buy much. They make it too easy. There is value in what they offer, but I still look elsewhere, and buy if it beats the Amazon value.

Messicks prices aren’t too bad, but their shipping is extremely expensive.

 

[sixdogs]

I've had great luck with Messicks and find their prices are on the low side of average. Plus, they always seem to have what I need in stock and that includes some odd things. Shipping is expensive.

I always used to shop for the absolute best price but gradually learned that lots of things factor into price. When things go wrong, you need a dealer to bail you out and it happens more we would think. Just my two cents

 

[Mtsoxfan]

I agree with both, it is shipping that makes Messick's too expensive for me to shop. And yes, the convenience and knowledge that you get from some places does have value. We have an Ace Hardware about 20 minutes away, locally owned, but still controlled by corporate rules, I assume. Their prices are very high. I drive another 10 or so for a true Mom and Pop store, and price and selection are worth it.

 

[sixdogs]

The shipping thing is a problem everywhere. Every time I check a shipping example, I am floored by the $$. To ship the power unit for my small limbing chainsaw for repair would be almost $50 and that's only one way. I'll fix it myself

I believe shippers like Messicks charge actual costs but it's just that costs are so high. High wages, union rules, pensions, medical, overtime, inflation and whatever gives you the bottom line.


I once ordered over 120 heavy flat steel slicer discs from Messicks (in stock) that were heavy. Shocked at the shipping quote but I still came out ahead because their price was OK. So I agreed. Twenty minutes later the sales guy calls back and said he was checking around and says the parts would fit in the right size boxes to ship USPS, be much less to ship and did I want to? Heck, yes.

My goal is to shop local with dealers I can get things from. I will pay more to buy local from small business. Sometimes, like in those slicer discs, Messick's had them on the shelf and others had to order and shipping, delay with an hour to pick them up and I needed them now. So, mail order worked.

 

[WinterDeere]

The shipping thing is a problem everywhere… My goal is to shop local with dealers I can get things from. I will pay more to buy local from small business.

Unless your local shop is part of a chain that has their own aggregator (read: “warehouse”) and trucking, you’re paying the same shipping, it’s just built into the higher price of your local shop. Unless they’re buying multiple pallets worth of material from the same source at regular intervals, it arrived at your local shop via UPS, FedEx, or USPS.

 

[TMGT]

I usually check Messicks or Coleman for parts diagrams and to get an idea on pricing, but typically buy from my local dealer. Prices are typically within a couple of $'s and no shipping cost unless it's wholegoods.

 

[Hay Dude]

Messicks prices aren’t too bad, but their shipping is extremely expensive.

Thats because the price of fuel. Messicks doesn’t ship the products, UPS, Fed Ex, etc does.

I live near Messicks HQ (Mount Joy, PA) and do farm business with them. They’re no different than any other dealer on shipping.

 

[Oaktree]

I usually check Messicks or Coleman for parts diagrams and to get an idea on pricing, but typically buy from my local dealer. Prices are typically within a couple of $'s and no shipping cost unless it's wholegoods.

Yeah, I discovered that when I needed some parts for my ATV. Found them "cheaper" online, but with shipping came to exactly (to the penny) what the local dealer wanted. Went with the local dealer.

 

[tradosaurus]

I never even look at Messicks anymore, because I can always find it cheaper. Admittedly, I use Amazon a lot, not that I buy much. They make it too easy. There is value in what they offer, but I still look elsewhere, and buy if it beats the Amazon value.

Just be wary of counterfeits. I bought F250 fuel filters on Amazon a few years past. Counterfeit.
Some parts I will only buy at a dealer.

 

[stevem5215]

Spark plugs on Amazon too. Counterfeit. I got some of them. You just can't tell by looking at them either. Very sneaky scammers.