Where do you buy your stuff?

[Iplayfarmer]

Nobody's mentioned yet Grainger and McMaster-Carr.
I love Grainger's Catalog but I hate their website.
McMaster-Carr has a great website. I use it as a basis for looking up
pulleys and shafts and bearings and other items to get a price estimate.

Both places I have worked use McMaster-Carr extensively. They are more of a commodity supply type place (i.e. nuts and bolts and tubes and fittings) but it seems there isn't anything along those lines that they don't have.

What has impressed me about McMaster-Carr is how fast they ship. I've never waited more than a few days for anything from them. I've never had a back order, and I've never received a wrong order.

Add to the list, IFA and CAL stores (more of a local joint).

Another point I have noticed about buying parts and supplies is that my local ACE and True Value stores actually have a clue about service and support vs. your average Home Depot or Lowe's.

Don't forget the power of networking. Get to know your re-builders... Motor guys, clutch guys and such. These guys are great to save you a few bucks when it comes time to replace a part, but more than it seems these guys have all the connections for suppliers, etc. Another guy that has been real valuable to me has been the local tire recycler guy. He's great for good, cheap tires; but he also knows the guys that buy used tires. These include your re-sellers and discount equipment brokers.

 

[Pooh_Bear]

I used to try to buy from Grainger and they wouldn't sell to me either.
I call them about something and they want a tax number.

I solved the problem by finding a place that does business with them
and let them order stuff for me when they place their orders.

Pooh Bear