Anyone knowledgable about Fastenal?

ironman · #1 02-27-2015, 05:28 PM

I have been searching the web for some oddball nutsy/boltsy and other hardware type stuff that I'd like to have. But I don't want hundreds of these things either. I found things I'd like on the Fastenal web site at good prices.

The web site can also tell you if your local Fastenal stores have your item(s) in stock. I have two local stores, neither of which stock what I am looking for.

My questions are:

1. If I open an account online and then place an order, do they ship it to my local store and then I pick it up or do they ship it to my address?

2. If I place the order online and they ship it to the store, do I pay the price indicated online or is there some kind of surcharge for the store?

3. Is there any kind of minimum order size or can I just order, say, one box of 25 bolts at the online price.

4. Anything else that I need to know.

Thanks in advance to anyone with input.

J-Mech · #2 02-27-2015, 05:41 PM

I'd just order from McMaster Carr. They will ship right to your door. You don't say what it is your looking for, but when it comes to bolts you usually have to order at least 10. Sometimes more depending on how large the bolt is. Fastenall is pretty pricey compared to McMaster on most everything.

hdsdcouple · #3 02-27-2015, 06:02 PM

Fastenal are great people for products and shipping garden tractors, would be a great time to become friends with them.

McMaster-Carr I have a 1930's catalog of theirs that is really cool.

Merk · #4 03-01-2015, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdsdcouple

Fastenal are great people for products and shipping garden tractors, would be a great time to become friends with them.

McMaster-Carr I have a 1930's catalog of theirs that is really cool.

I'm glad you had good luck shipping items using Fastenal. My local Fastenal didn't want to take the time to get a quote for me to send a 3 point Brinly plow. This store didn't want to mess with someone that needs only a small quantity of fasteners. I called a Fastenal store some 35 miles away for a quote. They finally got back to me 3 weeks later. They were the same cost as UPS. UPS shipped the plow to new owner in 3 days.

If I ordered items from McMaster-Carr before 6 pm I will usually get items the next day.

ironman · #5 03-01-2015, 09:34 AM

Well it looks like members opinions and experiences are all over the map on this subject. Both good and bad results with most of the major providers of specialty items. I guess if you are satisfied with the one you've used before, stick with them. If not, all you can do is spin the wheel an take your chances.

As far as shipping costs go, I don't think anyone objects to paying the price as long as it is reasonable and up front. For instance, a while back I decided to purchase some lawn mower parts from a higher profile, small engine internet vendor. Their shipping charge was a set amount, rather high, but if your order totaled over a certain amount the shipping was free. My total was just shy so I added in a couple of pre-wound weed-wacker spools that are easily bought anywhere, to put me into free shipping.

So my order arrives, no mower parts, one weed-wacker spool. The invoice says mower parts are "out of stock, don't know when they will be in stock", the weed-wacker spool I got was "last one in stock, let them know if I want other one back ordered". They only charged me for the one weed-wacker spool but you guessed it, they charged me the set shipping charge, about 4 times the cost, for one weed-wacker spool.

They had my email and fone number on the order but did not contact me to see if I wanted to wait for a complete order or cancel. How do you avoid ripoffs other than not ordering from a vendor like this ever again?

cubs-n-bxrs · #6 03-01-2015, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironman

Well it looks like members opinions and experiences are all over the map on this subject. Both good and bad results with most of the major providers of specialty items. I guess if you are satisfied with the one you've used before, stick with them. If not, all you can do is spin the wheel an take your chances.

As far as shipping costs go, I don't think anyone objects to paying the price as long as it is reasonable and up front. For instance, a while back I decided to purchase some lawn mower parts from a higher profile, small engine internet vendor. Their shipping charge was a set amount, rather high, but if your order totaled over a certain amount the shipping was free. My total was just shy so I added in a couple of pre-wound weed-wacker spools that are easily bought anywhere, to put me into free shipping.

So my order arrives, no mower parts, one weed-wacker spool. The invoice says mower parts are "out of stock, don't know when they will be in stock", the weed-wacker spool I got was "last one in stock, let them know if I want other one back ordered". They only charged me for the one weed-wacker spool but you guessed it, they charged me the set shipping charge, about 4 times the cost, for one weed-wacker spool.

They had my email and fone number on the order but did not contact me to see if I wanted to wait for a complete order or cancel. How do you avoid ripoffs other than not ordering from a vendor like this ever again?

With the exception of McMaster Carr pulling that split shipping crap on me I have really had no problem whatsoever with any on line orders. Ironman I guess the only way to get around the problems you discussed would be to go old school and call on a land line before placing a order.

CubDieselFan · #7 03-01-2015, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merk

I'm glad you had good luck shipping items using Fastenal. My local Fastenal didn't want to take the time to get a quote for me to send a 3 point Brinly plow. This store didn't want to mess with someone that needs only a small quantity of fasteners. I called a Fastenal store some 35 miles away for a quote. They finally got back to me 3 weeks later. They were the same cost as UPS. UPS shipped the plow to new owner in 3 days.

If I ordered items from McMaster-Carr before 6 pm I will usually get items the next day.

When getting a shipping quote from Fastenal, the stores do not set that up. They have another department that they use. It is called Third Party Logistics (3PL). I have posted the ladys contact info in another thread, I will see if I can find it and re post it. I shipped a cast iron rear from South Carolina and they did a great job as far follow up and keeping me up to date. It cost 70.00 to get it shipped. I have purchased bolts from Fastenal and they are on the high side. If you are not in a hurry they can be bought on that bay site, usually with free shipping.

Edit: This is the lady at Fastenal that I talked to. She handles the shipping. Spring Floyd, 404-346-9175. When she gives you a quote, she will save the info. so if it is something you are looking at buying, you can get a quote and then if you get it you do not have to go through giving her the info again.

DoubleO7 · #8 03-01-2015, 06:06 PM

Last time I got a quote via my prior correspondence with Spring Floyd, someone else responded from her email account.
She may have moved on.
That was about two months ago.

And I think the shipping cost is based not only on size and weight but how much room they might have on that route.

ironman · #9 02-27-2015, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Mech

I'd just order from McMaster Carr. They will ship right to your door. You don't say what it is your looking for, but when it comes to bolts you usually have to order at least 10. Sometimes more depending on how large the bolt is. Fastenall is pretty pricey compared to McMaster on most everything.

Yes, I've ordered from M/C before and I feel like I kinda got burned on shipping. I think I ordered a couple small bearings and a couple feet of brake pad material. They had to ship from two different locations, so I got two shipments, and they charged me separate shipping on each. It all could have fit in one envelope instead of two shoe boxes at 8 bucks shipping each. That's what led to my question about Fastenal shipping to the store. I have two stores less than 10 miles away so I don't mind picking anything up if that's how they do it.

hdsdcouple · #10 02-27-2015, 06:13 PM

I believe the way Fastenal still does it, if you want it faster than on there normal order you pay shipping. But if you want it and will wait for it to go thru store order process than there is no shipping charges. Online order has no tax if you have it sent to house or business, pay tax on it if it comes to the story. so sort of got to check balance there.

Me I always look it up online, go to store and order it and have then ship on there order. for two reasons, 1. gets and working 1 on 1 relation than when I ship and receive tractor thru them it is a lot easier because you are a cutomer with them. 2. if it aint right I can return it for the correct one a lot easier, no return shipping and so one. best thing I can say, stop by introduce your self and get a feel for your store. The people at my Fastenal store are great, they have come in after hours to load up tractor parts on my truck for me because I work late.

you pay for service, or you pay for convenience. I prefer to pay for service, because in the long run you will need their help and they will be there for you