Originally Posted By: rlind
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I can’t resist jumping in on this thread.
I recently took an early buyout from Grainger after 23.5 years of service.
In that time, I worked in almost every capacity - from the sales counter at a local branch, telephone sales, Inventory, Sales, and Product Technical Support.
You are right - Grainger is NOT known for its low prices. What it is known for is having the products the customers need when and where the customer needs them.
Grainger is also known for a very liberal returns policy. If you are not happy with the product you purchased, you most likely could get a full refund.
Even with the employee discount I received on anything in that huge red catalog, the price most likely would only match that of Home Depot or Lowe's. I still bought from Grainger because it was more convenient for me to do so. Where else could you buy a condenser fan motor, a circulating pump for a boiler, an electrical service panel, etc., for a home, and a 7.5 horsepower 3-phase motor, a 200,000 BTU suspended gas heater and a 200 gallon commercial grade water heater for your business -all with one phone call or web visit?
And I think it is the main reason most of Grainger's customers buy there.
My years of working with all of those products Grainger carries and the privilege of working with contractor customers and product vendors also gave me the knowledge base I needed to make the leap to becoming a licensed Home Inspector.
And I am giving this endorsement even though I do not work for Grainger any more.
Just my humble opinion....
Ron Lind
Solid Foundation Home Inspections, LLC
