Beware McMaster Carr

[fatal-exception]

I've never had a problem ordering or receiving anything from McMaster Carr. Our (small) company setup an account about a year ago with no problems, and like DareBee says, most orders show up the next day. It's unbelievable how fast we get what we ordered. For oddball stuff, they are the best, but if I can find it local, I go that route.

Paul

[George-Houston]

Like the Canucks, I indicated that the materials were being shipped overseas (i.e. o/s the US) and that is what started the trouble. An "Export Manager" in Atlanta claimed that the complexity of US Export Laws meant that the company would not ship our order. The delivery was in Houston, TX - a part of the Union for just a few years now! The real reason is a closed shop using a few companies for export; probably illegal but I wont be going there again. In any case threats of litigation brought a successful conclusion. I'm glad for the guys that get their orders processed and delivered but basically McMaster Carr sucks!

[davidcarne]

Just to add another anecdotal experience to this thread:

I just tried to setup an account with them/place an order for my small company. [I'm located in Vancouver, Canada]

I was told that they do not ship to new customers in Canada; nor was there any way to become a customer that they would ship to. I don't know if this is just because I represent a small business; or if there truely is a reason, but I do know that digikey and mouser seem to have no problem shipping me parts.

--David Carne
Carne Electronics Ltd.