Beware McMaster Carr

[alecu7]

I decided to build the Rockclikk cnc machine.
After looking for some parts, I decided to buy the bronze sleeve bearings and motor couplings from McMaster Carr.
I've placed the order on September 13. On September 17, I've received an email saying they cannot ship it to me.
Below is the message from McMaster Carr:

======================================
Dear Alex,

Thank you for your order.
Unfortunately, due to the ever increasing complexity of United States export regulations,
McMaster-Carr can only process orders from a few long-established customers in Canada.
We sincerely regret any inconvenience this causes you.

Thank you,

David Ulam
McMaster-Carr Supply Co
330-995-5929
======================================

Maybe we should let our fellow canadians know about McMaster Carr policy. Anyone else had problems with them?

Alex

[WayneHill]

Alex,

It make me wonder if other US suppliers are having the same trouble exporting and importing goods to Canada. The regulations probably work both ways.
It is not good for either side.

Wayne

[DareBee]

Very few problems, I guess we are "long established" enough.

Occasionally I get an email about certain fasteners in box quantity, something about "cancelled order due to Canadian anti-dumping laws.....if you wish to proceed....send us your broker info and a 75% duty will apply".
Usually these are items that I can find here it justs takes an extra hour of my time.

[vulcom1]

I am not sure if it just them and don't want to be bothered with us or if they have a problem. I buy different things in small quantities for my hobby's and suppliers have never said a word about sending me anything across the border. Of course there are items that can't be shipped and it is the same here but you should realize that when trying to order them.
My attitude towards a supplier that won't sell unless you are an old established customer(how old) is not deal with them and try to find an alternative source.
John

[under-dog]

In the US and never had an issue.

Is this an issue with McMaster or customs or something else? There may be some issues there that makes them not willing to deal over borders.....unless there is an existing relationship.

When you aim the gun be very sure that you have the proper target before pulling that trigger.

[DareBee]

Mcmaster looks after all the brokerage themselves. This has to be a pain in the nuts in extra work/cost for them.
I have no issues with any other US suppliers BUT all shipments from other suppliers get nabbed by my broker at the border. No problem at all, every shipment a get billed $50 extra for brokerage.

[NC Cams]

It all depends on the item and the issue.

NAFTA was supposed to make things easier BUT then 9-11 hit. Now anything that can be looked at suspiciously or involves brokerage just might be too big of a paperwork PITA to deal with.

The "long established relationship" deal puts you into a "Grandfathered" situation where you have a proven track record of shipping stuff. Start figuring in "anti dumping" and god knows what other suspicious parts that might be on someone's watch list today and it is easy to see why M-C just said "to hell with it".

We sort of do the same thing in our business as the onesy twosy stuff simply doesn't pay to work on once you figure out what the business REALLy costs you do do....

[fredhh47]

Perhaps folks in Canada who need to purchase something from the States should consider if they have a friend or relative here who can order it for them and forward it to them as a "gift". I know some people have had success with this method.

[turmite]

To my Canadian friends. I manufacture rifle stocks and pistol grips out of wood and a couple of a wood and carbon fiber composite. If you think the Mc/Carr this is not real, try exporting a simple wooded rifle stock anywhere outside the borders of the US.

Many people around the world bash the US for our foreign policy, but it has hurt many of the regular US citizens as well. Would I change it? Nope!

Mike

[dertsap]

alecu7
do you have a princess auto anywhere near you , they've got bronze bushings at a reasonable price , roughly 5 bucks for two on most sizes

[tvdbon]

It's not only canada, they won't ship anywhere internationally at the moment. I had the same problems ordering from them to South Africa

[alecu7]

alecu7
do you have a princess auto anywhere near you , they've got bronze bushings at a reasonable price , roughly 5 bucks for two on most sizes

dertsap
Actually there is one nearby. I'll go check today. Thanks.
Alex