Grainger has many things in their favor, here's hoping they can fend off Amazon.
* Better search and organization of inventory
* Mail order discount arm (Zoro)
* Brick and mortar presence as well as the logistics to handle this.
* Clear labeling of certifications and country of origin compared to Amazon's persistent problems with counterfeits and that whole mess with third party sellers.
About the only place I'd expect Amazon to be able to compete is on logistics.
About the only place I'd expect Amazon to be able to compete is on logistics.
Well, there's price too. Every time I look at Grainger I'm reminded how desperately their items must be needed right NOW in order for a customer to justify the price.
McMaster is worth it because the prices aren't quite as high and the site is so delightful to use.
> Well, there's price too. Every time I look at Grainger I'm reminded how desperately their items must be needed right NOW in order for a customer to justify the price.
Their discount subsidiary, Zoro, offers prices that are quite competitive. Likewise Grainger offers hefty discounts to their volume (a.k.a. business) customers. Amazon is really not all that cheap.
* Better search and organization of inventory
* Mail order discount arm (Zoro)
* Brick and mortar presence as well as the logistics to handle this.
* Clear labeling of certifications and country of origin compared to Amazon's persistent problems with counterfeits and that whole mess with third party sellers.
About the only place I'd expect Amazon to be able to compete is on logistics.