Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: McMaster exposed - Hardly!

Ballendo,
I think you are exactly right. The people that know what McMaster
can do for you are going to keep them in business. The catalog thing
is just a distraction that weeds out the customers they don't need.
I've always been able to get my hands on a catalog somehow. I've
actually recycled one. They changed a lot of part numbers in the mid to
late 90's. Now that I have the catalog memorized, the web is better.

McMaster has excellent customer service. Give me web ordering
where I can order something at 5:30 and have it at 11 the next day
without harassment or outlandish charges, and I'll take it. When I
first bought something from them, I was stunned by the seriousness
with which they treat a $2 order.

I have known 2 guys that got catalogs out of them by insisting that
they deserved one, but I don't think it will ever happen to me.
Eric

----- Original Message -----
From: <ballendo@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2001 2:24 AM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: McMaster exposed - Hardly!


> Graham,
>
> The concept that NOT selling catalogs is a poor business practice
> comes up in these Mcmaster threads all the time...
>
> Let's think about it; again from the M/C perspective. If
> getting "good"(as determined by M/C) customers is their goal (and it
> appears this IS their goal, based on their business practices), then
> selling catalogs to "anyone" is bad business practice. This means
> that anyone with 20(or whatever) bucks has the right to "easily"
> distract your sales fulfillment group from possibly well-researched
> alternative customers and methods which produce better results for
> the business.
>
> Selling the catalog is not the end of the process, from their side.
> So it is not just another line item, because it represents a possible
> ongoing situation. Why is it so hard to believe that through
> excellent demographics (understanding of their customers) and many
> years of business Mcmaster has determined that selling (or giving)
> catalogs doesn't work FOR THEM?!
>
> They WILL sell to you, but they want you to do it in a way that works
> FOR THEM. We (as customers) don't LIKE to think that a company places
> ITS NEEDS above our own... But if you really get down to the nitty-
> gritty bits, most ALL companies serve THEIR OWN needs FIRST!
>
> AND part of serving their own needs may include rejecting certain
> customers, or channels of selling to certain types of customers.
>
> AND this may ACTUALLY make them BETTER ABLE to serve their "intended"
> customers...
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Ballendo
>
> P.S. Should all restaurants "publish" their menus, and be required to
> seat "anyone" with enough money to pay the tab? Could it be that
> serving certain types of customers will defeat the aims/goals of the
> restaurant owner? Put another way, should you be able to order "take
> out" from ANY restaurant?
>
>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "Graham Hollis" <ghollis@m...> wrote:
> > So what is the part number of the catalogue? I would be willing to
> buy one,
> > but as I recall they wont even sell them to you. Now that *is*
> stupid
> > business!