Ackland's Grainger - are they out of their minds?

[Boundless_84]

So I'm looking at picking up a couple new woodworking tools and have been checking prices at different stores. Most stores seem to vary by a few bucks, some maybe $30-40 more for the same item. Looking at the prices before taxes of several tools from Acklands Grainger has left me shocked! Here's a comparison of some of their tools and price difference:

Makita MKTAN453 roofing nailer:
Acklands Grainger: $565.60
Busy Bee Tools: $335.00

That’s a $230.60 difference!

Makita 4350FCT Jigsaw
Acklands Grainger: $389.35
Busy Bee Tools: $259
Amazon.ca: $284.54

To purchase at AG would cost you $130.35 MORE than at Busy Bee Tools and $104.81 more than Amazon.ca

Makita MKTLS1216L Mitre Saw
Acklands Grainger: $1230.45
Busy Bee Tools: $739.00

That’s $491.45 more for the same item at Acklands Grainger! Ridiculous!

Someone please, PLEASE tell me that I’ve missed something here; I must have missed something! Are they for real with their pricing? Am I stupid? Or have I actually missed some major difference that justifies the price difference? (And no, I don’t work for Busy Bee Tools).

[stinkynuts]

I hear what your saying but there prices very according to the amount you buy If you where a purchaser for say shell scotford the price would be way better

[CaberTosser]

When their catalog quotes you full list price (at least), then you feel better if you get a wee discount from the sales manager for being "special".

In all seriousness I think most of those places run off the premise that the people shopping there are more interested in getting to work than the cost of what they're buying is, especially when those costs aren't borne by them. Its the culture of disconnect.

[Big Daddy Badger]

Their prices are crazy but if you have a contract with them...the discount is also crazy.

[buckbrushoutdoors]

With company discount you typically pay a lot less than anywhere else.

[Ronan_357]

Originally Posted by buckbrushoutdoors

With company discount you typically pay a lot less than anywhere else.

Not on power tools and there are other items as well.

Here's a good example:

9/16" car reamer
Acklands $150 ish
Gregg distributors $100 ish
Bolt supply house $50

You can find good deals at both acklands and Gregg's but you need to shop around and have a good idea of costs.

[pophouseman]

Its a ploy many companies use to get you to open a charge account. Once you have an account they know your more likely to shop there and they can track your spending habits.

[Fish along]

Is it possible that some products are inferior, and get passed to cheap merchants, who make it look like youre getting a deal. I remember buying a Stanley thermos at Wall Mart for half the price anywhere else but the handle fell of after about 2 months.

[artie]

a new store in Calgary is KMS tools and equipment. I bought a framing nailer (Makita) regular 340 for approx 170. They seem to have more promotional discounts and sales. Also top name equipment.

[deanmc]

Hmmmmmmm

[220swifty]

KMS can be good, but they can gouge on the smaller items.

[FCLightning]

Around here they do quite well on the oilfield crews picking up what they need before they head out to work in the morning and putting it on the company tab. They (the crew men) couldn't care two hoots what the price was as long as it is there and ready to go. Acklands couldn't care two hoots about Joe Handy needing a decent price on a nailer because they have enough folks who don't even ask to keep them rolling.

[Boundless_84]

Well, I'm glad that I shop around!