nuts & bolt suppliers

[flyboy]

I have had it with the supplier of clips, nuts and bolts etc in my shop. The overstocking etc is kiling me.

I am wondering if anybody has found a competent supplier that does not seem to chenge reps on a fairly regular basis, does not seem to overstock the supplies and has decent pricing.

I realize territories and reps will be different from area to area, but if the majority were happy with one particular company, it would be worth considering.

We are a GM - Mazda dealer in the Portland Oregon area.

Thanks,
Mark

[partsmandean]

I've always been right with the rep whenever he/she visits and make the order out with them. It's hard to be overstocked when you only allow them to supply what you tell them to. If you allow any of these reps to make their own orders, you're giving them a blank check! Having a 'jot' board near the shop supplies is also a great way of keeping track of what you're getting low on and as soon as your rep has these items written down on your order - wipe it clean and start over again. The key thing is to take the time and tell the rep what you need, not what they want you to have!
Also, keep good records of pricing on common items and check back to make sure that price increases are kept minimal. These companies will lowball you to buy their product and then raise the prices slowly, but surely, until they're higher than who you started out with. Once you find a good company with a reliable rep who knows that you're not a pushover, you'll also be able to tell other prospectors to move along down the road so as to not waste your time.

[Scannh]

If you don't mind putting the order together yourself check out Bel-Metric.
http://www.belmetric.com/

Hope this helps.

Jack