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February 16, 2001

Parts, Parts, Parts:
Grainger meets your needs!

In today's throwaway society, many consumers would rather get rid of what's broke rather than fix it. They may be missing the boat. Many times it's cheaper to fix than to replace. Especially when repair parts are convenient to order and readily available.

Most Texas Farm Bureau members are aware of the organization's partnership with Grainger Industrial Supply, where TFB members are provided a substantial savings on a variety of industrial products, from air compressors, motors, hydraulics and power transmissions, to heating, cooling and ventilation products, to electrical and plumbing supplies, pumps and tools. Members every day are saving 10 percent on most items offered through the Grainger Industrial Supply catalog, through 31 Texas branches, via fax and even over the internet!

What most members are not aware of is that Grainger sells repair parts for the majority of the equipment the company sells (and even parts for products is doesn't sell) and that the same 10 percent discount applies.

"The Grainger Parts Program really enhances the overall Grainger package," said Tony Van Lennep, national account manager for Grainger Parts Division. "So if they buy a product for Grainger or even if they don't buy a product from Grainger they still have a single source, Grainger Parts, to find repair parts."

Take power tools, for example. Van Lennep says Grainger is a full-line parts supplier for many of the leading manufacturers. This means that anything the manufacturer makes, they have access to the repair parts.

"We're full-line for a number of manufacturers including DeWalt, Dayton, Milwaukee and others. We also stock pretty much anything you can think of in heating and air conditioning components, plumbing components and fan components," he says.

Another benefit with Grainger Parts is "we only supply repair parts from the original equipment manufacturers," he adds. "The true advantage is you don't have to think when you want to get a repair part. You just know that if you call Grainger Parts, it's on the list. You don t have to worry about going back to the manufacturer where there are limitations.

You don't have to worry about who you purchased it from; as long as the manufacturer's on that list, we can help you out with a repair part."

Van Lennep says there are two ways fix-it-uppers can find a part.

First, Grainger Parts has 150 phone agents in two call centers that are especially trained to help you find what you need.

"But in the case you can't determine what the part is called, we can fax or mail a free exploded-view parts diagram, which displays the different pieces, and a line listing of all the parts," Van Lennep says. "As well as a lot of times, too, there's wiring diagrams and a lot of things we can send along with it if we have it."

A big advantage Grainger offers Farm Bureau members is the option to repair.

"We are giving you the choice of saying, `It is cheaper to repair. I have the means to do it. Or maybe it's not, and I'll go ahead and replace it.' We're giving you the option to decide. Either way, you can receive our 10 percent discount."

So how do you go about ordering parts? It's simple.

•Know the manufacturer's name, model number of what needs to be repaired, and a description of the part.

•If you have all your information to order, call 1-800-323-0620, fax 1-800-722-3291, or order on-line at www. grainger.com.

•Make sure you give the Texas Farm Bureau Grainger account number— 852881176—to receive your 10 percent discount.

•Make sure you give the representative the correct shipping address. Grainger usually ships UPS.

Van Lennep said Farm Bureau members should find it easier ordering parts from Grainger Parts than looking for them at the local hardware store.

"It's easier to come to us," he said. "We try to take all the hassle out of the way to make it easy. We're open 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. Whatever breaks down, you can buy a part."