Since we are a small business, we are happy that they carry inventory on many various materials AND they have a cutting service since we do not have the ability to cut material. This helps with reducing the amount of scrap material. They have many facilities that they can draw from and will give suggestions or recommendations on who or where you can inquire if they cannot help you.
The #1 reason is the people. They are helpful, friendly and knowledgeable.
I deal with MSM all the time, either for my personal stuff, or for work in the film industry.
because the main suppliers are further out of the city, and you need to go to more than one (most of the time).. MSM is way more convenient and way closer. The people we deal with are consistently great. I know we pay more than we would if we went to the main suppliers.. but the timelines and distance travelled make MSM worth it.
The store staff are great, no problems with materials supplied. Your online ordering though is TERRIBLE. Even the store staff I called told me they don't recommend using it. Trying to find a local store was a nightmare, most of the attempts I made to make an order failed, and at the end of the process I ended up with a duplicated order! The online ordering process definitely needs an upgrade- have a look at other online vendors. The support for online orders does work well as it did not take long to cancel the extra order. I am still waiting for a return phone call after leaving 2 phone messages. A lot of work for one 12 inch piece of aluminum bar.