Sciencemadness Discussion Board - The TRUTH about Elemental Scientific...

The TRUTH about Elemental Scientific...

ScienceHideout - 7-7-2011 at 18:40

So, early March I ordered some chems. I kept bugging them leaving messages asking where my order is... They shipped a month after I ordered. I got the package in the mail. Most of what I ordered is there- but I got a backorder slip for potassium iodide. Here I am, months after, calling every week, and not getting my iodine. I did a bit of detective work. I always imagined elemental being run out of some guy's basement- with the guy overwhelmed sitting on his computer with just his underwear on.... Now the truth comes out. In Appleton, WI there is a science/hobby store named "Galaxy Science & Hobby" with the SAME address! Elemental is 2 stores in one! Look it up- it is this little tiny store with GOOD ratings! And it gets better- open 7 days a week, but the store hidden inside of it can't ship orders within a month?

http://www.greatesthobby.com/wgh/directory/MS_1946.html

Look their address up- you'd be surprised if you see street view. Well, THAT'S elemental scientific!

barley81 - 7-7-2011 at 18:56

That's kind of hard to believe, especially that you still didn't get your stuff! I think that manta.com may have the wrong address, but it's definitely possible. They have too much inventory to fit in that place! When I call, they always answer, and I placed my first, large order by fax to make sure they got it. I also found that there are at least several people working there (asked about ethylenediamine, they don't have it) Tomorrow I'll call them and ask about this store, and their relation to it. Also, I'll call the store number, and ask about Elemental.

edit:
The street view is hilarious!

[Edited on 8-7-2011 by barley81]

Lambda-Eyde - 7-7-2011 at 19:05

I don't see your point. Does the size of the store matter? Are you unhappy with their service because they have a small store?

It may be that they're having problems getting the potassium iodide. A bit unprofessional, but to be expected.

Magpie - 7-7-2011 at 19:13

I wish I had one of those in my neighborhood strip-mall.

I wonder if they would sell a franchise.

jamit - 7-7-2011 at 19:57

I have personally been to galaxy and hobby in appleton Wisconsin to pick up my order. There is nothing wrong with this business. They are slow and some of my back order did come months later, but this is a legitimate chemistry store. Wish it was closer to where I live.

so Relax science hideout!
If they ever close down... Home chemistry will be the poorer for it! Just be patient with them... You will eventually get your order.

hkparker - 7-7-2011 at 23:10

Quote: Originally posted by Magpie

I wish I had one of those in my neighborhood strip-mall.

No kidding...

@ScienceHideout Search and there is a thread on Elemental that talks about how slow they are. Apparently for large professional businesses this is, unfortunately, normal. I just made my second order from them. First time was conc. nitric acid, I didn't bother them and It came in a month. Last week I made another order. It still said processing so I called one day and the didn't answer, I left a message. The next day I kept calling until they answered. I told them I need my order faster and it shipped out the next day, they were pretty nice.

Rogeryermaw - 7-7-2011 at 23:29

in all my orders from elemental, i have always gotten good service. they can take forever but what i have found when waiting or orders from them is that they have to wait for chemicals just like their customers. particularly CHCl3. it will come though.

hkparker - 8-7-2011 at 00:19

The "oops its not in stock" thing is annoying, never happened to me though. They said my order was in stock when I called so I hope thats true.

barley81 - 8-7-2011 at 06:18

I called Galaxy just now and they indeed are Elemental. Sorry I doubted. Turns out they have a hundred orders ahead of mine, with three people to pack, so I'll just let them do their thing instead of bothering them. The warehouse is located down the block according to them. I wish I lived in Appleton, really!

smaerd - 8-7-2011 at 08:49

No offense but I find this thread to be pretty lame... I ordered from them and they even changed my order a few weeks in so that month wait was actually really beneficial. They are cheap, and support hobbyists, which in these times is really rare. Instead of trying to dig up dirt on them maybe you should be supporting them...

not_important - 8-7-2011 at 09:39

Note that there was a run on KI after the earthquakes in Japan, from people in panic mode and almost no clue when it comes to radioactives. Could have had an impact on your order.

Rogeryermaw - 8-7-2011 at 09:45

i have a cousin who lives in appleton wi. but i do not associate with him anymore.

@smaerd i don't think anyone is trying to dig up dirt on elemental. some folks just want to know who they are doing business with. those of us who have ordered from them realize how importanat what they do is for all of us and i doubt any info here will stop anyone ordering from them. they have an excellent list of available chems that are hard to find elsewhere and i don't mind paying a little extra for things since i can't use the snooty companies that hate on the amateur.

i can understand the frustration of having to wait for a shipment, but after one has dealt with them a few times then one learns that is the nature of what they do and plans accordingly. they take a while to send things but they also will help source things you can't find elsewhere and allow you to add to your order during the waiting period without extra shipping cost.

s.hideout is just new to elemental and he will learn that patience is a virtue when dealing with the sticky rules and regs of the chemical industry.

The REAL truth about elemental scientific.

Bot0nist - 16-8-2011 at 17:35

After hearing so many good testimonies from members I decided to give them a browse. I love there operation. Such variety and it is all catered to the individual. The only complaint seems to be time. I am patient and don't mind waiting, but just to see I ordered a few simple items tonight and will post the progress as I track it.

The Items(Just a few odds and ends that need replacing):

2 TH123 Thermometer, Centigrade, -10 to 400 C - $4.95
$9.90
1 BP172-12 Pipette, Straight, Glass, Rubber Bulb, 4", Qty: 12 - $3.75
$3.75
1 TP100 pH Test Paper, Universal - $1.29
$1.29
2 BJ221 Bottle, Narrow Mouth, Glass, w/Glass Stopper,125ml - $8.75
$17.50
2 BJ321 Bottle, Wide Mouth, Glass, w/Glass Stopper, 125ml - $8.35
$16.70
2 BJ547 Bottle, Dropping, w/TK Flat Glass Stopper, 200ml - $9.50
$19.00

I have to say I am not worried and have high hopes. If this order goes smoothly they will be seeing a lot of my money in the near future.

hkparker - 16-8-2011 at 17:54

In my last order I called them and asked them so ship it after a week. They did the next day, everything was in stock. I recommend them, they have an amazing chemical selection for the amateur.

overload - 16-8-2011 at 23:18

I bought a bunch of amber glass bottles a long time ago and they came scented. Even after storing nitric acid in the bottle so long that the cap liquifide the amber glass bottle... was still scented. anything I put in there... was scented. The scent is so strong it has a taste. They still smell as if I just opened the package. (I bought the bottles from a company that sells essential oils and extracts.)

uchiacon - 17-8-2011 at 00:09

Wow, you guys really get ripped off for your glassware : /... my condolences.

Why dont you all scrape together a few grand and have a big bulk order of glassware from a reputable chinese manufacturer? kimax/chemglass etc are all overpriced imo, and my glassware has held up fine to vacuum during a conc nitric distillation.

hkparker - 17-8-2011 at 01:08

Quote: Originally posted by overload

I bought a bunch of amber glass bottles a long time ago and they came scented. Even after storing nitric acid in the bottle so long that the cap liquifide the amber glass bottle... was still scented. anything I put in there... was scented. The scent is so strong it has a taste. They still smell as if I just opened the package. (I bought the bottles from a company that sells essential oils and extracts.)

Was this company elemental scientific? Because that's the store were discussing here. Sorry to hear your glassware came in such bad shape.

Bot0nist - 17-8-2011 at 03:18

Quote: Originally posted by uchiacon

Wow, you guys really get ripped off for your glassware : /... my condolences.

Why dont you all scrape together a few grand and have a big bulk order of glassware from a reputable chinese manufacturer?

I don't need a big bulk order of glass, just a few odds and ends that constantly need replacing in my lab. For my needs, the convenience of being able to order reagents and equipment on an individual scale greatly outweighs the reduced price of buying in bulk.

UPDATE

Bot0nist - 17-8-2011 at 16:39

Just got the email:

Quote:

Dear removed,

Your Order Status was updated to : Shipped

-----------------------------------------------------
Name : removed
Order Number : ES-5025
Order Date : 8/16/2011
Order Total : $79.15
-----------------------------------------------------

Thank you for your support.

Elemental Scientific, LLC

redox - 17-8-2011 at 17:45

Holy Cow! That timestamp says you ordered it yesterday and ES shipped it today!

When I ordered $220 worth from them, it took about 9 weeks to ship and 1 week to arrive. I was in no rush, and the wait was no problem, but...just....wow! Did you ask them to ship it post-hast?

Bot0nist - 17-8-2011 at 18:14

No, I didn't convey any haste. When they asked where I heard of them I said Science Madness forum though, maybe that helped. Also, I didn't order any chemicals, just some basic glass and such. I'm sure they had it all in stock. I was honestly surprised too. Less than 24 to ship is uncommon for most suppliers. Hope it continues to go smoothly. I love there reagent list and if this little order goes well I expect me and them to have a long and lusty relationship. They have some hard to find stuff in very convenient quantities.

The TRUTH is in!

Bot0nist - 19-8-2011 at 15:22

My order arrived at ~ noon today. Ordered on the 16, arrived on the 19. I live in the south east USA, so it was several states away. Everything came in perfect condition. I am very pleased with my order. I am recommending them to all of you.

Looks like the truth is in. Not that we had any doubt.

IrC - 19-8-2011 at 15:48

If not a major big supplier it is common for them to wait until they can get a large quantity of certain items, to be able to sell smaller amounts to hobbyists at a low price. This is normal for an outfit that size. Plus as was mentioned KI was virtually nonexistent and what there was had jumped in price due to Japan. So why complain. If he could save 900 percent by waiting for an item he waits. I saw KI tablets in a box of 10 on ebay for $600 in July. Would you be happy if he had paid those prices, and kicking this cost back to you?

hkparker - 19-8-2011 at 16:41

Quote: Originally posted by IrC

I saw KI tablets in a box of 10 on ebay for $600 in July.

Should have sold my 500g of KI then!

...just kidding

redox - 19-8-2011 at 16:43

Quote: Originally posted by IrC

If not a major big supplier it is common for them to wait until they can get a large quantity of certain items, to be able to sell smaller amounts to hobbyists at a low price. This is normal for an outfit that size. Plus as was mentioned KI was virtually nonexistent and what there was had jumped in price due to Japan. So why complain. If he could save 900 percent by waiting for an item he waits. I saw KI tablets in a box of 10 on ebay for $600 in July. Would you be happy if he had paid those prices, and kicking this cost back to you?

Wow!

Only a fool would pay that much! Back in June I bought a pound of sodium iodide (reagent grade, Baker) for 55 usd.

IrC - 19-8-2011 at 23:45

Tell me about it. I have two of the 10 tab boxes I bought off fleabay for about $12 each, in the proper amount for radiation emergencies. You never know when they may come in handy. Two to three days after the Japan incident when everyone was panicking I was looking on the site for the going price. Some were selling this standard box of ten for $60 to $150, this was also the range on Amazon at the time but everyone was out of stock. Also saw a few sellers around $300 and a couple at $600. Madness if you ask me and also criminal. Over the years I have seen these kits for stocking your shelter in the $6 to $12 range on a good day when the world is not freaking out. Funny as hell but the ion chambers I have bought over the years around $5 each (mostly for a source of the tubes and high value glass resistors) were running $100 to $300. I say funny because if you get a reading on one of these you are already dead anyway so what is the point? Idiots could not tell the difference between a Geiger counter and an ion chamber in terms of detection range. Pissed me off because this event ruined my good cheap sources for parts. By changing the scale the meters could be used to repair a Geiger counter with a bad one. Plus I loved adding a preamp and PM tube with xtal to the ion chamber (sans ion chamber) to build a very cheap scintillation counter(s). I hate it when this end of the world everyone panicking/price gouging crap ruins perfectly good sources of cheap mad science.

MeSynth - 20-8-2011 at 11:57

We should all put our money together and offer to buy their company....... HAHAHAHA

Acetic Acid - 29-8-2011 at 07:50

I love the street view!

They must be trying to remain low profile or something.

elementcollector1 - 11-9-2012 at 13:30

Well, it's been close to a week... and I'd like to start experimenting as soon as possible.
Tried to email them, the message wouldn't send. (Over a day later it's still trying). Tried to contact them on their website, said something about email problems.
Ugh... cart below, in case that helps.

Qty Item Description Sub Total
1 CH4940-4 MAGNESIUM METAL POWDER 40 MESH, 4 oz. - $9.00
$9.00
1 CH4960-3 MAGNESIUM METAL RIBBON, 3 ft. - $1.00
$1.00
1 CH6430-4 POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE FLAKES, 4 oz. - $2.99
$2.99
1 CH6560-4 POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE USP CRYSTALS, 4 oz. - $5.50
$5.50
1 CHK0155-4 CERIUM OXIDE LAB GRADE, 4 oz. - $4.99
$4.99
1 FL727 Flask, Filtering w/Side Tube, 500ml, Heavy Pyrex - $14.99
$14.99
1 FU263 Funnel, Buchner, Porcelain, 70mm - $7.75
$7.75
1 CH1800-1 ANTIMONY METAL LUMPS PURE, 1 oz. - $5.60
$5.60
1 CH7240-1 PLATINUM WIRE 30 GAGE, 1 INCH - $6.99
$6.99
1 CH5890-100 PALLADIUM METAL BLACK POWDER, 100 mg - $15.00
$15.00
1 CH5330-1 MERCURY METAL DISTILLED, 1 oz. - $7.50
$7.50
1 CC122 80ml Casserole Crucible - $6.50
$6.50
Sub Total: $87.81
Shipping: $18.13
Tax: $0.00
*Adjustment: $27.50
Sub Total: $133.44
Total: $133.44

triplepoint - 11-9-2012 at 15:12

Quote: Originally posted by IrC

If he could save 900 percent by waiting for an item he waits.

If I could save 900%, I would wait as long as I had to. Math was never my strong suit, but how would that happen since saving 100% would make it free?

elementcollector1 - 11-9-2012 at 15:18

So, how do I get them to ship fasta? I want to begin the experiments. >

Rogeryermaw - 11-9-2012 at 15:27

the don't actually stock much in the way of chemicals. they acquire them as they are ordered. sometimes it takes a month+ for delivery. they are absolutely reliable and you will get your order but hassling them will not help you one bit. i have been using elemental scientific for a couple of years now and have never been unsatisfied with their service, but if you can't muster a little patience, you may want to shop elsewhere.

elementcollector1 - 11-9-2012 at 15:58

Right, thanks. (I guess I was kind of hopeful after that one guy a ways upwards got his in a week.)
Well, I suppose I could wait.

hyfalcon - 12-9-2012 at 03:58

Difference being he didn't order any chemicals in his order.

Swede - 12-9-2012 at 15:07

I ordered my first nitric acid from these guys back when they were Hagenow Labs. I remember even then that they had a great selection for individuals.

May I suggest patience, please, for anyone having troubles. Any company that gladly caters to us should get some leeway. Try setting up an account with Cole-Palmer and see how far that gets you.

Funkerman23 - 12-9-2012 at 19:25

Quote: Originally posted by Bot0nist

My order arrived at ~ noon today. Ordered on the 16, arrived on the 19. I live in the south east USA, so it was several states away. Everything came in perfect condition. I am very pleased with my order. I am recommending them to all of you.

Looks like the truth is in. Not that we had any doubt.

Granted I may be a year late but holy crapola.. those thermometers look great. You get a chance to test them? with such a low( but excellent) price I kinda wonder how well they perform..

Bot0nist - 13-9-2012 at 06:02

They work as to be expected. I go through a fair bit of them due to rough handling, but at least when the break I can get some Hg.

Funkerman23 - 14-9-2012 at 20:21

Generally speaking: what service do they usually use to ship non chemical orders( unless they wanna count a thermometer as a chemical)?

Rogeryermaw - 15-9-2012 at 01:24

so far every thing i have ordered has come via ups.

elementcollector1 - 15-9-2012 at 08:25

It seems to be USPS 4 day shipping. For me, at least.

SM2 - 15-9-2012 at 12:26

It's the same guy who ran Hagenow Labs out of Manitowok WI. His business has increased about 10 fold, but he hasn't hired enough hands to handle all the extra business.

elementcollector1 - 15-9-2012 at 19:28

Someone should really lend him a hand, I'd be happy to work for E-Scientific.

EDIT: Now if only I didn't live in Washington State...

[Edited on 16-9-2012 by elementcollector1]

Vargouille - 16-9-2012 at 04:13

That would be a great job. If only it wasn't in Wisconsin, and closer to Michigan than Minnesota.

I'll have to put in an order one of these days, but I can get most of the glassware cheaper from Alchemy Lab Supply. Very impressive array of chemicals, though.

elementcollector1 - 20-9-2012 at 05:16

Order status is now 'Shipped'... much earlier than a month!

zed - 21-9-2012 at 11:32

You haven't lived, if you haven't ordered from big-boys like VWR.

In the old days, my U. used to order from them, and wait weeks, months, years....for shipment. We paid, they back-ordered, and the stuff never came. Ever!

Since they considered us little guys, our rage didn't trouble them much. Meanwhile, hundreds of students waited, and we had to find alternate experiments for them to conduct.

In this current age of expected prompt service, a few weeks of delay seems outrageous. Ebay has trained us to have high expectations.

In years past, long delivery delays were commonplace, and they could bankrupt you.

elementcollector1 - 21-9-2012 at 18:21

Funnily enough, I actually thought the package arrived today. A UPS truck arrived, turned into my neighborhood... and then delivered to the house next to mine. XD
Ebay has trained us to have high expectations because in this day and age, we know little else. Technological Era, anyone? Digital Age? I thought it was something like that...
"In years past"... The beginning of a thrilling tale, ha ha. But seriously, if that was what it was like, no wonder high schools these days have next to no equipment in terms of glassware and reagents. No ground glass, almost nothing 'dangerous' (let's combine vinegar and baking soda!), and so on. I visited Rochester U., finished my summer class for the day early, and poked around in the reagent cabinet to kill time.
And I was amazed at what I saw. They had chemicals like mercury chloride, cyanides, lithium metal, bromine liquid, entire shelves of molar solutions of NaOH and such, and too many more to count. They also had pure toluene and acetone as washing solvents, and allowed us to use them (so long as we were relatively careful).
We distilled stuff with ground-glass apparatus, and used electron microscopes... High school had nothing on this university in terms of supplies. I could keep going all day, but I don't think the Rochester staff want me to reveal TOO much... *wink*
Anyway, I think it's great that E-Scientific is offering so much stuff to the home chemist, even though they're so short on help (last I heard, they only had 3 people working for them).
Well, storytime is over. Back to testing.

Funkerman23 - 21-9-2012 at 20:35

Pardon this but to anyone who ordered from them before: what make of flasks& condensers( ground jointed ware in general) do you get when you order? US made?

elementcollector1 - 21-9-2012 at 20:57

What 'make'? It looks like Pyrex, standard borosilicate. At least, that's the vacuum flask I'm getting. As for the origin, no clue. Probably America.

The Truth is In... AGAIN!

elementcollector1 - 24-9-2012 at 15:41

Well, here's a touching story: My order arrived today!

From left to right, first pic:
Casserole Crucible, Mg ribbon, Mg atomized powder, KOH, KMnO4, CeO2, vacuum filtering flask, (second row) Buchner funnel, Sb powder, Pd powder, Hg liquid, Pt wire

Second pic: Closeup of the top row of reagents, mainly the Mg ribbon and powder, KOH, KMnO4, and CeO2.

Third pic: Closeup of the Sb and Pd powders, as well as the Hg liquid.

Fourth pic: Closeup of the Pt wire, appearing as that little line on the left of the bag for it.

[Edited on 24-9-2012 by elementcollector1]

My to cents

zenosx - 28-9-2012 at 20:03

Like others here I had placed two separate orders, and waited over a month for them to arrive, however the packing was awesome and all of my ordered pieces were top notch.
I was amazed just how much $160 would buy you from these guys.

Yes they are slow, Yes, back ordered items take forever (I am still waiting myself on iodide that was ordered almost 3 months ago now).

However, I will place more orders with them, other than slow shipping (which I understand why now) they are awesome, and combined both my orders into one box which was nice.

Fossil - 11-10-2012 at 15:37

I just received my order today, and was quite disappointed.
Many of the chemicals I ordered were not shipped as well as some glassware. Many of the items that did arrive were sub-par and damaged. The customs fee was astronomical, 91$ for a 215$ order, not to mention the 50$ shipping. I will never order from them again, the shipping was ridiculously slow, 2 months, and the customer service is lamentable. I'll stick to buying locally, where the prices are a little higher but the overall cost much lower.

elementcollector1 - 11-10-2012 at 17:03

Really? They probably have your stuff on backorder, and if the items are seriously damaged, you can probably contact them about it. They are NOT a big business, with hundreds of people to ensure quality. They're about 4 people. Cut them some slack, they seriously do have great stuff for great prices.
(If you could buy locally, why did you bother with the high shipping charge when you could calculate shipping on their website? Why didn't you just buy locally in the first place?)

Fossil - 11-10-2012 at 17:27

The 91$ took me by surprise. It was the first time I had ever been charged on top of the shipping+items. They had not told me anything about it.

I decided to try them because they sell smaller quantities, and I had heard good things about them.

I just received the order today and will contact them tomorrow about the missing/damaged items. Hopefully it goes well. Even then though, I don't want to pay huge fees again, so I will try to buy everything I can locally, even if it means higher prices.