Lee Valley Tools

[Buddyboy546]

I am surprised to see Lee Valley Tools is seemingly absent from this forum. They are an all Canadian, family owned business which has outlets across Canada. A good number of postings here relate to negative experiences but the opposite is the case for Lee Valley. I have never come across a better retailer, anywhere, who has more earned my patronage. Their guarantee provides a glimpse of just how committed they are to customer satisfaction. From their web site and brochures:

If, for any reason, you are not completely satisfied, just return your purchase within 3 months by ground mail. You can choose to either exchange the product or receive a complete refund (including our regular shipping charges); we will also refund your return parcel post costs at the ground mail rate. Returns can also be processed at any of our retail store locations.

Their product quality is superb, customer service excellent. Over the years I have had the odd issue with an item. I bring it to their attention and they always go the extra mile to make things right. I could tell many stories in that vein but here is one. I bought a collapsible lawn rake which, after reasonable use, broke at the handle. I sent them a note saying I had used it for only about 18 months and it had broken. They replied that I had actually had it just over three years (they keep good customer records), they were sorry it had failed, could they replace it or give me a refund. I opted for the latter which was immediately given. They are so accommodating I take care not to abuse their generosity. If only all stores were that good. I highly recommend them. They specialize in tools, gardening equipment and much else.

[Shwa Girl]

I agree. Good quality at that store.

[walkonby]

As far as our experience with Lee Valley goes, DH used to do wood carving waaaay back when and whenever he wanted to maybe get some new items he was so disappointed in the prices. (just too expensive ) Canadian or not, despite good CS service and great return policy if it is out of reach maybe other people on here are in that same situation.
This forum is mainly about savings and I do not think there is much savings at Lee Valley

[Anna Michele]

I agree with you walk on by we have one in the next city and maybe once a year we get an advertisement ive been there onc or twice ive only evr bought a set of sushi knives s a gift
You want to bring Sc'ers into your business "show me the savings!"

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[Natalka]

True, they are a good company, and have some cool specialty items.
Overall, though, they are very expensive.

[Buddyboy546]

You want to bring Sc'ers into your business "show me the savings!"

Given the superb quality of what they sell at Lee Valley, I expect to pay more. About three years ago I bought a magnifying lamp from them for about $30. It is excellent quality. On the web a similar one sells for $80-90. The bulb, a circular one, just went. I looked everywhere for it; if it is to be found I was unable to find it from Canada. The cheapest I could find in the US was $10 US plus huge, and I mean huge, postage. I sent Lee Valley an email today asking if they could recommend a source. I got an immediate reply that they carry the bulbs for $4.95 each.

Sure we all look for lower prices but there is more to retailing than just offering low prices. In my view everyone values quality and service in addition to price.

[Ciel]

It is a Canadian company but many items are sourced from other countries. The catalogues, print and online, are good at noting which items are Canadian made. You can also get the gadget for rolling up your Tim Horton's cup rims from Lee Valley Tools.
http://www.leevalley.com/en/gifts/pa...04,53210,56683

If you want specials, you have to be looking online for clearance deals or just be in-store to see if anything is tagged as a deal. To get catalogue mailouts, buy something and request mailings.

For the most part, merchandise from the chain is well-designed for its purpose(s) and offers some novelty factor as well.

If you have the old pegboard that needs narrow cable ties to go through, buy the 650 piece cable tie package.
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/pag...53,58959,58887
Old pegboard holes are narrower and won't take 1/4" wide ties usually sold in dollar stores/hardware stores.

I like the grocery sac bags that fold into little wallet size bundles. And love the idea of a kid's gardening tool set in bright plastic colours! If you go camping or just want an LED light in the house if there's a power outage, there's a lantern for that need too:
http://www.leevalley.com/en/garden/p...25,45454,66741

Just wish their store locations were not a hike from transit stops. Toronto East store is moving to Vaughan in April!

[Anna Michele]

Thetes one in burlington too

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[lecale]

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[walkonby]

[QUOTE=lecale;5827447]The problem with Lee Valley is that it is 98% wants and 2% needs: it's a hobby store.

For me the question is not, where can I buy this cheaper? but, do I actually need this? 98% of the time the answer is no. A lot of their products are fanciful rather than practical.



I agree, totally.

[Lynn49]

The problem with Lee Valley is that it is 98% wants and 2% needs: it's a hobby store.

For me the question is not, where can I buy this cheaper? but, do I actually need this? 98% of the time the answer is no. A lot of their products are fanciful rather than practical.

There are a few things that I have been happy with: I bought 3 pairs of these scissors to have around the house and as soon as dh discovered that they are comfortable in his arthritic hands, that's it, they disappeared, he hid them all and they are his. I redid a 9 drawer dresser with these handles and it looks smashing, I get a lot of questions/comments on it. Lee Valley is a good place to shop for handles as they have some cheap options and a bit larger selection and you can order 1 or 100 without having to do a special order or go in to a store. If I were in the market for a set of handles again I would check Lee Valley first.

However they no longer have free shipping events and they jack you on the price of shipping. A store like Future Shop/Best Buy offers free shipping over $20 and next day delivery in urban areas. Now that's great shipping! But Lee Valley actually charges you more for shipping, the more you buy. That's lousy shipping.

Those handles are absolutely gorgeous~! I'd happily pay the shipping...they'd be over $10 each around here in specialty stores! Nice find!!

[Darth Penguin]

I just love looking at the cataloges...tool pr0n for the masses.

[lecale]

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[blueeyetea]

The problem with Lee Valley is that it is 98% wants and 2% needs: it's a hobby store.

This. I have a friend who's a cabinet-maker and he never buys from Lee Valley. He says Lee Valley is for the DIY hobbyist. Anyone working in the trades can get the same products at a cheaper price somewhere else.

[Warren_L]

Love Lee Valley. I always get great personal service there. It's a bit of a drive for me though, but it's always worth it.