Looking for the top bargains on power tools doesn't have to be a challenging task. Sometimes, a little bit of investigation and a touch of good fortune are all you need. If you've already engaged in some price comparisons, you may have come across an e-commerce site known as Zoro. Initially, it may seem like a haven for DIY enthusiasts, offering a wide range of over one million tools and thousands of other items at reasonable prices. But can this site be trusted?
First and foremost, it's important to note that Zoro Tools, Inc. is a subsidiary of Grainger, a company that has been honored by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in 2023. "Zoro is a unique place. We are dedicated to providing a distinctive experience for our corporate clients, and with the exceptional team at Zoro, I am confident that the best is yet to come," stated Sandy Mattinson, the president of Zoro, in a 2023 press release.
Zoro, established in 2011, initially operated as an online store offering approximately 180,000 products. Fast forward to 2022, and the company now boasts an impressive 11 million products in its inventory, ranging from electronics and power tools to furniture. Among its offerings are reputable brands such as Kipp, Bosch, Makita, Tekton, and Micro 100. However, it's important to note that Zoro has accumulated nearly 260 negative reviews on Trustpilot.
Zoro offers millions of products, but the customer service could be better
With Zoro's easy-to-use navigation menu, finding the right tools for your DIY projects is a breeze. Customers have the flexibility to search by product name, browse by category, or check out the latest deals with just a click. Additionally, the platform allows users to filter results based on brand, price, and specific criteria like drill bit grouping, tap grouping, or clamp type. You can even compare two or more tools side-by-side.
The store is stocked with some of the top power tools available in the market. Whether you need masonry drill sets from Bosch, grinders from DeWalt or Milwaukee Tool, heat guns from Makita or Westward, or any other tool in between, Zoro has you covered. Feeling indecisive? Take a look at the product page reviews to gauge how other customers have rated the tools you're eyeing.
Shipping is free for all orders over $50
One explanation for all those negative reviews is that Zoro doesn't update its inventory levels in real-time. The store sells millions of products, and its inventory management simply can't keep up. With that in mind, it's a good idea to contact customer service and inquire about product availability before ordering.
Leaving this aspect aside, Zoro offers some perks to make your shopping experience easier. For example, customers get free standard ground shipping in the U.S. for all orders over $50. If your order is less than $50, you'll pay only $5 for delivery. Plus, you can opt for expedited or same-day shipping for an extra fee. As far as returns go, you have 30 days to send your order back. This service is free if you call customer service in advance to request a return authorization number. Otherwise, you'll have to pay a 15% processing fee.
Zoro: A Mixed Bag for Homeowners
When it comes to shopping at Zoro for home supplies, opinions are divided. While some customers swear by the reasonable prices and quality tools available, others have had less than satisfactory experiences.
One Reddit user shared, "I've bought countless things from Zoro and never had a problem. Probably spent close to 50k over the past 10 years there for stuff around the house/garage." This positive review highlights the potential benefits of shopping at Zoro for home improvement needs.
However, not all experiences have been smooth sailing. The same Reddit thread also included a user who claimed that their order was unexpectedly canceled without a valid reason. Despite attempts to resolve the issue with the customer service team, the problem remained unresolved.
