I’m always looking for an excuse to buy a new tool. Whether it’s a quieter impact driver or a cordless router, if it will help me get the job done faster I’ll usually want it.
Lately I’d fallen into a rut with where I shop online. My default choices are Amazon Prime and Home Depot; if they don’t carry something I either try a specialty retailer or give up the search. As someone who tests tools across the major brands, I know quality among the top manufacturers is similar—the shopping experience and where you buy can make the biggest difference.
Enter Zoro
A few months ago I was contacted by Zoro to review their tool and product selection. I hadn’t ordered from them before, which isn’t surprising given my habit of sticking with Amazon or Home Depot.
I like supporting companies that invest in their communities. Zoro was recently recognized as one of the 100 Best Places to Work in Chicago, so I was curious to learn more about them.
Tool Selection
Big-box stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot don’t carry every tool, and they emphasize certain house brands. Zoro fills many of those gaps by offering a wider selection that fits a range of budgets—from pro-level brands to consumer lines.
For professionals or enthusiasts, Zoro stocks current models from DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, Makita and others. If you want the latest tools and tech, you can usually find them there.
Not Just Tools
While tools are a major focus, Zoro is an e-commerce company that carries millions of products beyond hand and power tools. They stock items designed to support small and medium-sized businesses as well as household needs.
A quick look at Zoro’s categories shows products for plumbing and HVAC, electrical and lighting, facilities maintenance, automotive, office supplies and furniture—essentially everything you’d need to run a jobsite or maintain a home.
Everything In One Order
I prefer to order everything from a single store so I don’t have to track multiple shipments or hunt through emails. Zoro makes that easy because they sell tools plus the other supplies a business or household needs.
On my first order I picked up a heavy-duty tarp to protect a new skate ramp, contractor-grade garden hoses and reels, a utility cart, Proto screwdrivers, and a replacement screen for a sliding door. If I’d had a larger budget I might have upgraded my home office with a new printer, chair, and lighting—all items Zoro carries.
Free Shipping
I was most interested in tools—specifically a Bosch oscillating tool with Starlock and the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Surge impact driver. Prices matched other retailers, but Zoro had both available to ship immediately and offered free shipping.
Free shipping is available on orders over $50 with no membership required; items under $50 ship for a low flat fee. Free shipping often means slow delivery, but my tools arrived the next day. The rest of my order arrived the following day, which let me start projects that weekend.
Zoro’s shipping and return policies are straightforward. You can return items within 30 days for a refund or replacement; just print a return label from your account and send back the undamaged product.
Stellar Customer Service
Competitive prices and fast shipping are important, but what really sets Zoro apart is customer service. Their support is handled by employees of the company rather than an outsourced call center, so you can speak to a real person who knows the business.
Although my order was smooth and I didn’t need help, I called to test their customer service claim. A representative named Jill answered promptly, helped me find items on the site, and explained that Zoro offers over four million products. She also confirmed they use multiple fulfillment centers and UPS Ground to meet their delivery windows.
Order From Anywhere
Most shoppers research on their phones while in stores. Zoro’s website is highly mobile-friendly and performs well on both phones and desktops. A prominent search bar and fast-loading pages make finding products quick and easy.
I recommend checking out Zoro when you need tools or supplies for home or business. Their selection, simple shipping and return policies, next-day delivery in many cases, and helpful customer service make them a solid alternative to other retailers.
Check back for follow-up posts where I’ll share my experience using the new tools and gear I bought from Zoro.