Lee Valley Service as usual

[Bob38S]

Bought some bits and pieces from Lee Valley earlier in the year - good gear at good prices - as usual freight from OS is always a problem but we deal with that.

One of the pieces I bought was an electronic stud finder [Franklin Pro Sensor 710, product #88N8710] - one of the best pieces of kit I have ever used. Unfortunately, it developed an intermittent fault with the On/Off switch. I emailed Lee Valley and stated I had a problem, Stated the troubleshooting procedure I had followed and that I was in Australia and had not been able to find any service agents and that sending it back to them {international postage was prohibitive] was not an option.

Within hours I had a reply, it stated that it appeared that there was a poor contact switch and that there was no home remedy for this, it also stated that they had requested a replacement which was to be sent to me via small parcel air. They also apologised for the inconvenience.

It has arrived, I'm really pleased as it works beautifully.

Not sure of other people's experiences with overseas companies but to me this is great service and much appreciated.

Just wanted to share this as we often seem to hear of ugly experiences not just with overseas companies but also local ones.

Regards,
Bob

[Simplicity]

Glad to hear of good service
I've only used them once so far
But was happy camber
Thanks for sharing Bob

[AlexS]

Never had any problems with their gear, but their service has always been excellent. Their reputation seems to be one of the best around.

[Bob38S]

Never had any problems with their gear, but their service has always been excellent. Their reputation seems to be one of the best around.

Have bought quite a bit of gear from them over the years and like you, have never had any problems. The stud finder is the first problem I have had and as with anything electronic the retailer has to rely on the components from the maker.

My thread title about "service as usual" refers to my past experiences with them by mail order and my visit to the Vancouver store.

Enjoy some pix in post 11

https://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=140074

I would have just added them in here but have never had any success pulling pix from previous posts - hence the link.

[TORB]

I too have always received excellent service from them. Recently a plane (and some other stuff) was packed in a box that was, way, way, way to big. When it arrived at shipto the picture looked like a piano accordion.

I advised Lee Valley and they emailed straight back saying if anything was damaged, it would be replaced. Luckily when it arrived in Oz, it was all OK.

I will keep buying from them as their turnaround is quick, stock levels are good, they are easy to deal with, and I have less problems getting Veritas products from them than from others who shall remain nameless.

[Robson Valley]

Lee Valley is still a family business, as far as I know.
Their reputation here is everything that you have experienced.

1. Went to the Vancouver store on a trip to buy some waterstones.
None in stock at the moment except for the one in the display case.
So they opened the case, took out the stone, set in an "Out Of Stock" card
and sold me the stone.
2. Ironically, the mail order warehouse is in our national capital, Ottawa.
I bought 4 of the "Haida Style" crooked knife blades which are made by Crescent Knife Works in Vancouver, here on the west coast. Those blades get shipped across the country, I buy some and they get sent all the way back!

The grand old man is Leonard Lee (A Complete Guide to Sharpening).
Some of the tool collection on the catalog covers is his, his sons'
collections have long since surpassed Dad's.

The other thing that they do is an endless series of all kinds of workshops, seminars and short-courses in every one of their stores. Click on the "Events" tab and pick a store, usually a 2 month schedule.

[TORB]

Lee Valley is still a family business, as far as I know.

The grand old man is Leonard Lee

I notice that your name here is Robson Valley. What relation are you to the Valley side of the family?

[nrb]

People and companies that give service like that should get heaps of praise GOOD STUFF

[Robson Valley]

I decided to use Robson Valley as it is the district where I live, with the headwater drainage of the Fraser River. Most local mountains not over 9,000' with the exception of Mt Robson, an hour east, just shy of 13,000'. The village McBride has 7,000 - 9,000' ranges just a few miles to the NE and SW. Possibly 500 people if everyone is home for the weekend, like Jasper National Park without the crowds and prices.

If you were to Google: McBride, BC, you could get a look at the place.