SmallBizGenius Analysis

Northern Tool receives generally positive feedback, with customers praising their product selection, website usability, and customer service. However, some customers report issues with shipping, order fulfillment, and inconsistent pricing.

Category Breakdown

Scores based on analysis of 74 recent reviews

Website Experience

8.2/10

Many reviewers praise the Northern Tool website for being easy to navigate and user-friendly. Customers appreciate the clear product descriptions and straightforward ordering process, as highlighted by one reviewer: "Website easy to use! Everything was user friendly."

22 reviews mention this

Product Selection

8.0/10

Reviewers frequently mention the wide variety of products available at Northern Tool. Customers appreciate the ability to find specific tools and equipment, as one reviewer noted: "Great variety."

18 reviews mention this

Shipping & Delivery

6.0/10

Shipping and delivery experiences are mixed, with some customers praising fast delivery times, while others report delays and issues with communication. One reviewer mentioned: "Product was shipped directly from vendor so didn't have really good communication with trucking company for delivery instructions or very good delivery dates."

15 reviews mention this

Customer Service

7.0/10

Customer service receives mixed reviews, with some customers praising helpful and patient representatives, while others report difficulties resolving issues. A positive experience is reflected in the comment: "I want to thank everyone for their patience and expe...", while negative experiences include unreturned calls.

12 reviews mention this

Pricing & Value

7.8/10

Many customers find Northern Tool's pricing to be competitive and appreciate the value for the money. Reviewers often mention sales and promotions, as well as free shipping offers, as positive aspects of their shopping experience. One reviewer stated: "Great Price, but your phenomenal customer instills a loyalty such that I may well purchase from NT even if I know I could find a cheaper price."

10 reviews mention this

Order Fulfillment

5.5/10

Several reviewers report issues with order fulfillment, including receiving incorrect items or experiencing delays. One customer shared: "I ordered a welding helmet from Northern as a Christmas present and they sent me a pair of sawhorses!"

8 reviews mention this

Pros & Cons

What Customers Love

Easy-to-use website for online ordering Mentioned 22x
"Website easy to use! Everything was user friendly. Great info on product easily accessible."
Wide selection of tools and equipment Mentioned 18x
"Great variety . I would like to get the latest catalog if you could send me one that would be great ."
Competitive pricing and frequent sales Mentioned 10x
"Great Price, but your phenomenal customer instills a loyalty such that I may well purchase from NT even if I know I could find a cheaper price."
Fast and punctual delivery for some customers Mentioned 8x
"To start off with the delivery time was very punctual and very fast. I was surprisingly pleased about that."
Helpful and patient customer service representatives Mentioned 7x
"I needed help with ordering and shipping. I'm old and need extra time, so I started with the chat option, then I had to call due to me wasting time.i want to thank everyone for their patience and expe..."

Common Complaints

Inconsistent shipping times and potential delays Mentioned 15x
"Only thing that was a bummer is that there was no option to get my product delivered faster than three weeks . Didnt see a Fed ex or UPS shipping option ."
Issues with order fulfillment and receiving incorrect items Mentioned 8x
"I ordered a welding helmet from Northern as a Christmas present and they sent me a pair of sawhorses!"
Difficulties resolving customer service issues Mentioned 7x
"Defective Compressor and Poor Customer Support"
Website glitches and technical issues Mentioned 6x
"I enjoyed shopping on your web page but when I search under clearance and sort by low to high then whenever I go to an item to see further details and exit that item it always takes me to the top of t..."
Inconsistent application of advertised discounts and gift cards Mentioned 5x
"The only hiccup is that a $25 gift card is advertised for orders over $100....but when I typed in the code to save $5 on your first order, the $25 gi...See more"

Common Questions About Northerntool

Answers derived from customer review patterns

Is Northerntool legit and trustworthy?

Based on 74 reviews, Northern Tool appears to be a legitimate retailer of tools and equipment. While the majority of customers report positive experiences with product selection, website usability, and pricing, some reviewers have encountered issues with shipping delays, incorrect orders, and customer service. It's important to be aware of these potential issues, but overall, Northern Tool seems to be a reliable source for tools and equipment.

Based on 45 reviews

Does Northerntool have good customer service?

Customer service experiences with Northern Tool appear to be mixed. Some customers praise the helpfulness and patience of customer service representatives, while others report difficulties resolving issues or receiving timely responses. Some reviewers mention long wait times or unreturned calls. While positive experiences exist, the inconsistent feedback suggests that customer service may be an area for improvement.

Based on 12 reviews

Is Northerntool worth it for small business?

Northern Tool can be a valuable resource for small businesses needing tools and equipment, but it's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks. The wide product selection, competitive pricing, and easy-to-use website are definite advantages. However, the reported issues with shipping delays, order fulfillment, and customer service could be problematic for businesses that require timely and reliable service. Small businesses should carefully consider their needs and tolerance for potential issues before making a purchase.

Based on 25 reviews

What is Northerntool's return policy like?

The provided reviews do not offer specific details about Northern Tool's return policy. However, one reviewer mentioned receiving a return authorization number that required them to pay for shipping back and a 15% restocking fee, which suggests that returns may not always be free or straightforward. Customers should consult Northern Tool's official website or contact customer service for detailed information about their return policy before making a purchase.

Based on 2 reviews

Why are some Northerntool orders delayed?

Several factors may contribute to shipping delays at Northern Tool. Some reviewers mention that certain products ship directly from the vendor, which can potentially add to the delivery time. Other possible causes include order fulfillment issues, such as incorrect items or backordered products. Additionally, some customers report a lack of communication regarding shipping updates, which can further contribute to frustration and uncertainty.

Based on 8 reviews