SmallBizGenius Analysis
Rockler receives mixed feedback, with many praising its in-store experience and product selection, while others report significant issues with online orders, shipping, and customer service. The company's inconsistent performance makes it a risky choice for small businesses needing reliable and timely service.
Category Breakdown
Scores based on analysis of 96 recent reviews
Customer Service
3.0/10Many reviewers report negative experiences with Rockler's customer service, citing unhelpful representatives, long wait times, and failure to resolve issues. Customers describe being given the runaround, ignored, or blamed for the company's errors, such as incorrect shipping addresses or backordered items.
42 reviews mention thisShipping & Delivery
2.5/10Numerous reviewers complain about delayed or unfulfilled orders, inaccurate shipping information, and high shipping costs. Some customers report waiting weeks or months for items that were supposedly in stock, while others never receive their orders at all. There are also complaints about items being shipped to old addresses despite customers updating their information.
38 reviews mention thisProduct Quality
7.0/10While some reviewers praise the quality and selection of Rockler's products, others report issues with defective items, poor design, and lack of replacement parts. Some reviewers also express disappointment with the quality of plywood, noting that it is no longer the high-quality Baltic birch that Rockler used to stock.
15 reviews mention thisReturns & Refunds
2.0/10Several reviewers describe difficult and frustrating return processes, including being charged restocking fees, having to pay for return shipping, and experiencing delays in receiving refunds. Some customers also report being denied returns due to being outside of Rockler's 90-day return window, even when extenuating circumstances exist.
18 reviews mention thisWebsite Experience
3.5/10Some reviewers report issues with Rockler's website, including difficulty signing in, inaccurate product information, and glitches that prevent them from canceling orders. There are also complaints about the website defaulting to old addresses and not allowing customers to edit or delete them.
12 reviews mention thisIn-Store Experience
9.0/10Reviewers consistently praise the in-store experience at Rockler, highlighting the knowledgeable and helpful staff, wide selection of tools, and well-organized store layouts. Customers appreciate the ability to see and touch products before purchasing them, as well as the personalized assistance they receive from employees.
10 reviews mention thisPros & Cons
What Customers Love
"Everything from employee knowledge, tool selection, and store layout/stock is top notch!"
"Everything from employee knowledge, tool selection, and store layout/stock is top notch!"
"I visited the store in Houston and I was very happy with everyone at the store, it was very clean and well organized."
"They make amazing stuff and I loved them..."
"...when I called rockler and told them this they send me another clamp to replace it....and honestly I thought they would tell me to take a hike....but to my surprise they sent me a new clamp....it's nice to know that they have integrity to their customers...and I do know the reviews don't say this....don't believe all these reviews....I will buy again from rockler..."
Common Complaints
"My order never shipped but I had to wait 10 business days before they would look into it."
"Absolutely terrible Customer Service! I am never shopping there."
"They wouldn't pay for the shipping label and it took me well over an hour just to try to return it."
"Website lies and they don't care.: Placed an order on Oct 6, 2023 for Garden Bench plans with MDF Templates - website said "In Stock and Ready to Ship"."
"Their system is broken and they know it.: Read the reviews. Rockler has a systems issue that has been documented here more than once and they flat our REFUSE to deal with it. Their system holds old addresses and sometimes, for no good reason, it defaults into your order."
Common Questions About Rockler
Answers derived from customer review patterns
Is Rockler legit and trustworthy?
Rockler is a legitimate company selling woodworking tools and supplies, but the reviews indicate a lack of trustworthiness in their online operations. Many customers report issues with order fulfillment, shipping, and customer service, leading to frustration and financial losses. While some customers have positive experiences, the high number of negative reviews suggests that Rockler's online services are unreliable and may not be worth the risk for small businesses. Customers are more likely to have a positive experience if they shop in person at a physical Rockler store.
Based on 45 reviewsDoes Rockler have good customer service?
Based on the reviews, Rockler's customer service is generally considered poor. Many customers report difficulty reaching customer service representatives, long wait times, and unhelpful or dismissive responses. Some reviewers describe being blamed for the company's errors or being given the runaround when trying to resolve issues. While a few reviewers mention positive experiences with specific customer service representatives, the overall sentiment is negative, indicating that Rockler's customer service is a significant area of concern.
Based on 42 reviewsIs Rockler worth it for small business?
Rockler may be worth considering for small businesses that can visit a physical store and value the in-person expertise and product selection. However, the numerous complaints about online order fulfillment, shipping delays, and poor customer service suggest that relying on Rockler's online services could be risky for small businesses that need reliable and timely supplies. The potential for order-related problems and the difficulty in resolving them may outweigh the benefits of Rockler's product range, making it a less attractive option for some small business owners.
Based on 50 reviewsWhat is Rockler's return policy like?
Rockler's return policy allows returns within 90 days of purchase, but many reviewers report difficulties and hidden costs associated with the process. Some customers complain about being charged restocking fees, having to pay for return shipping, and experiencing delays in receiving refunds. Additionally, some reviewers report being denied returns due to being outside of the 90-day window, even when extenuating circumstances exist. These issues suggest that Rockler's return policy may not be as customer-friendly as it appears.
Based on 18 reviewsWhy are Rockler's online orders frequently delayed or unfulfilled?
The reasons for Rockler's frequent online order delays and unfulfilled orders are not explicitly stated in the reviews, but several factors can be inferred. Some reviewers mention inaccurate inventory information on the website, suggesting that Rockler may be selling items that are not actually in stock. Others point to issues with Rockler's internal systems and communication, leading to delays in processing orders and providing customers with accurate shipping information. It's also possible that Rockler is experiencing logistical challenges or staffing shortages that are impacting its ability to fulfill orders in a timely manner.
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