Power tools are an essential part of the job when you work in industries like carpentry and electricity. In many situations, better tools make the job at hand easier and faster.
High-quality power tools last a long time — sometimes passed down for generations — and usually come with a warranty. Cheap tools are easier on the wallet but will likely need to be replaced within a few years or sooner if you use them a lot. You can find tips about how to choose the right power tools here.
Now, you’re ready to shop for the tools you need that fit your budget. So how does a newly minted craftsman or freelance electrician like you build their power tool selection?
The key is to shop smart and compare prices at the best, most reputable places to buy online. We’ve put together these top tips and deals to help you get started.
- Shop at the Right Times
No matter where you shop for power tools online, you’ll get the best prices at certain times of the year. Two of the major sales holidays are Black Friday and Labor Day. If you can hold out until then for your major investments, you may see rock-bottom prices at your favorite retailer.
April and June are good months to shop for power tools. They’re a popular Father’s Day gift (June) and are in demand by serious spring cleaners looking for ways to renovate their homes and yards after the snow melts around April.
You can always add the next power tool on your list to your Christmas and birthday requests!
- Check Home Depot
Going to the experts in power tools is almost always the way to get deeply discounted prices. Home Depot stocks its tools in bulk and competes with similar stores, so they keep their prices competitive.
Sign up for their weekly ads and keep an eye on the power tools section. You can order online and have the tools shipped to your local store.
- Visit Walmart Online
Walmart sells many name-brand power tools on-site at many locations, but you’ll find more variety if you shop online. In addition to top manufacturers like Dewalt and Hitachi, you’ll see lesser-known, cheaper product lines. The store also carries Hart, which is a power tool line exclusive to the Walmart company.
- Don’t Forget About Ace Hardware
You may not realize it, but Ace Hardware is the world’s largest hardware company. The business has been around since long before Home Depot and has more than double the physical locations. However, Ace Hardware’s stores tend to be smaller and more customer-friendly, while Home Depot wins when it comes to square footage.
Still, when you shop online at Ace Hardware, you get to take advantage of the market rates the store offers to stay on pace with competitors like Home Depot and Lowe’s Hardware.
- Then There’s Amazon
Amazon is the world’s largest global e-commerce market, and you can find just about anything you want on this digital platform. Rates will vary depending on the seller and the item.
Before you checkout, watch for the shipping rates. While Walmart and other places often include free shipping with every order, Amazon’s sellers can choose to offer this discount or not. Many will add the caveat of “free shipping on $25 or more purchases,” in which case, you should be fine.
- Sign Up for Woot
Have you heard of Woot yet? If not, head there now and check it out.
Amazon owns Woot, although it started out as an independent site back in 2004. On the platform, consumers can shop for daily deals and special offers on everything from home goods and clothing to electronics and power tools.
You’ll need to sign up for an account and watch the deals early. They change every day or when the seller runs out of stock, whichever comes first. Goods are new or refurbished. If you’re a Prime member, you can use that membership to get free or reduced shipping.
Woot is the ideal place to shop as you’re building inventory and need a lot of goods. When you see something at a can’t-be-beat price, grab it before it’s gone!
- Bid on Tools at eBay
Finally, we like eBay for its variety of new, refurbished, and used tool selections. If you’re looking for good quality, but don’t need brand-new goods, search for your power tool on the eBay platform.
Buyers rate sellers and eBay monitors purchases carefully. Buyers have many rights, so if your item isn’t what the description and image show, you can contact eBay and get your money back relatively easily.
Conclusion
Power tools are an investment in your business that will help you grow and expand. When you spend more on high-quality tools, you usually get a stronger ROI.
That doesn’t mean you have to pay full price for each item, though. Since you’re building a business, every dollar counts. When you shop around, watch for sales, and buy at the right time of year, you can get the same premier tools at discounted rates. These five sites are reputable places to get started with deal shopping.
