Last summer and the summer before, Lee Valley ran free shipping promos. I’ve been saving my pennies and waiting and waiting, but couldn’t wait any longer, so I sent them an email early this morning asking if a similar event was coming up.
Here’s what they said:
Unfortunately, we do not currently have free shipping nor are we aware of any upcoming free shipping event. We checked our files and found that you are signed-up to receive promotional e-mails from us. Therefore, whenever we have another free shipping event, the notification will be e-mailed to you.
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I was a bit disappointed, but figured I’d hold out a few more days before placing an order since the $13.50 I’d save on shipping is $13.50 I can spend on more tools.
Lo and behold, I went to check to see if they offered a Veritas plane of a particular size, and BAM, I spot a free shipping notice. I expect that I’ll receive an email about this in the morning, but getting surprised like this was nice. While it would be nice to think that the free shipping promo was launched just for me, they’ve really been like clockwork with these promos, so it was really just a matter of time.
Anyhow, the free standard ground shipping promo is valid on orders $40+ to contiguous USA and Canadian addresses, from June 29th thru July 11th, 2011. Customers in HI, AK, or US territories will receive a $13.50 discount. Oversized items will still carry a shipping surcharge.
JeffD
Nice!
You just cost me another $68.45
Andrew
Any recommendations of must-have tools from Lee Valley? I always hear of Lee Valley have good and unique stuff, but I don’t have a catalog and their site is hard to browse.
Stuart
Jeff, don’t forget that the sale goes thru July 11th! *cue evil grin* Last winter when they had a similar free shipping sale, I placed a massive order only to place another one a few days later. And then yet another even after the promo ended.
Andrew, it depends on what you’re looking for. In the past year I picked up Veritas marking gauges, a straightedge, honing guide, and dovetail saws. I can’t complain about any of the tools’ performance!
The Narex chisels I mentioned some time ago are also a good buy, but they’re being discontinued and replaced with new premium (and probably more expensive) ones.
My current shopping list includes their low-angle block plane, Jack plane, and maybe even the bevel-up smoother. I also plan to pick up scrapers and maybe a Narex mortising chisel or two since they’re reasonably priced.
It’s hard to say what would be a must-have, but if pressed I’d vote on their marking gauge.
I agree about their website being a bit difficult to navigate. It’s definitely worth signing up for their catalogs and seasonal flyers.
Mac
Yeah, their site is not as friendly as it could be. Get the catalogs – but beware, you may want to spend a fortune. Prices are rarely the cheapest, but quality is almost always high, and customer service is tops.
Joe 'the Pro' Sainz
Of course I just ordered two sets of bench bolts, and they arrived today. I just wish the Narex mortising chisels were in stock.
Stuart
They’re OOS? Darn, I had been hoping to order a few styles or maybe even a set as well.
BUT, they are over $40, so if you order it separately, shipping will be delayed, but should still be free.