Busy Bee Tools

A preamble I rarely leave reviews but here goes, Chris and Ken where the employees I dealt with. Tried to return a Christmas Present, was told that it was over thirty days and was not returnable? Got a little excited and the clerk “Ken” told me to get out of the store that they didn’t need my business, well guess what . That is the last dollar I will ever spend at Busy Bee. (I have spent thousands)And all of my wood workings friends will hear the story. Busy Bee new motto “We don’t need your Business” guess what it works!

On Dec 29, 2022 attempting to return an item at the Busy Bee, Barrie, ON store, that was a face mask for $ 744.00 dollars, and bought on Nov 15, 2022 from their online shopping. Let me just say, there were no specials rules, comments or exclusions or procedures to return this item on their website, except for within 30 days and receipt(but different if (a xmas gift as per the clerk).We brought the item intact in the box, with receipt, and speaking with Ken ( very rude clerk) he declining stating it was over 30 days, once i explained it was a xmas gift, he then said, you should of told us (i didn't know how i could have, when the question was not available on line)No way no how, would they consider the return, then it was because of Covid, that it was not returnable" so on and so on. Chris

I saw a few negative reviews left recently regarding the staff being unfriendly. I don't review often, only when I feel it's important. I feel it's important to let you know that I was the only customer in the store today, and all three of the staff were quite pleasant when greeting me. One immediately asked me what I needed, and helped me find the bandsaw tires for my old Craftex saw. The price was competitive with any of the cheap generic orange urethane tires available online. The quality is about what you'd expect at this low end of the price range. They're not pretty, but they are durable urethane rubber, and I expect that they will outlive the saw. The gentleman was extremely helpful, advising me to soak the tires in hot water before stretching them on to the wheels. He specified not to use boiling water. Some quick research on Google affirms the validity of his advice. After I'd cashed out with my purchase, the gentleman reminded me to really take the time to remove the glue from the old tires before I install the tires. I didn't have any glue on the old tires, but the advice is still great education for a customer who is obviously in the bandsaw market. I'll never forget that, should I ever encounter the glue situation in the future.All-in-all, this was one of the most knowledgeable staff I've encountered recently. Reminds me of the good old days when the sales staff had passion for their products, not just for their paycheck.It was my first time in, and certainly won't be my last. They have a great selection of everything you could need. They have a whole wall of abrasive belts, a whole wall of router bits, all types of specialty calipers, etc.

I live in Wasaga Beach, and the Barrie Busy Bee store is the closest to me. I love the products, but I dread speaking to the staff which I find unfriendly, like they owned their jobs and don't need to try and keep it. I inquired about the dust collectors, and asked about 2-stage ones, but the staff only took me to their location and basically wanted me to read the posted specs, without a good discussion. There were a lady and 2-3 gentlemen, mostly standing around the cash register, even if the store has 1-3 people shopping. They do not seem to care to engage in a discussion, even if I said I am setting up my woodworking shop and need some advice. As previous people commented, when I ask about an item, they generally send me to the location in the store where they may be, but cannot engage in a discussion of alternatives or how they would work. I would recommend replacing them all with people who care more about the customers and have extensive experience in woodworking. I am dreading to call them, and probably will call the Concord store which has much better reviews. It seems the same staff is in Barrie as many years of comments have not improved the situation.

Very helpful staff in Barrie. Even helped me solve a discontinued item matter.

Went in looking for a mt2 to jt3 arbor. The guys here triple checked the accuracy of my purchase want. No problem being positive. Wandered around and left with what I came for.

I shop there frequently and only because it is the only wood working store close to me. I find most of the staff very rude and inconsiderate. The so called manager is a joke, Busy Bee should really look at the staff they hire to run their stores. I have also started to notice they are way over priced Laguna bandsaw busy bee is selling it for $2099.00 and atlas tools for the exact same bandsaw $1799.00. When I asked if they would price match she looked at with a disgusted look on her face like how can you even ask me that. PRETTY SAD!

Love the place, have had a great experience there most times I have gone. They are very helpful and friendly

Awesome store awesome people love the products.

They might as well shut their doors. Never any stock on things you need, or sale items. Try to get ahold of someone who can give you answers is a joke. Head Office refuses to let you talk t anyone to complain, only customer service, which is a joke. I spoke with, I think his name is Scott, about their terrible service and management. I can't even talk to him. Come on someone, open a store that sells quality tools and has better managers that aren't a-holes.