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How to buy tools and equipment
Where to buy
A question of quality

The choice of equipment available to us today can be completely bewildering and make us "spoiled for choice". On the other hand how often have we seen something at a friends house and then not be able to find it in the shops.

Even more annoying when we thought we'd found the "tool or gadget of our dreams" and it turns out to be complete rubbish!

Look at the photograph of the 3 pairs of secateurs.

If this was a mail order catalogue could you tell me which pair cost £2, which ones cost £10 and which ones are £35? Even if you could which one should you buy?

Having spent many years researching tools and equipment Thrive has come across some interesting facts and have put together a little "buyers guide", especially tailored for the gardener who may be looking for a special tool to suit their own needs.

** Answer to question
Secateurs far left - price £35
Secateurs center - price £2
Secateurs far right - price £10

Where to Buy

Shops

Whenever possible try to buy your tools from a shop or outlet where you can handle them and see first hand if they suit you. The exception to this is when you have already owned the tools or tried them somewhere else, like at a friend's house or place of work, etc.

Buying from a shop has another advantage; if the tool develops a fault you can take them back. Many quality garden tools carry a warranty of up to 20 years. Some manufacturers (especially those with household names) offer a return and repair service and often replace tools after many years of use.

Mail order catalogues

Catalogues are a great way to find and obtain rare and unusual tools. However some of the "specialist" catalogues, marketed for elderly and disabled people often charge a large premium or misrepresent the features of a standard tool that was not especially designed for this particular purpose. Take care when buying this way and if you experience any problems contact your local trading standard office for advice.

Another frequent problem with the more glossy, mass market, mail order catalogues is that the photographs often "overstate" the quality or function of a tool. It is amazing what a professional photographer can do to create a desirable image. On top of the price of the tool don't forget to add the postage. On heavy items such as forks and spades this can be considerable. On the other hand it is very convenient to have your bulky wheelbarrow delivered for £5 if you don't have a big car.

If you do have a problem with a tool from a mail order catalogue in the first instance contact or return it to them. Once a reasonable time has passed or the tool is out of warranty it is better to contact the manufacturer. All goods sold must be "fit for purpose" but the length of time that the item should remain fit for, depends on what it is. For example a cardboard plant pot cannot be expected to last as long as a steel spade.

Websites

Buying tools from websites is very similar to a mail order catalogue. In the early days of e commerce most of the sites have poor or even no images of the product available. This is rapidly changing and some sites even offer video demonstrations of the tools in use.

Manufacturer's website details are listed on our Tools Links page. Manufacturers websites may offer more information on the product and even show manuals and technical support. If they don't actually sell the products they usually can link you to someone who does.

As with catalogues take care to account for the delivery costs. The best websites will show a "delivered to your door price" alongside the picture of the product.

Another great advantage of using the Internet is that you may find what you are looking for using a search engine, type in the name of the product within INVERTED COMMAS EG "one handed shears". Initially try a UK specific search.

Buying products from a website will require the use of a credit card. Look for sites that use a "secure server" and or are a "which - website trader". Legally speaking websites are still a gray area but like mail order firms come under the distance selling regulations.

Apart from your statutory rights under the sale of goods act of 1979, you are entitled to a 7 day, cooling off period in which to return your goods for a full refund minus postage and packaging costs. You must write to the company first and once again if in doubt contact your local trading standards office.

Shows and Exhibitions

Shows like the Chelsea flower show, Hampton Court, Tatton Park, County Shows and the Gardeners World Live Exhibition can be fantastic ways to buy tools.

Try to buy tools direct from the manufacturer at these shows. Firstly they are the experts on the products and often give huge discounts when selling direct. Other stalls at these shows will be mail order companies selling rare and specialist tools. This has to be the best way of buying this type of product. You get the benefit of finding a rare tool, handling it and getting face-to-face advice.

When buying "specialist" tools it may be worth asking where and who actually makes them, if the seller doesn't know, buyer beware!

Unfortunately at these shows you will also find less reputable companies selling gimmicky and poor quality goods, often using techniques perfected by the "snake oil salesmen" from the Wild West. Take time to look around and never be rushed into buying something. If in doubt ask for their literature and think about it over a cup of tea and a cake somewhere else.

Buying Secondhand

Very useful for larger more expensive items that you already know about, often items like mowers and shredders are as good as new and at very good prices. Take care to check out the item thoroughly as once you have handed over the money you have little chance of returning it later. It is a good idea to take a friend along or someone who can make a safety check of mechanical or electrical items.

One good way to find exactly what you want is to place a wanted advert. Apart from shops and magazines many websites offer this service.

A Question of Quality?

So which pair should you buy? It depends on what you want. The £35 pair are the original quality item, the £10 pair are a copy from the Far East but perform well and should last a long time.

Interestingly the £2 pair has the easiest to use safety catch, but it became worn out after 1 year. However you could buy 17 pairs and make them last 17 years for the price of the original. If you will use them for more than 17 years the original ones are better for you and the environment.

Generally the original tool from the manufacturer who designed it is the best but initially the most expensive. Spares and service will be better and there is no danger that you are encouraging the theft of an inventor's intellectual property. However once a patent has expired quality copies become widely available and can represent excellent value.

If you need more advice about buying tools, visit our extensive tools database here at Carry on Gardening.

The above article was written by Fred Walden based on 10 years experience researching and advising individuals, organizations, manufacturers and retailers on gardening tools and equipment.

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