Can you trust the Acme Tools store? Do you know their history? Do they offer the best prices? We dig into their history, management and return policies.
our unique perspective
When I started college in 1997, getting online meant you dialed in using a 56k modem and hogged your phone line (which annoyed my mom endlessly). It's used for things like email and instant messaging. If you want to download music, you can start it before bed and let it run all night. We can now broadcast live TV, live video chat, and shop from anywhere in the world.
For a company that did business before the 1990s, transitioning to an Internet-connected world was a challenge. Mail order is the closest thing to it. People are used to waiting 4-6 weeks to place an order over the phone from a catalog or in the mail.
Online shopping has changed everything. Mom and pop stores have a hard time keeping prices competitive. Almost overnight, a different type of retailer began to emerge. They can get almost anything. They really aren't experts, but they can offer the best prices and ship lightning fast.
To understand the history of Acme Tools, you need to look back. We're getting used to point-and-click shopping without the human element. But oh how we miss the experts. Dude, did this lead to some bad purchases? We just can't afford the retail price in a store where we can talk to them. Acme Tools doesn't think that's good enough. They find ways to continue to provide expert advice and get the best prices for their clients.
George Kuhlman founded Acme Tools in 1948. It started as a small electric motor repair shop in downtown Grand Forks, North Dakota. They've been serving contractors, woodworkers, and do-it-yourselfers for 65 years. From those humble beginnings after World War II, Acme Tools has 10 retail stores in the upper Midwest and a nationwide online presence.
How Acme Tools Got Its Name
The name Acme might conjure images of scrawny coyotes endlessly chasing roadrunners across the desert with a variety of tools, and David C. Smith would be famous in Safety Third. Proud to be present. For many consumers, the history of Acme Tools can be elusive. In fact, most of us probably don't even understand what "Acme" really means. Ironically, Warner Bros. certainly hasn't forgotten that. George Kuhlman didn't forget this when he founded the company.
Acme – (noun) the best, perfect, or most successful point of someone or something.
Kuhlman had a vision of what he wanted his company to be. He named it ACME because the term stands for the highest attainable level or degree, the pinnacle of perfection.
Acme Tools began to innovate as motor stores began to branch out into tool sales. In 1985, Acme Tools launched a mail-order business, selling woodworking equipment through print ads in national trade magazines. They later started a national catalog business, shipping woodworking and building products across the United States and abroad. They soon became known as "The North's Toolbox".
Start the Acme tool online
In the spring of 1999, Acme Tools made history. It was one of the first companies to launch an internet business focused on tools and equipment. Later that year, they sold the internet and catalog segment to Amazon.com. Over the next 10 years, they focused on expanding Midwestern retail locations into North Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. Now, they're back online and doing business as Acme Tools. They have the same team and the same family-oriented business principles and values that they founded the company on.
In a world where online shopping seems to be either the big box stores or some day and night guy who sets up shop on eBay, Acme Tools has found a really interesting niche. Their combination of an Upper Midwest hometown retail store and online sales, both staffed by knowledgeable staff, bucked the trend of the day.
grow and expand
Acme Tools online business continues to make history. It continues to record rapid year-over-year growth. In October 2014, they opened a new 40,000 sq. ft. distribution center on 11 acres in the Grand Forks Business Park to accommodate this rapid growth. Customers expect a fast and seamless online shopping experience, and Acme Tools is committed to providing it.
"The completion of the new distribution center centralizes our Internet sales operations and improves fulfillment efficiency, which will benefit our web customers and retail businesses who expect Acme Tools to process orders promptly and deliver them quickly and on time."
Steve Coleman
One of the benefits of shopping online is getting the best prices. The problem is that sources aren't always knowledgeable, trustworthy, or even safe. Acme Tools is more than a tools department, it's a tool store. Acme equips its staff with tool experts. All of their salespeople attend training sessions with manufacturer reps twice a month. Whether you're calling, emailing, or walking into one of their stores, you can be confident that the people you work with know what they're talking about.
low price guarantee
When it comes to getting the best prices while shopping online, Acme Tools is committed to covering you. Even though they may not always be able to see what their competitors are advertising, they will still do everything they can to get you the lowest possible price. If you see a lower price for the exact item currently being advertised (including a competitor's shipping and handling, taxes, or any other hidden charges), they will match that price. Plus, if Acme Tools switches to a lower price within 30 days of your purchase, they will gladly refund you the difference. Low price matching and 30-day price protection? Yes, please!
Privacy and Protection of Customers
It seems we can't get rid of identity theft. Even the big boys are not immune. I'll admit, recent news has made me a little bit shy when it comes to online shopping, too. Acme Tools respects the privacy of its customers. They are committed to providing a safe, secure and friendly website where customers can shop with confidence. Their website security is verified daily by Norton, ensuring a safe shopping experience. Plus, they've partnered with Norton to offer an Online Purchase Guarantee to prevent identity theft and provide a purchase and low price guarantee—at no cost to customers.
It's also hard to know who you can trust. We know what we're getting from big companies, but can't vouch for prices. You can take a chance on a company you haven't bought into before, but do you really know what you're getting? Prices that are too good to be true are often… wrapped in the cheapest Chinese parts in the form of stolen designs. To the untrained eye, nothing (not even a logo) is any different from the real thing. Shopping with Acme Tools will not have this problem, but you will get the best price.
We've all been there at some point or another. You ordered a product online and it turned out not what you expected. Online returns are easy for some companies and a nightmare for others. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your product, Acme Tools will gladly replace the item or refund your money. Simply contact their customer service team for a return authorization and they will walk you through the process.
Selection and same day shipping
Acme Tools offers an extensive selection of products from over 300 top brands used by professionals. This includes names like DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Festool, Bosch, Husqvarna and more. Each product page includes specifications and features to help make your decision easier. If you place your order by 11:00AM CST, Acme Tools will ship it to you the same day. Free shipping on orders over $199, all other items are $6.49.
Shopping with Acme Tools is designed to give you confidence whether you're shopping online or over the phone. With a combination of safety, selection, and price guarantees, Acme Tools can be your one-stop source for most tool purchases. When you see the Acme Tools logo in our reviews or previews, click it. You can see for yourself whether the shopping experience is what you hoped for. We think you'll be impressed.