FAQ

At OurShop.ca, we’ve made the decision not to offer delivery services, and it’s a choice we stand by for several compelling reasons. Despite what some may think, the decision isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about practical business sense and sustainability.

Firstly, we’ve found that we only lose about 3% of sales by not offering delivery, as most customers are more than willing to pick up their orders themselves. This minor loss in sales is significantly outweighed by the savings we gain from not having to maintain a delivery service. I’ve tried contacting many shipping companies and local delivery options, but it hasn’t worked out. The items are too big and heavy to be easily shipped in that manner, and no one wants to handle them. I can’t blame them; the liability is simply too great. There are companies that can ship larger items, but you also have to weigh the costs, and it just doesn’t make sense once the expenses become too high.

Consider the costs: insurance, gas, and repairs. This year alone, I’ve spent over $3,000 on truck repairs. Alternatively, I could purchase a new truck, which would cost $80,000 or more—that would mean selling a lot of benches to cover the cost. Plus the cost of insurance doubles when you are using your vehicle for work purposes. Add to that the ongoing expenses fuel, wear and tear, it quickly adds up. To offset these expenses, we would have to charge about $100 for each delivery. Realistically, most customers aren’t willing to pay that much for delivery, especially when they can easily pick up their orders and most of them are more than willing to do so.

Moreover, many businesses that offer ‘free delivery’ often end up raising their prices to cover the hidden costs. This isn’t truly free—customers are still paying for it, just in a less transparent way. If I offered this in that manner the other expenses would bankrupt me as when it is free almost everyone says yes. Keep in mind we are a 1 person business, I do this myself and that keeps it simple and less cost.

It’s a harsh reality of the business world: people want the convenience of delivery, but very few are willing to cover the actual costs. The burden falls on the business owner, who ends up absorbing these expenses. When people tell me I’m losing business by not offering delivery, it’s clear they’ve never run a business themselves. The costs simply don’t justify the service.

In conclusion, by not offering delivery, we save money and keep our prices fair and transparent for our customers. We believe in offering great products at reasonable prices without hidden costs. So next time you pick up your order, know that you’re helping us maintain a sustainable business model that benefits everyone.

No, we do not provide customization services. We do not offer on-site work or carpentry services beyond the products we provide. Our focus is on building our standard products, which are listed on our website.

It’s entirely up to you and your personal preference. I lean towards stain because it preserves the natural look of the wood, but paint can also be a great choice. Ultimately, choose what works best for you, as both options will protect the bench and prolong its lifespan.

They’re crafted from spruce 2x4s. Keep in mind that some of this wood has rounded edges, knots, and minor defects, which is normal for 2x4s and doesn’t affect the strength of the product. If you are expecting the bench to look like indoor furniture with a glossy finish, you will be disappointed

Yes, you should paint or stain the bench or it will not last, and it’s best to do so sooner rather than later. However, you can typically wait for up to about two months. If the bench darkens in color a bit, usually sanding it with 50 grit sand paper will give it back its new look and feel.

Clients can opt for our unfinished benches, reducing costs. We ensure sturdy construction, allowing customization according to your preferences. Many customers appreciate the cost-saving aspect or prefer to utilize paint/stain they already have at home, resulting in savings.