Belletetes of Ashland: A Shopper’s Guide

Why You Should Visit

• Exceptional Customer Service: You’ll find incredibly helpful and friendly staff throughout the store. I experienced firsthand the manager himself, Dan, delivering and unloading lumber during a snowstorm to ensure timely delivery. Other staff members like Mike, DJ, and David Hildenbrand consistently receive praise for their assistance and problem-solving skills. Employees readily offer directions and assistance navigating the lumberyard.
• Extensive Inventory: This is a true one-stop shop. You’ll find a wide selection of lumber, hardware, tools, windows, doors, and other building supplies – often items unavailable or harder to locate at larger stores. They even have custom order options (although follow-up on custom orders is recommended).
• High-Quality Lumber: The lumber selection is noted for its superior quality, comparable in price to big-box stores.
• Free Home Delivery: A major convenience, especially if you don’t have a truck for transporting heavier items.
• Peaceful Shopping Environment: Unlike big-box stores, the atmosphere is calm and quiet with only background music – no disruptive PA announcements.
• Competitive Pricing (with exceptions): While some items might be slightly more expensive than big-box stores, prices are generally competitive. Establishing a credit or cash account may offer further discounts.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Inconsistent Pricing: Be aware that prices on certain items, particularly lumber, can be significantly higher than at competitors like Home Depot and Lowe’s. I personally found a 4x4x8 fir for $32.00 here, while the same item was $16.00 at Home Depot. Another shopper reported a similar disparity with Doug Fir lumber.
• Potential for Rude Interactions: While many shoppers rave about the friendly staff, some have reported encountering rude or unhelpful salespeople, particularly in the lumber department, especially if you’re not a contractor.
• Potential for Feeling Followed: At least one shopper reported feeling followed and surveilled by staff, leading to a negative shopping experience. This seemed to be related to appearance, rather than any actual shoplifting.
• Navigation Challenges: The lumberyard itself can be difficult to navigate for first-time visitors.
• Custom Order Follow-Up: While custom orders are available, you should proactively follow up on their arrival to ensure they haven’t been overlooked.