In January RYOBI launched the all-new RYOBI app. This is not a first for RYOBI, but it’s the brand’s first-ever tool-management app. It’s designed to be an all-in-one app for RYOBI users to keep track of all their RYOBI tools, manage warranties, and provide easy customer service access. As one of America’s most popular tool brands, particularly among everyday consumers and hobbyists, we are taking a closer look at the app and everything RYOBI promises.
Guide
About RYOBI App
As power tool technology advances and the margins between brands narrow, tool brands have to get more and more creative to bring consumers something new. RYOBI is a top player in the DIY market largely due to its partnership with The Home Depot, its huge variety of electric power tools, OPE, and hobby tools; and affordable pricing. To keep its edge in the DIY market RYOBI is following the lead of professional tool brands (i.e. DEWALT, Milwaukee, Bosch, and more) by launching its own RYOBI tool management app.
In the RYOBI app you can:
- Remotely monitor and control all of your RYOBI tools.
- Register RYOBI tools quickly and easily by scanning the tools’ QR codes.
- Access each tool’s manual when you need it.
- Track tool warranties.
- Easily access customer service for troubleshooting and initiating tool repairs and replacements.
- Receive app-exclusive deals and discounts.
In addition to these key features, the RYOBI app provides RYOBI users an easy way to view their toolbox and can suggest tools tailored to you or popular in your area. The RYOBI app is phone-based and available for both Apple and Android devices.
But do RYOBI tool owners like the new app?
RYOBI User Reviews
There was a good reason we waited a few weeks before talking about the new RYOBI app. The app launched on Thursday, January 9, and by the end of the weekend the app had received its fair amount of negative reviews.
Among the complaints, most negative reviews revolved around issues with registering RYOBI tools. Some people were unable to do so on the app. Others had success registering them online but the tools wouldn’t display in their browser, which led them to re-register the tools and caused those people to have duplicates in their RYOBI app toolboxes.
Here are just a few of the initial RYOBI app reviews:
However, it appears RYOBI took in the feedback and has updated the app since its initial launch. Now the RYOBI app has earned a number of positive 5-star reviews from RYOBI users a few weeks after the launch:
Ways RYOBI Can Improve the RYOBI App
You can read for yourself, the RYOBI app had a shaky start, but it seems RYOBI got its act together and tackled the main bugs. However, a lot of the original negative reviews are still online. Some of these first users of the RYOBI app may not have moved past their negative experiences. Also, it’s uncertain how many of these issues were caused by the app itself or user error. Either way, we came up with a few ways RYOBI can improve its app:
- Offer in-store registering and troubleshooting at The Home Depot, RYOBI’s exclusive retailer.
- Allow users to turn off data collection.
- Continue to monitor and survey for common app issues.
Also, considering how negative the initial app launch was, RYOBI may want to figure out some sort of outreach program. Whether this is tech support through the Home Depot, or a small discount towards a future RYOBI purchase for anyone who submitted a negative review within 30 days of the app’s launch.
These are just some ways that RYOBI can improve its app for users.
But what do you think? How is your experience with RYOBI apps past and present? Tell us in the comments what improvement you would like to see.
