REAL’s Rain Barrel Sale Frequently Asked Questions
Updated May 2026
- Can I pick my barrel up another day? Yes, if you can’t make Sat. June 6, just let us know, we can hold it for you. You will need to pick it up during REAL Deal Store hours, Wed. – Sat, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. after June 6. The barrels are not arriving until the day or two before the sale, however, so you can’t pick it up before!
- Do you deliver? No. Some groups have chosen to do home delivery but REAL has not. The barrels are easily transportable in a car and are only 20 pounds. If you get more than two, you will need a truck or trailer. Leave room for some mushroom compost, and some native and perennial plants we will have for sale also that day. Come look at our REAL Deal Store while you’re here!
- Do I have to order all the parts to go with my rain barrel? No, the basic barrel comes with an overflow hose, screen, tap and t-connector. You do not have to order those parts. However, you will want a way of raising the barrel up so you can get a bucket under the spigot. Most people just use concrete blocks.
- Can I purchase a rain barrel after the sale? REAL orders some extra plain barrels in to sell throughout the summer, but does not stock unusual colours or accessories. So yes, you will be able to get a basic barrel after the sale. We may have a limited supply of some assorted parts like taps, T-connectors and filter baskets ($5 each or $15 for a set), but don’t count on it! Note that barrels purchased after June 6 will be subject to sales tax, and the “profit” goes to the REAL Deal. We only order once so once the barrels are gone, that’s if for the year. Ideally they will be gone by the end of the summer. Feel free to inquire at the REAL Deal cash or call (613) 283-7999 to check we have them in stock.
- Where could I get a different coloured barrel or accessory after your sale? Your best option would be to order through another community group in the area. There are sales happening in Ottawa, Kanata, Kemptville, Brockville etc. after our sale date. But you will have to pick it up on their sale day at their site.
- Why do so many items say sold out? There are various supply chain issues, especially since these are repurposed food grade barrels. However, just because an item says “sold out” does not mean it will not become available before the order deadline. The order site will be updated along the way, so check again later. The 1000 L rain tanks are in short supply most years.
- What about the ugly ducklings? The ugly duckling barrels are just $55 or $60 (depending on colour), and are an inexpensive option if you aren’t particular about how your barrel looks. They are completely functional, and are just a little more scuffed up. This year they will come in three colours: grey, terracotta or black and you can choose which you get.
- Can I paint my rain barrel? Yes you can. Prime it with Krylon Fusion paint, then paint with what you’ve got. A clear topcoat will help it last. Best to store it inside over winter.
- How late will you accept orders? Best to order by Saturday, May 30. The company shuts down the order site when they are about to pack the truck, so there is no danger of ordering and having the barrel not come. The exact timing is dependent on the trucking arrangements. Usually the barrels destined for several sales come east in one truck. If we get better intel we will post it on Facebook.
- Why do I have to pay cash at pickup? If you do not prepay when you order, you must bring cash on the pickup day. This is a fundraiser for REAL’s monarch garden, so it is awkward to put payments through the REAL Deal cash. Let us know if that is a problem and we can work something out. You will also need cash if you are purchasing native plants from us or mushroom compost from Trinity United Church.
Have more questions? Check the Rainbarrel.ca FAQs, as they have lots of answers to product specific questions. If you have more questions about our particular sale, email [email protected] or phone Barb at (613) 283-9966. It is possible someone at the store may be able to help you also: (613) 283-7999.
