Washington’s Do It Best Hardware: A Shopper’s Guide

Why You Should Visit

• Exceptional Customer Service: You’ll consistently encounter friendly and helpful staff who go above and beyond. They’ve been praised for their willingness to assist with unusual problems, finding hard-to-source parts (like a generator plug, hot water tank, parts for a 35-year-old tiller, and a chain link for a 30+ year old Honda 4-wheeler), and even matching paint colors at competitive prices. One shopper even mentioned staff saved them $1200 by helping fix a water line leak for $35. Expect proactive assistance; staff regularly greet you and offer help. The manager, John, is known to step in and assist customers if other staff are busy.
• Extensive Product Selection: The store boasts a large and inclusive inventory, even stocking specialized items like unusual drill bits and parts for older equipment. While not a big box store, they frequently carry what’s needed for smaller projects, covering hardware and auto parts.
• Knowledgeable Staff: Employees possess strong product knowledge, helping you find the right items for your projects, even testing out different drill bits to ensure a perfect fit. This expertise is invaluable for unusual or complex tasks.
• Convenient Location: The proximity of a Napa Auto Parts within the same building adds extra convenience.
• Positive Atmosphere: Many describe a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere, far exceeding the experience at larger chain hardware stores. You might even get to interact with the owner’s chocolate lab!

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Pricing Concerns: Be aware that prices might be higher than at larger retailers like Lowe’s or Home Depot. One shopper noted paying $24 for a $8 item, indicating a potential premium for convenience.
• Inconsistent Service: While largely positive, there’s one account of unhelpful service from a staff member in the paint department (incident dated August 9th, 2019). While this appears to be an isolated incident, it’s something to keep in mind.