Kaufman By Design: A Shopper’s Guide

Why You Should Visit

Excellent Hardware Store: This location boasts a surprisingly clean and well-organized hardware store, unlike many others. You’ll find a great selection of quality goods and a good variety of rental tools available.
Helpful and Knowledgeable Staff (in some departments): In the hardware department, staff members go above and beyond. I witnessed firsthand assistance with finding specialized items like propane brass fittings, including online verification to ensure availability. In the lighting department, Kayla provided exceptional service, patiently answering numerous questions and offering helpful upgrades. Bri and her colleagues in the flooring and design departments also received high praise for their expertise and assistance with home projects, including tile, carpet, lighting, and hardware selection for a new home build. Chad was also noted for helpfulness with purchases and warranty information.
Wide Product Range: The store offers a wide selection of products, including tile, carpet, lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, decorative items, hardware, and outdoor power equipment (backpacks blowers and weed eaters).

Inconsistent Customer Service: Be aware that customer service experiences can vary significantly depending on the department and staff member. While some shoppers report exceptional help, many others describe being completely ignored for extended periods, even when actively browsing. I experienced this myself in the lighting department, where employees seemed disinterested and unresponsive. Others noted similar experiences.
Potential for Order Errors and Difficult Returns: One shopper reported significant issues with an order, including receiving incorrect items and facing pushback when attempting to return or exchange them. Another detailed how an order for carpet was placed incorrectly, with a poor resolution offered.
Limited Availability and Long Lead Times: I experienced significant delays with product shipping, even for items from local warehouses. Additionally, certain lighting fixtures were reported to have months-long backorders.
Inconvenient Hours: The store’s hours (closing at 5:30 pm) might be inconvenient for some shoppers.
Poor Order Tracking and Communication: One shopper described a complete lack of record keeping for their order after a staff member quit, resulting in a complete loss of their selections.