Northwest Hardware: A Shopper’s Guide

Why You Should Visit

• Exceptional Selection: You’ll find a vast array of high-quality doorknobs, locks, drawer pulls, cabinet hardware, and other home improvement items. The selection is described as offering “an ocean of ideas” for home or business updates. It’s particularly strong in cabinet hardware, surpassing what you’d find at big box stores. The inventory is extensive, serving as a great source of inspiration even if you don’t buy everything there.
• High-Quality Products: The hardware is consistently praised for its superior quality. Many customers have used it for entire home builds, indicating confidence in its durability and craftsmanship.
• Personalized Service (Under Certain Circumstances): Under the new ownership, some shoppers have experienced outstanding customer service. The owners and staff go above and beyond, offering on-site consultations, delivering items directly to job sites, and providing patient guidance, especially to first-time DIYers. Bringing photos of existing hardware or hinges can save you time.
• Knowledgeable Staff: The staff possesses extensive product knowledge and can offer expert advice on selecting the right hardware for various projects. This is especially noted in relation to cabinetry and related items.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Inconsistent Customer Service: Be aware that the customer service experience is highly variable. While many rave about the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff and owners, several others report encountering rude, unhelpful, or even arrogant employees. Negative experiences frequently involve feeling dismissed due to project size, inquiries made close to closing time, or being a non-returning customer.
• Limited Availability and High Freight Charges: While the selection is extensive, the on-hand inventory might be limited. Additionally, freight charges for items not immediately in stock are reported as high.
• Unreliable Business Hours and Appointment System: The store’s hours are apparently inconsistent. Customers have reported finding the store closed despite their advertised hours, and there’s an indication of an appointment-only system that’s not consistently communicated.
• Pricing Concerns: Some customers felt the prices were unreasonably high. The store’s staff may even direct customers to cheaper alternatives at big-box stores.