Sportsman’s Hardware: A Shopper’s Guide
Why You Should Visit
- Extensive Inventory: You’ll find a surprisingly large selection of hardware, including nuts, bolts, screws, and a wide range of other items. It’s a “bigger on the inside” kind of place, with seemingly “at least one of everything.” They even carry seasonal plants and decorations.
- Helpful Staff: I’ve experienced exceptional assistance from staff, particularly in the lawnmower department. One employee spent twenty minutes explaining features and benefits, helping me find the right product without pushing expensive options. They even encouraged follow-up calls with any questions.
- Convenient Services: The location offers propane tank refills and a rental department (I rented dollys for $14.28). They also provide pick-up, service, and delivery for repairs, such as snowblower service.
- Local Charm: Sportsman’s offers a genuine local shopping experience, surpassing big box stores in terms of personal service and attention. It’s a convenient downtown Westbrook location.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Inconsistent Customer Service: Be aware that post-purchase service is highly variable. While some have received excellent service for repairs (snowblower service completed quickly and for a reasonable price), others have reported extremely poor experiences. One customer experienced significant issues with a “fully serviced” snowblower and another had a repair on a riding mower completely fail, with the business unable to provide any information about the original repair work.
- Rental Issues: While the rental department exists, be prepared for potentially inflexible policies regarding returns. Late returns on rentals may result in extra charges, even if the delay was just a couple of hours.
- Mask Policy Concerns: Shoppers should be aware that mask-wearing is not consistently enforced for employees or customers. This may be a significant concern for some individuals, especially during a pandemic.
- Chipper Rental Problems: I experienced issues renting a chipper. The equipment malfunctioned due to material not meeting the contract’s specifications, but the store did not provide a full refund and charged for extra time even though the chipper was returned early.
