Exceptional Staff: You’ll consistently encounter friendly and knowledgeable employees. Omen expertly guided me through hose nozzle options, and Walker Reed meticulously helped match deck stain to a sample I provided, even adding it to the system for future reference. Justine, the store manager, possesses extensive paint knowledge and proactively sought out an item not yet on the shelf. Other staff members, including Dylan and Kathy (in paints), are also highlighted for their expertise and helpfulness. Many reviews praise the staff’s willingness to go above and beyond.
Competitive Prices: Many items are priced competitively with big-box stores. While some items may be more expensive than elsewhere, the overall pricing is considered decent.
Great Selection and Wide Range of Products: The store offers a wide variety of products, including plumbing and electrical parts, bird and pet supplies, screws, bolts, paints, deck stain, hose nozzles, leaf blowers (both battery-powered and gas), copper pipe, and rental equipment. The selection is described as “good” and sometimes “eclectic,” implying unique or hard-to-find items. The inventory is considered “unbelievable” by at least one shopper.
Excellent Customer Service: The store demonstrates a commitment to resolving issues. One shopper experienced multiple failures with a battery-powered leaf blower, and the store handled the returns with compassion, eventually offering a full refund and a gift card. The store manager even contacted the manufacturer regarding a faulty batch of blowers.
In-House Service: Damariscotta Hardware offers in-house servicing for items they sell, such as gas-powered blowers. This is a significant benefit.
Convenient Sunday Hours: The store’s Sunday hours are a plus for shoppers with limited weekday availability.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
Return Policy Limitations: Be aware that some items, such as pre-cut copper pipe, may not be returnable. Check the return policy before purchase.
Occasional Inattentive Cashiers: While generally positive, some reviews mention instances where cashiers were overly engaged in personal conversations and less attentive to customers. This is not a consistent experience, but something to keep in mind.
Lumber Purchases: For lumber, Hammond Lumber is suggested as a superior alternative.
Customer Service Variability: While most experiences are positive, there are reports of negative interactions with the store manager, Justine, indicating inconsistency in customer service.
Lack of Visual Information Online: A suggestion for improvement is the addition of online photos of various aisles (especially plumbing, electrical, and hardware sections) to assist with pre-shopping planning.
