Rocky’s Ace Hardware in Dover, NH: A Shopper’s Guide
Why You Should Visit
- Exceptional Customer Service: You’ll consistently encounter friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff across all departments. Employees go above and beyond, researching answers to complex questions, assisting with app setup (Ace Rewards program offering 10% discounts – saved me $50 on a mower!), arranging delivery and assembly, and even proactively suggesting cost-saving bundles (on smokers). Specific examples include Phil and Garry’s help with mower selection and Lucia’s outstanding assistance.
- Extensive Product Selection: The store offers a wide range of home improvement supplies, tools, garden necessities (including mowers and birdseed), and even specialized items like snowblowers (Ariens and Ego models available) and smokers. You might find items unavailable at larger stores.
- Competitive Pricing: While not explicitly stated across the board, I found the prices on some items to be very reasonable, including a snowblower that was $100 cheaper than other retailers and comparable prices to big box stores on other items.
- Personalized Approach: Expect a more personal touch than at large chain stores. Staff takes the time to assist customers, even when there’s no guarantee of a sale, such as matching paint colors for a customer whose painter may or may not purchase paint from them.
- Clean and Organized Store: The store is always very clean and well-organized, making it easy to find needed items.
- Ace Rewards Program: A worthwhile rewards program offering discounts.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Limited Stock/Availability: Be aware that some popular items might be unavailable, particularly in the case of exchange/returns, or may be under lock and key, requiring assistance. I experienced this with wood glue and familiar products being unavailable, and a customer reported trouble exchanging a defective snowblower due to lack of stock.
- Potential Return Issues: Their exchange policy might be inconsistently applied. One shopper had difficulty exchanging a defective snowblower even within the 90-day exchange window.
- Super Glue Issues: At least one customer reported purchasing a solidified tube of super glue.
