Dumont Hardware: A Shopper’s Guide
Why You Should Visit
- Exceptional Expertise: You’ll find Bill, the owner, incredibly knowledgeable about all things hardware, plumbing, and electrical. He consistently offers helpful troubleshooting advice and solutions for DIY projects, often exceeding the assistance you’d receive at larger stores. His advice is invaluable, even if you don’t initially need it.
- Unique Inventory: The location offers items unavailable at major chains like Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Benjamin Brothers. Expect to find specialty items that are difficult to source elsewhere. For instance, I found large washers at a fraction of the cost compared to other stores (12 cents each vs. $2.79 each elsewhere).
- Competitive Pricing: Prices are consistently reasonable, often significantly lower than big-box stores. You’ll get exactly what you need without unnecessary extras, like paying for a whole bag of screws when you only need a few.
- Personalized Service: The owner and even his friends provide friendly, personalized advice. Shoppers can expect a small-town, community feel, with a focus on building relationships with customers. I received excellent advice on storing ice melt, for example.
- Problem-Solving Approach: If an item isn’t in stock, Bill will point you in the right direction to find it, often suggesting a contractor’s supply shop that welcomes individual customers. He’ll help you find exactly what you need, even if it means going above and beyond.
- Old-Fashioned Charm: Dumont Hardware provides a truly unique experience; a throwback to a time when customer service and knowledgeable advice were paramount. The sales process is simple and straightforward— transactions are often calculated on a brown paper bag.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Limited Selection: Being a small store, Dumont Hardware won’t have every single hardware item imaginable. It’s ideal for smaller fixes and specific needs, but not a one-stop shop for large-scale projects.
- Cash Preferred: While the review doesn’t explicitly state this, the implication is that cash is preferable, so be prepared for that.
- Inconsistent Sunday Hours: Be aware that the store’s Sunday hours may not be reliable; check before going. I personally encountered a situation where the store was closed despite advertising otherwise.
