Westmont Ace Hardware

Memyself Andi

Update: Upon reading all other reviews, it appears the issue I’ve written about is a persistent one. I understand the business owners may be in a position where they simply have decided they have to “take the hit” in whatever business is lost because the unwarranted rudeness of one or two employees must be tolerated by ownership/management for some reason/s…perhaps a family matter or what have you. I’m keeping an open mind, although it is curious… I never write reviews, in fact this is my first; but Ace Hardware on Haddon Avenue seems to care very much about their business, because I’ve always had very helpful and friendly service from the store. I’m writing in hopes they—probably more than the general public—make use of this review. I called today to ask 3 simple questions: if they offer window screen repair, the approximate cost, and the approximate turnaround time. I’m an extremely friendly person and start my conversations in a courteous way, with a distinct intention for that courtesy to be noticeable but not indicative in any way that I wish to befriend anyone or spend any more time than necessary to get the information sought, so both parties can move on. I’m (still) certain it’s not only a good way of life philosophy, but also the smartest way to ensure you not only lift others but also in hopes of being treated the same in return. A woman answered the phone. I greeted her, then maybe I did or didn’t hear a reply, either due to a faint connection, or possibly either of us weren’t holding the phone ideally (this certainly could have been my own doing, I’m not at all sure). I repeated “hello” once, then again, with nothing more than the natural inflection anyones voice would have in doing so, and her voice returned. I apologized and said I wasn’t sure if she could hear me, wasn’t sure about the connection, but her response (a kind of “what” or some other faint sound of impatience or frustration) indicated to me we could hear each other reasonably well. I proceeded with my three questions, all of which were answered quickly with the same frustrated tone. I made no negative comments, didn’t badger her by further questioning, criticizing, or critiquing— it was all very short and straightforward. The only thing missing from the conversation was any sense of politeness or even a reasonably pleasant tone, the extent of which I would have been grateful if she could have faked it for the minute and a half we spent together. I simply thanked her in the same polite tone. Nothing was said in return, she just hung up. I have to say it hurts a bit more when you go out of your way to treat people (especially those in service or customer-facing roles, who are all-too-often treated poorly by customers) to be treated so poorly in return. I won’t let this reflect on my personal choice to do business at this location, because the in-store service and friendliness I’ve received has been highly consistent. Unfortunately todays experience has altered a perfect record. I’ve noticed at least one other person may have had a similar interaction with the same woman, if in fact it was Joan that I spoke with today. I’ll just end by saying it’s a shame. To those who may read, please don’t judge harshly. All encounters in life are an opportunity for each and all of us to learn, grow, and improve.

Jody W.

Hometown feel. Staff always pleasant and helpful.

Stephen Bell

Friendly helpful staff. Great selection of hardware. Better than Lowes or Home Depot

AK

There’s a lady named Joan here who is very condescending. I came in and told her coworker (not her) that my key made here doesn’t work. Instead of minding her business, she tries to tell me that my original key was the one made there and that my replica (which was made there) was the one I brought in to be copied. After I told her that was incorrect she goes to her other coworker whispering about me and telling him that my original was the replica. Thank god that man actually knew what he was doing cause Joan seems to be missing some screws. By the way my original key, showed very obvious signs of wear like it was starting to change color and had some scratches on it but no that was the replica, right Joan? Way to go Joan.