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| - I was teetering between 4 and 5 stars for this Ace Hardware for awhile. Oh how I wish there was a 1/2 star! I bumped it up to 5 stars because, well, they are just that helpful!
Instead of writing a length review that not many people will bother reading, I have decided to neatly organize the strong points, as follows:
HELPFULNESS: A+ - The employees are just the right amount of helpful here. There is no annoying following you around the store which makes you feel like a criminal. Instead, employees come by to ask if you need help and then are on their merry way if you don't. On my most recent visit, I was looking for flat metal washers for a project. I was hoping for something inexpensive, but all I could find were plumbing washers that were a lot more than I wanted to spend. I looked up and at just the right time, someone was there to direct me to exactly what I needed. That brings me to the next point...
PRICE: Well, here is where I would normally detract a 1/2 star from Ace Hardware. Depending on what you are seeking, Ace tends to be quite a bit higher in price than, say, your local Big Box store. However, on this particular trip, I found a box of 100 flat 5/16 washers for approximately $4. The SAME EXACT box of washers was $14 at Lowe's. Wow. Just wow.
CONVENIENCE: Here is where Foothills Ace gets back its 1/2 star. Foothills Ace is THE most convenient hardware store for Ahwatukee Foothills residents. There is no getting on I-10 to go to Lowe's or Home Depot, several miles down the road. It is conveniently located right next to Native New Yorker, in the same plaza as Loco Patron. It is VERY convenient.
KNOWLEDGE: Have you ever gone to Home Depot and sought help on a project only to be given a set of shrugged shoulders and a "You might want to try... X" which was completely the wrong advice? Well, I have. A few times. And that is when I could even FIND someone to help me. At Ace Hardware, the employees KNOW hardware. Beyond that, they are often ex-contractors or seasoned Do-It-Yourself-ers. They KNOW what they are talking about, be it plumbing or painting or whatever. If you have a project, go to Ace. Ask for help. And then thank them by giving them your business. It may cost you a little more on the front end, but you will save loads because you will have the RIGHT instructions the first time.
OVERALL: Go to Ace for project advice, helpful employees, or even to get your keys made. And definitely go to Ace for flat washers.
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