Westmont Ace Hardware — Attraction in Haddon Township

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,...

Recently I stopped into Westmont Ace for a Stihl trimmer and their grill section caught my attention. The gentleman helping me with the trimmer, I believe his name is R.J. was very knowledgeable in the lawn care area as he is also an avid landscaper. Explained all the features, even helped me register for the warranty before leaving knowing we all get busy and forget until you need that warranty and wished you would have sooner. As we are walking out i stopped at the grill section to ask a few questions, he answered then advised me we have a grill guy here who owns the Big Green Egg you are looking to buy, let me get him. Owning a Big Green Egg is not easy to say the least, the learning curve is very steep. Bill walked me though the features also what he uses his Egg for st his home. I went home talked it over with my wife and decided to buy one. Walked through the showroom, picked out the size of Egg, all the recommended accessories asking countless questions all along the way. Just when he thought he answered all my questions I had more, guess what? He had the answers due to owning an Egg. We get everything wrapped up, "Im thinking how am I going to get this giant ceramic work of art home without breaking it" They offer setup and delivery all part of the Egg purchase! My wondering eyes caught the Webber Slate griddle and he said no problem we would be happy to setup and deliver with the Egg. Bill hopped behind the counter started ringing it all up, made sure to get the Slate delivered to his store in time for my delivery, double checked each item, made a phone call or two to confirm he could have the whole order ready for me at my home in a few days. A few days later (on the day of delivery) they call to say Egg, Slate and all accessories are loaded ready to deliver confirming im home. Im pretty sure I hung up the call, jumped out of my skin, ran to the other side of the room, had 2 convulsions then jumped back in! I was very excited to say the least! 30min later a super clean white delivery van arrives with 2 guys (one was R.J. would started this process when i bought the trimmer a few weeks ago) that had great big smiles on their faces. Ran through the plan, offloaded very carefully and setup, helped me understand the grills, cleaned up all the cardboard and packaging even wrote down all the numbers for registering for lifetime warranty. From start to first cook of wings, I couldn't be happier on my experience with the guys at Westmont Ace! In my family we are firm believers in service not just price, they dominate both!!...

Gave three stars because I encountered one incompetent person. It wouldn't be fair to give no stars because of one person.

Anyway, I worked here setting this place up. I think they were doing a remodel and I was part of re-set team. The manager was, well, to be honest somewhat delusional. It was a woman; she gave instructions which were misleading and not really accurate. Made the job sound way more difficult than it really was. Along with some micro-managing that sort of thing. Saying stuff that interferes with a person's innate intelligence, creates a tense work environment.

Then when things didn't go smoothy, she acted like it was fault. And gives me the passive aggressive "bless your heart". When in truth was she who needed blessing; by this I mean instruction about how to competently manage. Anyway, it was a learning experience for me. I've learned to just ignore sometimes what people say, and rely on my innate intelligence instead.

I don't know what compelled this woman to act as she did. I theorize she had a kind of repressed desire to be helped, or for a man to take charge. And for some reason this went hay-wire Or she was afraid of ashamed to just ask for this, and this inability to do this led to her acting (a bit) inappropriately. A theory. It was a bit inappropriate, it wasn't like severe abuse.

Gonna sing some Mike Myers now:...