DelMonico Hatter — Local services in New Haven

​Extremely Rude, Unprofessional, and Incredibly Insulting

​I visited this store today with the intent of buying a cowboy hat, but the experience was the worst I have ever had. From the moment I walked in, the clerk on the other side of the store simply stared at me for an uncomfortably long time.

​When I told him I was looking for a cowboy hat, he looked at me, a Black man with dreadlocks, and said that it was going to be "hard to find one to fit my head." Despite this incredibly unprofessional and insulting comment, he then showed me a very nice, but very expensive, hat. As I stood there considering it, he made no effort to help or sell me on the hat. Just more staring and silence.

​When I ultimately decided against it, he looked at me and said, "What, is it too much money?" As he walked away, I tried to be kind and thanked him, even mentioning that I had seen great reviews for the store, but he completely ignored me. I said "thanks" again as I was leaving, and he said nothing. He simply let me walk out.

​From the very beginning, this clerk's behavior was a masterclass in how not to run a business. He was rude, insulting, and showed a complete disregard for customers. I would highly recommend taking your business somewhere that actually values...

I've purchase caps from Delmonico in the past and never had a problem, until now.

My cap was shipped in a "thin letter" box rather than in a box that wouldn't have crushed the cap.

When I called, I happened to get "Samantha", the NON-customer service person. Oh boy! I tried to explain to her that had they shipped the cap in an appropriate sized box, I wouldn't have received a creased cap.

She then went on to suggest that all of the caps/hats sent out would get crushed. WHAT? If that were the case, I'm sure they'd be out of business. Who wants to spend "good money" and receive a crushed cap that they have to repair?

I tried to tell the Stubborn Samantha that I have purchased caps before, never had a problem until now, but she wouldn't have any of it.

Finally I requested to speak with Mr. Delmonico who cordially handled my situation.

Hopefully you won't have a problem with your order. If you should, don't waste your time speaking with...

One of the few hatters left in CT. Friendly, knowledgeable staff with large selection of hats at prices that range from low budget to higher end - without hitting an unreasonable price. Support your local businesses - even if you have to travel more than an hour each way. You can't touch or try on a hat online - take the time to get the right hat for your style. Today, 8/8/23, I returned to finalize my purchase. Ben remembered us, and very happy we came back. While it is possible to order online, I found the experience of visiting Delmonico's worth the time. The personal attention and insight into owning a Panama hat was educational and enjoyable. Hearing Ben describe his family history was inspiring. We need to support small local businesses. You may be able to save some money - although I found Delmonico's prices to be very competitive and in some cases much less, but you lose out on a cultural experience. Thank you Ben!...