M Schames & Son Paint and Hardware — Local services in New York

I've known the owners of this mom and pop shop (or pop and son) over 30 years. By name.

I came specifically to buy VOC FREE paint because I get very sick from chemicals and for a long time (plus I've had lung cancer twice and don't need that in my lungs anyway). My landlord picked up the pain and even called Schames to double check it was VOC free because it wasn't labeled as such and they said YES IT IS.

Paint goes up on my wall and within a very short time I start getting sick. I question the person painting asking if they are sure it's VOC free because I'm having a reaction and he tells me that yes they called Schames to check and were told it is.

I called Schames and question them again because I am having a reaction I only have to paint that is not VOC free and after talking to two people am told that it is not in fact VOC free (which I had obviously figured out getting sick from it) and they confirmed my landlord called to check and was given incorrect information and advised to leave my apartment for an hour. I had to vacate my apartment, and not for just an hour, and was then so sick I couldn't get work done either. It was too late. So sick and this will probably last 2 weeks (or maybe more bc I don't know how long the VOC's hang around and off gas).

I asked for a VOC free replacement of the paint and met resistance. One because VOC free isn't optimal for bathrooms and I don't know why else but anything other than apologizing for how sick I am and saying yes of course we will replace it with what you asked for in the first place was the wrong answer. So I just got MAD and was firm about not having to pay to replace the paint with the product I asked for (and my landlord doubled checked was what I asked for). The one (pop) then asks me how I know I'm allergic to VOCs. Now we're questioning ME and if I have a real allergy or sensitivity instead of addressing the issue that I asked for VOC free paint and was misdled about getting VOC free paint (even if unintentionally - and yes, giving them more of the benefit of the doubt they gave me re my allergy). Wonder finally says replace it this one time (like they're doing me a favor correcting their own mistake that made me really sick) then as I try to continue to answer the question of how I know it's the VOCs that make me sick (which I shouldn't have - I shouldn't have to explain myself or my needs because I should have gotten what I asked for no matter why I need it) owner says to me "TELL YOUR COMPLAINTS AT THE BAR, NOT HERE"!!!!

How dare you speak to me like that!!

Mom and pop shops are constantly complaining about big conglomerates taking their business away. Well this pop and son shop took me away from their business themselves. Absolutely would never buy even a nail here again. Ever.

Livid!!

After reading the other reviews I predict a snarky response. I guess not owning up to their mistakes is their...

If you’re looking for a LES hardware store look no further. This is the last place you’ll ever need to go.

I recently had the fun task of repainting my entire one bedroom apartment nearby, and having never done it before I couldn’t be more happy I came here to buy all the paint & supplies.

All of the associates there are very knowledgeable, and super helpful. Even as someone who knows very little about hardware and home improvements they are patient and clear in their explanations. Sometimes you end up at hardware stores that instantly look down on you if you don’t know what you’re doing… but that couldn’t be further than the case here.

They never try to upsell you on anything you don’t need, and just give you what you’re looking for that will do the job well. That is …. unless you tell them you are looking for the high end stuff, and then in which case they are happy to explain why it is or isn’t worth the money.

Tony, the GM, might be one of the best General Managers I’ve ever come across. I was probably in there 10 times over the course of two weeks during my painting ordeal - and he was nothing but patient, helpful, friendly, and very kind with his discounts on paint and supplies.

The Benjamin Moore Aura prices there are unbeatable. They know that entire product line like the back of their hand. My paint was ready within minutes any time I showed up there.

Can’t speak highly enough of this establishment. Looking forward to having it as my neighborhood hardware store for many...

Walked out of there after being in there for five minutes.

I picked out a few swatches that looked close to what I'd seen in a photo of a bathroom online. I saved the photo on my phone to try and compare. I went to the counter and as soon as I pulled out my phone the guy behind the counter said, "I'm not gonna look at your phone. It's not going to look like it does on a screen."

Having worked in graphics and plate printing before I am well aware of this. I asked, "I'm just asking if you can maybe narrow it down. You won't even look at a photo?"

And he just said, "No." in the smug New York know-it-all way (like his posture). So I said, "Thanks for your help." And walked out as they laughed at me.

Screw this place. They were recommended to me as one of the best but I'm not there to be treated like dirt over a couple gallons of paint from some...