Hassett Ace Hardware — Local services in Pacifica

I'm not sure I'm qualified to review a hardware store. But in the spirit of the internet, I still do it - so there it is.

A couple of weeks ago I came to this store for the second time (I've been in other Ace stores before, so I knew the concept). My objective was to buy material for a project I started a few weeks before: building an activity board for my one year old toddler. (Google what it is :-)). So I've been wandering around in the store to browse for random things to connect to this piece of wood and hope it's safe enough for a toddler to play with it. The variety of "stuff" they have is impressive so it took me a while to get a good overview. The friendly staff kept asking me if I need help, but I declined saying "I'm just browsing". I'm sure they thought I wasn't going to buy anything and might even steal a thing.

After being asked for the fifth time I gave in and explained what I was building. The guy helped me find a couple of things and even came to me later with a suggestion (battery powered light with a switch). Great at upwelling ;-)

Overall a great place to buy things I didn't know existed and my daughter loves the bright red activity board with a variety of locks, wheels and other things connected to...

This is a great local store. I regularly save 15 minutes of driving to Home Depot or 20 minutes to Lowes, and this place has almost everything I need for a weekend project. Just picked up some bolts, wing nuts and washers -- and it only took 1 minute to find the right size/type (stainless), as the staff here are extraordinarily helpful and respectful. No matter what on Earth I need, they try and locate the items. I also save 15 minutes driving back from the big chains, where it's difficult to find someone who know where everything is and is really available to help. Regularly buy garden supplies, paint, caulking, plumbing supplies, etc. at Ace. Staff is courteous, and willing to lug that heavy Propane Canister for you rather than stand by and just watch. Great place, convenient location, great staff and good value. Check it out (root beer by the counter...

I was asked for my phone numbers twice at the register, I politely told the guy at the register my home number, looking at his register, he said I can't find your phone number, do you have another phone? I again responded by giving my cell phone number. Then I asked why do you need my phone number anyways? He didn't say anything. Disbelieving I then showed him my CDL and my credit card and left the store. I was furious! I called the manager when I got home and spoke to her of the incident. I was told that the clear intention of asking phone numbers is for me to become a member of that store so you can get discounts. I said that should have been communicated in the beginning. I could have said NO right away. This was my first time to ever come to this store and I will not ever come here...