Royston Ace Hardware — Local services in Royston

Bummed. I liked the store and the folks in there-nice, friendly, always ask if they can help. I bought several very high dollar items in there including a chainsaw. After few years I took it in for a sharpening. I was told that was about 15 bucks. Then I was told the chain had some damage. I asked how much a new one would be and was quoted about 30 bucks. When I paid, it was 50 bucks. They charged me 20 for labor. Had I known they were going to charge me to put on the chain I would have done it myself. IT TAKES TWO SECONDS TO PUT A CHAIN ON THIS CHAINSAW. Twenty dollars? I didn't say anything, when I feel a store has ripped me off I just don't go back and I might leave a review. This has been one of those times. Sometimes it is better to let it out in a review rather than make a scene at the store or put some hourly worker on the spot who doesn't make the policy. I assume it is a Ace corporate influenced fee or something-bad business though. I really liked the store and the people. I felt good buying local and not Home Depot in Hartwell. It was however thoughtless not to tell me there would be a charge on just putting the chain on. I paid $20 to see Bob Dylan. I paid $20 for a steak dinner. Never would I pay $20 to put a chain on a chainsaw! I hate it, but they lost a good steady customer, with a very old house that needs a steady hardware store...back to the...

Not that they don't try, but the worst customer service. The lady at the gun counter helped one customer. Then left me standing at the gun case and never came back. Then the gentleman that helped me with ammo, helped me a saw blade for vinyl siding when I asked a blade for Hardie plank. Really? A blade for vinyl when I need a blade for concrete.

On top of all that, no one was at the register and I'm the only one in line and he rings up another customer, while I'm standing there. The other cashier shows up and rings up 3 other customers, while this cashier final finishes with 1 customer.

I can see why little mom and pop hardware stores go out of business. I will never go to this hardware store again. I go to a hardware store for the knowledge and will pay the extra price for what I need. From now on,. I will drive the extra hour to go to Lowe's...

I ordered online and saw that this store was charging 19.99 for the exact same product (a Christmas tree stand) that is 14.99 at Ace in Danielsville. I'm not sure why that is, so just be aware that the location you shop at could make a big difference in what you pay. I've noticed the same thing between Athens Ace Hardware and in Colbert (and saved money by shoppping in Colbert). The store had my order ready in an hour and twenty minutes and I just popped in and picked it up on the way to Beck's Christmas Tree Farm. Overall, the store looked well-stocked and well-organized, the cashier was quick to assist me when I walked in, and he got my order correct. If you found this review helpful, please give it a...