Bomberger's Store — Local services in Warwick Township

I needed something quickly that my local Ace Hardware did not have in stock. When I had it in my online cart I was prompted that it was in stock at Bomberger‘s in Lititz, so I placed the order and drove there this afternoon to pick it up.

This had to be one of the worst customer service experiences I’ve had in a long time at any store, let alone an Ace Hardware store.

I bought a metal griddle brush that I learned could not be used on the griddle I purchased, so I was picking up a Blackstone silicone spatula and scraper set. I carried the other product into the store with the receipt and asked if I could return it there and three cashiers said they didn’t know. How can you not know if something from another store could be returned to your location? Regardless, I was sent to the hardware desk for my online order pick up.

I was greeted immediately by a very pleasant associate who was about to sharpen a few knives for the previous customer. She asked if I could wait just a minute while she got someone to help me. That turned into about 10 minutes but it really wasn’t a big deal, but when the gentleman walked up to me and asked if he could help me and I started to speak, apparently he was looking right past me at another customer who he chose to help before me. Again, not a big deal so I waited patiently for him to be finished.

When it was my turn I asked if they had any nylon griddle brushes. He walked me over to the grill accessories and called another associate. I asked about nylon brushes, and also if they had any other types of silicone tools or spatulas. He said they didn’t carry anything at all in silicone. Hmmm . . . I asked why I just ordered one online from their inventory and I was here to pick it up.

We settled on a Blackstone griddle cleaning pad which was fine with me. It would serve my purpose. We went back to the hardware counter to pick up my online order. The gentleman asked for my last name which I gave him. I had my phone out with the email ready to show him a confirmation number. He never asked for it! While I was waiting 10 minutes I did happen to notice the shelf where they had special orders placed picked, all with the customer’s name prominently displayed. Anyone who knows their pickup process could stand there and peer at the names, say they were there to pick up an order, give them the last name and walk away with the product.

Of alll the times my wife and I visited Lititz we must have driven by Bomberger’s 100 times and I always wondered what it was like to shop there. Now I know, and I will never...

If I could give zero stars I would. If you are looking for an honest mechanic to work on your lawnmower or other item, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!!!! I have shopped at this store since it was in Elm and normally have been very happy with the service offered. However, over the years it is getting worse and worse.

I had a push lawnmower that was flooded for 10 to 20 minutes a few weeks ago in the floods that happened here in Lititz. Due to a recent surgery I physically could not do the repairs that were needed so I dropped it off to have them check it out. When they finally got in-touch with me they informed me it would be $160 to 'fix' the mower. It would need a new spark plug, a new carburetor, and the oil changed. The next words out of the persons mouth where they could not say if it would last too long and or a few more dollars (almost twice as much) they could sell me a new mower.

I asked if they were going to empty the gas tank and check the cylinder while they had the spark plug off to make sure there was no water in either. I was told no, they did not do that and they were not going to open the motor. I understand they are not going to open the mower, but the gas tank should be emptied and how hard is it to tip the mower to make sure no water is in the motor? Maybe even put some dry gas in there to make sure. They are not mechanics, they are salesman first and parts replacers second. A mechanic would have known a few quick things would have fixed this mower.

When I decided to take the mower to a real mechanic, I was told there was a $40 diagnosis fee. You have got to be kidding me. I told you what was wrong, I told you what needed to be done and now you are going to charge me that fee. Okay, I understand there was some time invested. You charge what $70/hour for repair work, you are telling me you spent 35 minutes looking at a mower that the owner told you everything you needed to know. I think not. You are thieves!!!!!

I will work to take my business to the other honest stores in the area since this store has lost its way over the years and new generations. It is sad to see a good store go the way of other large thieving...

It is rare for me to buy elsewhere unless I need it right away and Bomberger's doesn't have it on hand... and this is also rare, (and pretty impressive,) since I get into some really weird, extremely diverse projects!

Unlike the greedy, cold box stores, I never loath the approach of a retail employee asking me if they can help me. (In the box stores, they can barely tell me IF and WHERE they stock an item, and almost never teach me something I don't already know.)

Bomberger's CLEARLY selects their staff carefully, because I have NEVER felt as though these "can I help you" questions were forced! Whether or not they do, salespeople and area specialty staff make me feel as if they have pride in what they do and who they work for.

Trust me, if you have a doubt about what you want to do and/or how it should be done, at any point on any day there will be more than one person who can get you out the door with the right stuff, and some confidence in what you're going to do.

I have shopped there during the day in my role as a Manufacturing Engineer, and on my time as a home owner and "tinkerer and creator of fantastic and elegant solutions."

They rent some tools I never would have expected them to. They have expertise that only ever existed with small hardware and general stores. I have seen multiple salespeople trying to help one customer through a complex repair. They honor their return policy. They have a fair take on buying in bulk, if your someone that needs a lot of something weird.

Fishing and hunting licenses, grilling goods that would make Hollywood jealous, quality small appliances, canning supplies, home makeover and large project departments, lawn and garden equipment, parts, maintenance and repair...

For our little local area, why make a 40-minute round trip, and deal with the ridiculous amateurs at a box store??!! I've spent hundreds there many many times, and I definitely saved money when I rolled in the price of fuel.

HIGHLY reccomend you give them your business!

12 years of continued patronage and I've not been...