Sometimes I'll go in there. And they'll exactly what I need but for the most part The problem lays when they come time to pay and you go to use a coupon for some reason.They don't apply At least not in their store I don't know if the staff just isn't knowledgeable enough to know how to apply the coupons but theoretically , it should have been a lot easier than what some of the cashiers make it out to be There's other things like it can walk into.For instance, Pete's hardware, which is an eighth branch out in Castro Valley.Let me tell you I won't get too steps inside that store.And somebody's offering to help me This particular store in Oakland on MacArthur boulevard that I'm posting this about.They won't help you unless you actually ask them I grew up in this neighborhood, and this story used to be so helpful.I don't know what happened to it I'm only going to leave two stars read more

I love Barbara. She's the most memorable person that I have to keep coming back to the garden to see. No matter what she is doing, she will stop to say hello or would go to the front, the side, the back, anywhere to help you out. Thank you! read more

Great knowledge of what I need and they are always aware of what I want and direct me in best uses .. Veterans discount too.. read more

I had a really disappointing experience at Laurel Ace Hardware today. I went in to get six standard house keys cut--nothing fancy, just your basic door keys--and was shocked when the total came out to nearly $50 with tax. That's over $7 per key, which is absolutely outrageous. What made it worse is that I had been in just a few weeks ago and was charged $3.50 per key, so I questioned the price. The woman at the register insisted it's been $7 per key since 2017, which I know isn't true based on my recent visit. I get that prices can change, but doubling the cost without any clear explanation or consistency feels incredibly dishonest. Frustrated, I left and drove just a few blocks away to Montclair Village Hardware--and I'm so glad I did. They charged me $2.75 per key for the exact same thing. The staff there were also super friendly and knowledgeable, which made the experience even better. It's clear they value their customers and don't take advantage of them. I've been supporting Laurel Ace for years, but this was enough to make me rethink that. I want to shop local, but not at the expense of fairness or transparency. I'll be going to Montclair Village Hardware from now on. They are located at 5048 Woodminster Lane, Oakland... it's about 8 minutes from the Laurel Ace.. and well worth the drive, plenty of parking and a giant free parking lot! read more

I was having a problem to locate a screw and bolt and me being a woman I brought in my entire product to try and figure out which screwdrivers I needed, and Ralph that works upstairs near tools and parts was able to help me to tighten the screws which I had at no extra cost very friendly customer service not only did he help but he showed me what the problem was giving me the knowledge to be able to tighten it on my own. Should I need to ...very customer friendly, ...very satisfied with this service... I am happy that this hard race store is located right in my neighborhood read more

This is easily the worst hardware store I've ever been to in my entire life. And, I can see by the many horrible reviews that I am not alone! Also, the worst customer service I've ever. If you call, they don't care, if you ask any questions, they don't care, if you were to fall out on the floor.. They probably wouldn't care lol. It's a shame because I gave the Ace Hardware on Grand Avenue in Oakland five stars so there's no reason for this nonsense. Whoever runs this place should be ashamed of themselves. Bad service, horrible selection, and the worst value ever. And this is my honest review and I have been living in the area for many years and every time I walk out of this madhouse I'm completely frustrated and upset with myself that I gave it another try. Do yourself a favor and skip this one. It will be sure to ruin your day. Basically, when you are there you are invisible. I think they actually try their hardest.. Not see, hear or talk to you. Have fun! Oh and another thing, I just noticed the replied with a passive aggressive post so I'm going to update my review.. I did post one post before this that got taken down and it was just too blunt & real I guess. But there was no anger at all. And now I'm just being nice and calm about this review so that it gets posted so that everyone can see the truth. Everything is butterflies and puppy dogs in the world. Looks like the owner is replying to many peoples' bad reviews & just replying with excuses. I would never use hate language. So that was not the truth. Anyways.. Make some changes then we can talk. read more

I always prefer to come here for my hardware needs and it's even better now that they expanded upstairs. This evening the employee who assisted me upstairs was exceptional. He was very patient and knowledgeable, and took the time to help me find the exact set screw that I needed even though it was a purchase that was less than a dollar. Thanks, Ace Hardware! read more

To the incredible paint man (Henry, I think that was the name on your shirt) helping a guy with several cans of old paint trying to switch them over to Benjamin more and my paint cans blowing up while shaking and getting white and yellow paint inside your shaker. I just have to say... THANK YOU!!! Thank you for being so incredibly patient and not even breaking a sweat. You totally took charge in the most amazing way. With as crazy as the world is now, it was really inspiring to watch you work with much calm and care. Laurel ACE Hardware is truly fortunate to have you as a member of their team. To the owners of the hardware store, I really hope you see this and celebrate in his success. read more

My go to hardware store when I don't feel like dealing with Home Depot. I'm always able to find what I need and the staff is really helpful. The parking lot is rather small, but there is street parking. read more

Upon reflecting I think I was probably overly harsh. I think we were all feeling the effects of the pandemic and I could have given more grace to the store. I do go back to this store when I need since it's so close, and have received helpful service since this incidence. As a small store they have some stocking issues but I'd still rather support my local store. read more

This is our go-to hardware store. Stocked well with helpful staff and helping to keep the neighborhood a good place to shop!

Went in last Sunday and asked for someone unlock the appliance case so I could buy a big fan. In 20 min I asked three times for someone to come unlock it. They were somewhat busy, so I want to extend them a little empathy, but they weren't slammed. I did not ask a fourth time, & left empty handed. Guys, you're making it hard to avoid going to cheaper & easier alternatives. read more

This place is outstanding. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff members who can always point me in the right direction for supplies and give me advice on projects. The garden department is small, but excellent. I'm so grateful to have this spot in the neighborhood. Even with the small footprint, they have everything you need for home projects, and they sell them with a smile! Recently, I was there early in the morning looking for something I needed that day for a school activity (I'm a teacher at a nearby school), and they went above and beyond to help me get what I needed! Thank you, Ace! read more

I found the staff to be unprofessional, unmotivated to help and when I spoke to a few members, I found them to be abrupt and rude. There is a nearby hardware store in woodminster where the staff is engaging and polite. I would recommend going there instead of Laurel Ace Hardware. The staff are clearly just there for a paycheck. There seems to be little care for treating customers with kindness. read more

The staff are always extremely helpful. Everything is well stocked and organized. Prices are good.

Although a good local resource in general, their stock is notably deficient in a number of areas, so, as with any hardware store, when you're in there, take a good look around to get an idea of what it is and is not good for. It also needs to be said that they do not do very well when it comes to restocking parts, fittings, etc. in a timely manner. Finally, their available- in-store inventory as reported on the Ace Hardware website is totally unreliable. It's not just a reporting time lag; there are quite a few times when items shown as being in stock were obviously never carried--or have not been for a long time--as there is not even a place for them. So if you do not want to chance it, before going further afield, call ahead. Customer service over the phone is not always great, but not terrible. Prices are competitive. read more

Amazing customer service. The staff really go out of their way to help and are knowledgeable. I had ordered something online for my garden and was having trouble to assemble it. I brought it into the site, thinking I needed a different sort of wrench or screws. They not only helped me find the correct wrench, but they also kindly assembled it for me. It took about 15 mins to do. I was very appreciative since would have struggled to get this done on my own, even with the correct tool. Thank you so much!!! read more

Plant abuse! I live in the neighborhood and I always find their garden section to be dead and not cared for. So I end up not buying any plants from them. As a plant lover and collector I value the essence of the plants and how they are being treated. Recently I went to the store and saw a sign outside saying something like new garden section. On top of everything most of the plants do not have pricing which makes supporting the local store and buy plants. I mentioned it to one of their employees that why there are plants with no presence of the price tags (which is fair to the plant so they will be have a higher chance getting a new home) they said it's the last thing they need to worry about is checking on the plants. read more

Ordered a pvc drainage pipe online and this was the closest store for delivery for me but still a drive...the pipe was clearly damaged and you'd expect they'd have called and made mention of that..nope...had them reorder after driving all the way there and the second one came also damaged..not their fault I think but I had to call them when they day it arrived they could have reached out to me ....I had to call them and all I got was "we're busy" and "sorry" no resolve...Yvonne was the employee...no thanks read more

Very friendly and helpful staff, i had to replace and upgrade some tiny screws that are stripped, which are not easy to find without the correct size, but the staff here is able to help me out, and just for under 4 bucks, i got them replaced by better quality ones and a tool for it. 100 stars for them read more

Laurel Ace Hardware - These little guys are not easy to find, but they have it here - Hardware Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

This is my local Ace Hardware, and I've been coming here a lot this year throughout the pandemic. It feels good to support these guys because it's not a huge chain like Home Depot or Lowes. This particular Ace is small, so they just don't have enough space for everything you may need. If in doubt, maybe call in advance to see if they have what you're looking for! For example, I was looking for firewood the other day and had to go to the Grand Lake Ace - I only saw fire starters at this Ace. Throughout this year, I've gotten such a variety of things from here, such as: different plants in their outdoor garden center, soil, pots, watering cans, sand paper, nails, hex keys, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, paint brushes/supplies, a fireplace screen, and even a countertop Christmas tree! The place is small and the aisles narrow, so sometimes it's hard to get by without having to walk next to someone. I think one note for improvement may be to cap how many people are let into the store. As much as I would hate a line outside, I think that would be best for people's safety inside! They are often busy and feel a little understaffed. Regardless, the staff has always been friendly to me and ask me if I need help while I'm shopping. I definitely appreciate that. Some call outs that come to mind are an older, white woman with glasses and a Filipino man. I don't recall their names but they've always been kind and helpful! Side note, I do not recommend the online ordering experience here. During the summer, I had issues with my order never coming and items coming at different times - basically slowing me and my projects down lol. You could get things quicker by shopping in-person. Finally, I'm subscribed to their rewards program and it's the best! Highly recommend joining. I get coupons both in the mail and on their mobile app. It's easy to accumulate $5 rewards that can be applied toward your purchase! Yes, get those savings, ya'll!!! read more

Had to come grab a few parts yesterday for a plumbing job nearby. Found the needed parts. Someone helped me obtain a few items. Thank you. Miki was my cashier. She was great. I appreciate her customer service and smile, while checking out. Her computer malfunction. She asked for help from her coworkers. They came. They helped. Transitioned registers. Heckled out and got my items. Thanks, Miki. Always a great place here at Laurel Ace Hardware. My go to local hardware store whenever I'm near. I recommend this place for all your home's house repairs. read more

Laurel Ace Hardware - Front entrance of Laurel Ace Hardware in Oakland. - Hardware Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

The Laurel Ace Hardware Store itself rates 5/5. The outdoor garden center rates 1/5 because they don't take adequate care of the plants and there are many diseased and sad plants. It's obvious which plants have just been delivered - they look fine. Those are mixed in with many sad plants that suffer from dieback, disease, wilt, and pests. It's better to just drive a bit more to Grand Lake Ace Garden Center where the selection is much better, the plants are all well cared for, professional advice is readily available, and you can expect the plants to do much better in your home! read more

Laurel is my neighborhood Ace. A few years ago they were bought by the owner of the Grand Ace which was a huge improvement. An entire floor of the building was opened to expand the merchandise selection. It is still an Ace so some products are more expensive than other places but the service often is knowledgeable. read more

I make it a point to shop at local stores. The Laurel has made such an amazing transformation since I moved here a couple of years ago, so I really enjoy strolling down to MacArthur and running my errands there. Unfortunately, ACE constantly fails to make me want to go back. I always DO come back, because it is convenient and... well... local. But the last couple of visits made it hard to find it in me to not look for a different hardware store to bring my business to. So, recently I stopped by to get some keys cut. I went in the back to the key counter, the older gentleman who was working there acknowledged my presence and asked over his headset for somebody to stop by to help me, since he was working on something at the key machine. Crickets. I think he asked three times. Nobody came. When finally a guy came, he asked the woman standing behind me whether he could help her. She was surprised and told him that she was being helped but that I had been waiting quite a while. He turned around, looked me up and down and left. Huh? I waited 15 minutes and then left as well, because I had an appointment that I didn't want to be late to. I told my husband about my strange encounter and he was like "Oh come on, that wasn't intentional. Probably just miscommunication". I was sure I hadn't misunderstood. But you know how it is. I started doubting myself and today I tried again. I went to the key counter, the guy who had left me standing there last time was behind it and this time he didn't have an excuse to just leave. I gave him my two keys, told him I wanted 5 sets and asked him a couple of questions. Not rocket science, mind you. Just the usual stuff... "how much is a key", "how long will it take", "should I come back later"? He murmured something, I asked again, still trying to be polite. He looked at me like I was an idiot. Great. I finally found out that he could cut them right away and told him I would go next door to the grocery store and be back in 5 minutes. He ignored me. When I came back, there were two more people in front of the counter. He was cutting keys. I went to the front of the counter, because I had been there before. He gave the first lady in line her keys, looked at me and then asked the next lady in line, what he could help her with. That's when I cut in (which understandably earned me the stink eye from the lady being helped) and asked about my keys. He gave me a bag with my keys. No word. I don't think I misunderstood. When I came home and tried the keys, I had 4 of one kind and 6 of the other. So much for 5 sets. The girl at the counter told me to keep my receipt for the keys "just in case". They were 2 bucks 50 each, I definitely won't bring them back and be uncomfortable again. read more

I love this hardware store! Christina and all the staff there are awesome, super helpful and stand behind their work. If you ever need window screens done that is the spot. read more

Called to ask for a specific type of wrench and was asked to be put on hold so they can get someone who knows to check for me. 15 mins. Nothing. Hang up to call back. Repeat and rinse cycle. Another 15 mins nothing. Drove there to check......didn't have it and all the guy did was press a button on his computer.... Horrible customer service. read more

with VERY few exceptions, this is my first stop for all my hardware, gardening and painting needs. the associates are friendly, but efficient, knowledgeable but not intimidating and I always leave with a little something extra about the project I am doing at home. yes, it gets busy, and when we are in a hurry, it seems as if help is not as easy to find as we'd like it...but I've been shopping here for over 9 years now, and its an exception, not the rule. during the recent rains, my house looked like it was going to flood, I needed an an easy in easy out experience to give myself enough time to sandbag using big bags of potting soil and painting tarps...I shared the sense of urgency to the cashier when I arrived and she and another associate went to work checking inventory, ringing me up, and securing help from the garden center to help load. THANK YOU!! I cannot remember their names name, or the guy who helped me load (despite me asking them, and repeating their names, so that I could do a shout out here and to their manager). I was able to get home in time to get the protective barrier in place before the water came to my door step. Store Manager, please DM here if possible, I would be happy to share the time I was in on Sunday, or what I purchased so that you could share the recognition and its impact. read more

This is a really great store in the neighborhood with helpful and friendly staff. They always have what we need. Have been in here for many purchases, and have had a positive experience each time. read more

I just came across my old bad review, and the note about new management - and I wanted to say that I have started shopping here again, and it's a great place. Very knowledgeable and helpful staff. Thanks to everyone on the team. read more

Let's see if their Mgmt responds... ACE are privately owned stores and they set their own prices. If you shop at ACE, you know they're expensive. Some of their stuff is DOUBLE compared to Home Depot. I'm willing to pay a little more for convenience AND service, but you can't be overpriced and suck at service. I went there today to buy some butane and a torch nozzle. No matter who you ask for help, people there make it seem you're bothering them. I go upstairs to get the butane torch and the only one they had was a self-lighting one for almost $60. WTF? I asked if they had the basic one - the one you screw on the canister, turn the dial, light and go. The employee looked at me kind of strange like I was speaking Klingon. I said, "I'm looking for the device that you use to caramelize crème brûlée or sear/char meat." "Well, I don't know... I don't eat charred meat." "Um, I didn't ask you if you ate charred meat, I asked you if you knew what it was used for." "Yeah." "Right." Why does everyone have to be a smart A$$? They didn't have what I needed. Maybe Markus Hardware ACE or the one on Grand Avenue tomorrow. ACE Laurel, you're like a hooker, good for convenience, but you stink. read more

I like to keep updating these reviews to keep them current. These guys are still my go-to for most of my hardware needs. Ralph is just the man! He knows EVERYTHING about this business and is always happy to help. William, while new, is always more than happy to help and if he doesn't know something, he asks or goes and actually looks for stuff. Great addition to the team! Last but not least, I want to thank Kristopher for his help the other day. I just had surgery so I can't lift anything right now. I needed a few bags of potting soil so I asked Kristopher if I could borrow one of the carts to transport the bags through the store and to my car. He told me just to snap and pic of the barcode and take it to the cashier and he would meet me at my car with the soil. Kristopher met me at my car with the soil and loaded it up for me with a smile. While he said that they are happy to do this for anyone, the fact is that they were very busy at the time and he didn't have to say or do anything to help me, but he did anyways. I've had a couple of experiences with less than helpful former staff members, so I was really impressed that he just dropped everything to help me. You don't get service like that often these day, but that's what keeps me going there every other day! Keep up the great hiring! read more

Worst customer service ! Order said same day pick up, but arrived a week later. Tried to call and they hung up on me. . Even though advertised curbside pickup , actually unavailable since phone no longer working. When arrived loaded my car , however when I got home realized they loaded my car with the wrong product ( cheaper version). If there was one issue it wouldn't be a big deal. This many issues in a row means there is a problem. Hope they take care of it ! read more

Went in last night at about 5:52pm, I knew they were closing soon but desperately needed a furniture screw. I rushed to the back and a male employee literally yelled at me "MA'AM, YOU REALIZE THAT WE ARE CLOSING IN 3 MINS?"...I acknowledged, let him know that I only needed one screw and if he could quickly help me, I'd be out. He flat out said "NO", when I asked if he was serious, he said "YES"...it was shocking, almost harassing to be spoken to so harshly. He told me if I wanted to run upstairs and figure it out myself in 2 mins, I could, so I did. Fortunately, a nice employee upstairs helped me just in time. The same employee that yelled at me, came running upstairs as the other employee was writing down the price of my screw in the bag. He yelled again and said "WE ARE CLOSING NOW", the upstairs employee even told him that I was on my way out as the irate employee had security following him! I was checked out the store by 6:03pm as there was a short line at the check out (receipt pic attached with timestamp included, they closed at 6)...all other employees were extremely polite and nice there...even offered me a free mug, just not sure why one kept going out of his way to treat me like dirt. Hoping that he gets some training in customer service and basic manners. In addition, if there is a hard stop at 6pm sharp, they should lock the doors and not let customers in earlier to prevent other poor customer experiences. read more

Laurel Ace Hardware - Receipt to show time stamp...I was out by 6:03pm but literally chased out and yelled at by a rude employee as they closed at 6. - Hardware Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

Ordered a set of screwdrivers online from Ace Hardware for store pickup. The nearest store to my house with availability was Laurel Ace. After placing the order, I received an email the next day for pickup. Laurel Ace is on MacArthur Blvd, three blocks north of High St. in the Laurel District in East Oakland. This was my first time in this neighborhood of businesses. The store has a parking lot which makes it convenient for customers. The customer service /online order desk is located in the back of the store. I handed the clerk my pickup email and he retrieved my order. He then tried to process my pickup on the computer, but it appeared to have issues. He called Kay who then came and tried to checkout my order, but the computer didn't want to cooperate. She then walked me up to one of the registers in front and successfully processed my pickup and I was on my way. So I had a good experience with my online purchase with in-store pickup. It would have been perfectly smooth if the computer at the online order desk didn't have issues. Service was friendly and parking is a plus. read more

Laurel Ace Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

Staff is always friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Today, Anne was a wonderful help in paints even though she says that's not even her expertise read more

Been going here for 32 years, generally a great hardware store, now with new management. Two things have changed. No more individual items, like nails by the pound. Everything is packaged and shrink wrapped, impossible to check fit. Even more crowded. Today I went in and was shocked to see a long line with almost no attention paid to social distancing. People were three feet apart, if that. It's management's job to stop that from happening, and they are falling down. read more

Great little store. Helpful staff. Have an upstairs too with more stuff. They don't have it all but it's still great location to pick up a few things read more

Half an hour wait to pickup an order (4 lightbulbs) as there is one staff person assigned to pre-orders -- even though there are other free staff. Order wasn't rStaff is clearly doing the best they can. My question is: whose managing? Distancing? Not so much. $80 for a box of knock off masks. Ouch. Grateful to hear back from the owner and not taking into account the Pandemic isn't fair. And please put someone at the door to monitor the number of bodies in the store :-) as I wasn't the only customer who noticed that the cue to pay would fill up the store. Glad to hear about the masks. read more

I want to love this store. I really do. I've been in the area for 30 years. I own rental properties, a property management firm and work with a lot of contractors. I thought when they changed hands awhile back and reworked the design of the store, we were on the right track! Wrong. I know it's very hard to find and keep good employees, but the majority of the employees there right now seem to not care about their job. Their answers are truly unhelpful and they don't seem to want to try to find the answer some other way. Example: I've gone there twice now to get screens made. The first time, 30 days had gone by and NO phone call that they were ready. I stop by a few days later as they promised it would be ready. Turns out they did the screen totally wrong. The frame was completely bent (from someone trying to pry it off the window) yet they replaced the screen material which was still in stellar condition. Wtf? I was willing to give them one more chance. I decided to give myself a month this time. Just walked in today to check on status after 12 days -- employee at back area says, "They aren't ready yet." Me: "Okay, when will they be ready?" Him: "I don't know. They are in the middle of the pile." Me: "What does that mean?" Him: "I don't know. You'll have to ask Garrett. But he's clocked out for the day." Me: sigh. My screens are currently being held hostage, so I have to keep working with them but after this, I'm done. I am a fan of Montclair Hardware up in Woodminster. So much better!!!!' read more