Got additional supplies for my plant project at my neighbors store "Brownies Hardware". All the associates are so helpful in getting what you need. They immediately greet you the moment you walk in the door. The store is so clean and organize. Great prices and It is a must shop place. read more

Brownies Ace Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

I went into return a small 1 gallon bucket. They would not accept my return because it had a little dust in it. I asked them what are the odds that their inventory comes in spotless anyways. They had no interest in hearing the logic and would not debate it. Hardware stores especially should have a more personable attitude when it comes to dealing with customers, and these guys were robotic and rude. Plus all their inventory is cheap junk, they're just begging to be replaced by e-commerce at this point. read more

I just had to update this review to let the staff here know how great of a job they're doing. I consider this place the best hardware store in the lower pacific heights, nob hill, or polk street area bar-none. I bought many things here that I couldn't find elsewhere and this place has the best prices, noticeably cheaper than other hardware stores in the area. I've always been happy with my purchases. Yesterday, I bought a kitchen sink strainer and bought the wrong size and type. So today, I went back and was able to find an even better kitchen sink strainer and was able to replace this in an exchange. The clerk told me since it was opened they wouldn't be able to resell it anymore and still processed the exchange. This is the reason why I come here and give this place 5 Stars because they GENUINELY deserve 5 stars. The workers are so friendly and nice. I noticed recent 1 star reviews for this business. One poster said she bought hardware stuff on sale around Christmas and failed to pick it up. The things were returned into stock and she goes there and asks them to honor the sale prices when she got them at a Christmas sale. She goes on to complain that they don't have good customer service or she felt they were giving her an attitude. If I were the employees there I would be giving her attitude too for wasting their time repeatedly with her unreasonable requests. I LOVE THIS PLACE, PLEASE STAY OPEN FOREVER AND EVER !!! read more

I live close by and come in here often for those one of a kind items. was in a few days ago and was short a few cents. Jokingly the cashier says just bring it in next time you are here. So i come back...wait for the cashier that helped me (AJ) he is helping another customer...walks towards me and i hold out the change i owe him (8 cents lol) He YELLS at me that he is helping someone else...i explain why i am there and he YELLS again "just put it on the counter" Which i did....then left...totally embarrassed and pissed. Dude. i hope you took the 8 cents and rammed it. read more

If u spent time in San Francisco ..depends on your age group ..May have noticed these indie hardware stores that the city used and designed by world war I or ii ...these indie hardware pop up shops ..funny and fun ..not a toy store but kids have to learn how to use hardware stores ...not really fun ...not an art supply store either ..hard lessons ..San Francisco hardware indie shop . ...not home depot ..ace hardware? Why not read more

They have a lot of everyday things you might need and the customer service is amazing. The other night I showed up at 6:00 PM, right when they were closing to pick up some dishwasher pods. I turned around to leave realizing I was too late and a nice gentleman came running after me and told me if it was a quick purchase, they would happily let me shop. How sweet! Can't find this kind of customer service any more. I cancelled my Amazon prime a while ago - If you're in the area, skip Amazon and shop at Brownie's. read more

I had the most insanely horrible customer service experience with Brownies. I ordered 2 drills as Christmas presents a few weeks ago- I have been traveling and stressed, and forgot to pick them up until I got an order cancellation notice today. I called ace to see if they happened to still have the items in stock and if they by chance would honor the price. I shared that it was completely my fault, and I had forgotten- an honest mistake. The man - in the most aggressive tone- shared with me several times that they had "sat there for ten days" and I better come in and pick them up fast or he would send them back again. I said I would check to see if the price was still honored online and then re-purchase, but no problem if not. I re-purchased, and went to pick them up this evening. My husband ran in to grab them- receipt in hand- and the man yet again berated my husband for "making his wife do his dirty work" and then wouldn't give him the drills because I wasn't physically present (we have the same last name and address on our IDs). The cashier was fully power tripping and general an asshole for no reason. so much so- I felt compelled to write this review. Do not go there- horrible customer service and just bad attitude. Not worth the stress! read more

AJ helped me out with 5 gallon buckets and showed me a lid that fits perfectly and can be reused many times without replacing because of wear and tear. Thanks AJ, you rock! read more

Ace hardware store that does not honor Craftsman lifetime warranty on tools. Lowe's and Ace are both supposed to do this but this store does not. Will have to go to Lowe's instead read more

Don't go there profile for stealing show me the wrong part twice and short change to me and at the end of the day he refused service and may have seen him from the whole store read more

Brownies Ace Hardware - My motor that doesn't run because he didn't sell me the right fuel line fitting - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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3 clerks were too cool for school with the passé attitudes of people above it all i chilled on Brownies for years came through for a metal cutting tool BM assistant with dreadlocks was remote, unfriendly and paranoid he walked the purchase to the counter too stern even though I was probably the only customer. whatever. I'm a BW maybe he thought I was a shoplifter even though I was friendly & look middle class-whatever as the WM rang me up the BM had a hostile vibe, standing behind me to the side WM cashier too busy chatting with another BM clerk to thank me for my 17 dollar purchase. I get it you don't like black women and you're over your job. If you come this far, go to Cole Hardware, they have a standard, where they treat all customers the same, with respect. read more

This is a long overdue review, and felt compelled today. Tim and Varb (sp?) were great today. I needed a new battery for my old car key fob. They didn't have it so came back with it and installed it for free (side note: it's a PITA design). Add to that, the store has treats for my doggie! Everyone there is always nice and helpful. Nice, neighborhood hardware store when you need it :) read more

I went there because I thought they might have a specialty tool and would offer good customer service. They didn't have the tool and although polite and professional, neither did they offer any greater knowledge than the high schoolers that work at the big stores. I did buy a couple tools, which I did not end up using and cost twice++ the price I'd pay anywhere else. As I never used the tools or unpacked them, I went back to return them with receipt in hand. It was at that time they told me they do not accept returned tools, (they failed to mention this at time of purchase). After 15 minutes of speaking to a manager, reviewing their policy again and again, carefully inspecting the packaging they finally accepted my return. Okay, I was able to return my items but, did we need all the theatrics. It doesn't make me want to shop there again @2x the price. read more

This neighborhood hardware store has a friendly and knowledgeable staff and a great selection of products.

This is my neighborhood store. The staff is super helpful and kind. I cannot thank Lee and E enough for helping me. I needed to get a measuring tape. It was out of stock. Lee was gracious to look up availability and then help order for me. E helped check me out with another transaction. read more

Not so "friendly" neighborhood store. Service was a little patronizing, rude, and reluctant.

It's hit or miss, but mostly a miss! I've been to Brownies and sometimes I get help from a nice hardware worker and I encounter a pleasant cashier! This is good but I mostly, experience the bad. Around June 2020: I went to the store to get some items and looked up because Brownies has lots of things on shelves. As I scanned the shelves, a worker asked if I needed any help. It's odd because he says it in a rude tone. I said, "Oh, no thank you." and keep looking. He again asks me if I need help. I said, "No, thank you, I'm just looking". Then he asks me WHY am I looking if I don't need any help. What? Really? I tell him, "I'm just looking around". He then says, "But it looks like you're looking for something. Do you need help?" WTF? I can't look up? I can't look around? I tell him, "I want to see what else the store has, that's all". He again asked, "Yeah, so do you need help?" At this point I walk away and get what I came there for. Dang, dude, leave me alone! read more

I run errands for the Warfield on a $1500 micro escooter. No, I'm not going to leave it by the front door. I agreed to carry it with me but was refused entry. I wish them luck but if you're looking for customer service, go somewhere else. read more

I don't know how to fix it. I don't have a Mr. Fix It. Therefore, I go to Brownies. Today, for example, I had copies of keys made, I bought shears to cut upholstery fabric, got a stapler and staples to DIY some projects to freshen up my rent-controlled apartment and figured out how to connect my CL portable dishwasher to my sink. I left with gadgets and most importantly - answers - for everything I needed, for about $40. I've been shopping Brownies for a very long time. I happily drive across town- they're worth it. read more

I placed a large order a few days ago online and they just cancelled it without contacting me. I won't be refunded for 7-10 days now. Don't support this place total waste of time and money. read more

Brownies Ace Hardware - Cancellation - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Extremely poor customer service. They would not honor a promotion for which I had a copy to show them. I had shopped there off and on for years, but no more. So I walked a few blocks away to another Ace Hardware affiliated store, got my item, with the discount, and left a very happy customer. Brownies lost me, and with their terribly uncompromising attitude, I encourage others to look elsewhere. We, as consumers, have a choice you know. read more

Poor customer service. Went in for a chrome sink trap J-Bend pipe, heavy guy shows me it on a shelf. Says it's ~$18. I see it here for $7.75: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Eastman-1-1-2-in-Sink-Trap-J-Bend-Chrome-35112/205807800. Brought to counter, blonde thinner guy with glasses, tall, kind of intense, says it's $26. He checks, that's supposedly the real price. Kind of high. He then says, "you want it or not?" I tell him I'll check if I'm getting reimbursed, and decline. Rudely, he says "see you later". Poor customer service. Idea: train staff. Have secret shoppers to confirm. read more

I came in today to buy several items for a friend and when it was all ring up, came to about $90 and I had to take a picture of the total and send to my friend so he could send me the funds through venmo. There was 2 people behind me but really it was one customer behind me and the other was an overweight balding inpatient and very rude employee who told the very boring and rude cashier to not wait the 20 seconds and make me stand aside so he could ring up the one real customer behind me. By the time i took two steps my friend sent the money and was ready to pay the almost $100 in over priced merchandise that is not returnable which is too bad because now that I think about it, I should've just taken it all back because that employee was ridiculous. Wrong for doing that and has zero understanding of basic good business customer service, and no clue on customer value, respect, courtesy, and, now I get to tell everybody I know about this experience and how shitty brownies Hardware is and who not ever go there because they treat people like shit even if you're spending event Franklin. Staff at this place except for one guy all are miserable, gross, ugly people. read more

This review is titled "For Want Of A Penny" I had recently bought a $130. worth of paint and supplies at Brownie's. Things went alright until they didn't... A fewd ays later, I returned to by a small item which came to $6.51. Not wanting to use a CC or debit card, I tried to pay in cash. I was short 1 cent. The cashier, the same one who'd sold me the paint, would not accept $6.50. He adamantly shook his head "no", he didn't offer to look for a spare penny in his pocket even. I didn't make the purchase, I bought he item elsewhere. I was pretty stunned that being short one cent prevented the clerk from making the sale. Now, I'm a reasonable person, and realize that if Brownie's gave everyone short a penny a discount they might go bankrupt in a few years, but the clerk's attitude was unreasonablly rude I thought. Well, revenge IS best served cold. The next day, I bought anothet $250. worth of paint and supplies at another - better- hardware store. So, one cent ended up costing Brownie's $250.00...Haven't been back. read more

Years ago when I moved to Nob Hill from the Richmond I was super excited to live right near such a great hardware store as Brownies where I could find everything I needed, from housewares, to automotive repair items, to camping equipment, and holiday decor, and, of course, hardware. And such a knowledgeable and friendly staff. Moving back to the area recently from across town, I was thrilled to go back to Brownies. That's why it's with such a heavy heart that I actually created this Yelp account just to make this one review. I understand that everyone is having a hard time right now with the current situation, doing the best that the can, and I'm totally on board with that. I have done my best to support local small businesses which are suffering at this time, while also maintaining social distance to stop the spread. But what happened when I was in the store just now is totally unacceptable. And I'm sad to report that it's not the first time I've encountered this particular employee being rude and dismissive of customers. There are several other hardware stores that are closer to me, but because of my positive association with Brownies, and wanting to support the remaining legacy businesses in San Francisco, I've never considered going to the others. Sadly, that will not be the case after today. I was in the store, as I often am, when an unhoused person came in, walked down the aisle I was in, and started talking to me. I'm not an unkind person, so I responded to him. That's when this particular employee that I've had hit or miss interactions with before came around the corner and told him to leave. Fine, I live downtown and I get that dealing with non-paying people who create havoc is draining. Especially if they are unmasked. But its what happened next that upset me. The employee then did a quick once over of ME, looking me up and down like I was dirt, said "Are you with him?" And when I said "No" he continued on and said "We can't have him in here unmasked." - "I'm not with him." I said, in shock, like, seriously, how many times did I have to say I wasn't with him? Plus I had a basket with stuff in it and have been a customer for years. I know I wasn't dressed up and had my hair in a messy top bun and was wearing an oversized hoodie & jeans, but OMG! So rude! I was so offended. Then instead of apologizing or acknowledging his error, he just snapped his head around and walked off like I was bothering him. I was wearing a mask, so what did the homeless man being unmasked have to do with me? I expected an apology but instead got a dirty look. Needless to say, this interaction ruined my day. Also, if this is how they treat the unhoused (assuming he clocked me as homeless, which I've never been accused of being before, but OK) why do I want to frequent this business? I get that dealing with the public during a global pandemic is stressful, especially when people are just wandering in unmasked. But why take that out on paying customers who ARE complying and behaving? And if they are so distraught over homeless people wandering in unmasked, perhaps offer them a mask instead of yelling at paying customers and accusing us of "being with (them)." There are a lot of great local hardware stores where I can take my business. Like Cole Hardware, or Discount Builders Supply. This isn't even the first time I've been offended by this same employee. He acts like he's working at some high end clothing store and not a hardware store. Was Armani Exchange not hiring? I didn't realize I had to put on a tiara and ball gown every time I wanted to go pick up some odds and ends I needed. My bad. There are ways to talk to people in a respectful manner that gets a better result, and then there's the way this man spoke to me and the homeless unmasked man he intended to chase out today, and this is not it. Plus, if I'm being honest, they haven't had several items that I've needed the last few times I've gone in there and I ended up having to go elsewhere anyway. So why waste your time in this store where you get insulted, don't find what you need, and if you do it's super overpriced. I miss the old Brownies of yore, but this ain't it. It's not worth being insulted and having my entire afternoon ruined to go get some stuff I can get at Nob Hill Hardware without being insulted. I'm sure Brownies will never see this review and doesn't care. But I really hope they get it together and re-train this particular employee in customer service. Good luck to them in the future. read more

Great customer service from AJ and Liam. Both employees were very friendly and efficiently handled answering questions and phones while directing customers through the store. Parts of the city have become so reckless with crime, I'm glad this location has been able to stay open and staffed through the pandemic. They both deserve raises! read more

It's so nice to have a local small hardware (not big box) store in my neighborhood. The staff is always helpful, knowledgeable and very friendly. They have everything I need when in a pinch. Prices are very competitive. Store is always stocked and clean. Thank you for all our help. read more

Shout out to AJ who saved the day for me with a mailbox key. I got 2 copies from another hardware store that didn't work. And 1 from ACE that didn't work. Then he did a copy and thank goodness coz I was tired walking back and forth and could not wait until a weekday to try somewhere else coz I was going out of town. I needed it now and AJ delivered since he was trained as a locksmith too. Brownie's over the years has always helped and they go above and beyond. It's a neighborhood gem, go support this local store read more

I came in yesterday with a pair of antlers I had bought a few years ago--Spencer spent over an hour with me figuring out how to get them mounted to my wall--cutting the wood for me, teaching me how to get the project done, and setting me up with everything I needed. Can't speak highly enough of the customer service and how happy I am with the end product!! read more

Brownies Ace Hardware - Thanks to Spencer for helping me mount my antlers!! Couldn't have done it without you - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

I just want to say that Brownies has been my local hardware store for 10+ years, and they easily offer everything that I need. I think it's super important to support local businesses and there's a reason why they are better than Amazon and the big boxes. At Amazon you don't speak to anyone (if you don't like something and can't get it returned, you're screwed plus what's your 1 bad review in the midst of thousands of other reviews which may not take your point of view) and who really wants to drive 10+ miles away for something so simple when all you need is one thing and you can get it quickly. Plus, the owner and staff are real people you can speak to. And since they are real people, they have good and bad days (let's be real, who's perfect, nobody is charming everyday at work, I'm sure you aren't either). And if you have people coming in all the time and shopping in that cramped place, you can't be super chipper all day, every hour, minute and second. After 10 minutes inside, I, myself, start to get claustrophobia. Thanks for all you do and how you've handled your business during COVID shows how much you're an asset to the neighborhood. read more

I needed a new toilet seat. Because I wasn't sure of the size, round or elongated I brought the plush seat with me. The store was almost empty. The cashier (the boss) started to help me and then decided to have a conversation with an other clerk. When I asked him if he could continue to be with me, his response was : I'm multi tasking. WTF? Then he went on and on assuring me I needed a round size, not listening to me and basically treating me like a complete idiot. I had my doubts since my toilet seat looked elongated to me so I decided to postpone my purchase. I went home, took the old toilet seat apart and brought it to the store. Sure enough, I needed an elongated toilet seat ! The guy saw his mistake but refused to serve me and passed me to another clerk. Awful service. The store is good if you know for sure what you're looking for, but don't go there with questions, then it's hit or miss! read more

The people who work there are rude and insolent. I had not been there for years until about six months ago so I thought I would give them a try again. The manager, or at least he said he was the manager, was angry and rude. This was before Covid-19 by the way. I bought a rather expensive item there anyway but vowed to not return. Six months later I stopped in mainly because it was on my way to where I was going. They were rude, nasty people who have no interest in customer service, much less retaining customers. Some people visit stores on Polk Street because they think it's the place to be. It isn't. There are many other services on and around the Lower Polk neighborhood that are more suitable. I will not visit this hardware store at Polk and Sacramento again. I would give this a zero star rating if Yelp would allow it. read more

I never thought I would be this excited about a hardware store but I love this place. Victor specifically is so knowledgable and helpful. They help me find whatever I am looking for, they make keys and they keep dog treats at the front desk - bonus! Love this local store and highly recommend stopping in for any hardware needs. read more

I feel like I've been throwing a lot of 5-star reviews around lately and I think I know part of the reason: My recent apartment hunt and subsequent signing of a lease on a new place have made me feel like I'm in the middle of a second honeymoon with San Francisco. Like I've renewed my vows and am feeling the excitement of new love all over again. I've even found myself wandering around like a tourist sometimes and spying things I'd never noticed before. Another reason is that I've been experiencing improved customer service just about everywhere I go. Perhaps the economy has prompted businesses to up their service standards? Well, when it comes to Brownies, the service has ALWAYS been there. I've been spending more time and dollars there than ever these days, getting my new apartment spruced up, and every time I enter I am reminded of what a terrific little store it is. Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable staff, comprehensive inventory and fair prices. If I were to list 10 places that embody "San Francisco" for me, Brownies would be near the top of the list. Support your local small businesses! read more

The thing that sticks out to me about this place is everyone is eerily nice. Like, every clerk was nice not only to customers but to each other. And the tone this sets means the customers are more relaxed and nicer, too. Amazing what kindness can do! Generally I love neighborhood hardware stores because they have a good stock of housewares and regular hardware goods. In this case I also overheard multiple clerks welcome returning customers to the store by name, thank each other for help with tasks, and compliment one another for good work or ideas. If this store were in my neighborhood I'm sure I'd be one of those returning customers (or apply for a job!) myself. read more

Love this place. You're actually talking to real people, versus Home Depot or Lowe's robots who follows everything by the book. You don't get the same great quality of customer service from a small business than from big corporations. You would think - they are big corporations where most of their customers are contractors, that they know the basic principles of "get it done" but you end up people constantly have to ask their supervisor whether its worth helping the customer or not. So I would highly recommend to shop small businesses because they are very understandable, knowing most of their clients live in an apartment and they're willing to cut the pipe in any length for you. Compared to Home Depot who requires you to purchase longer pipes regardless whether you need it or not, just for them to cut it. read more

They were the only store that sold Ball mason jars. Apparently everyone is pickling nowadays.

There has only been one occasion where they haven't had what I was looking for. And it was only because they happened to be out of stock that day. Otherwise, they always have a great selection! I've also gotten many keys copied here & always have had great service & never any problems with the key copies :) read more

Brownies is a neighborhood gem. I have a business nearby and we always get the help we need from the friendly, caring staff. Everyone that works here is great. And, they love my dog Rocco. They always offer doggie treats - even if Rocco is too boujie to eat mere dog treats. Running a business on Polk street can be a bit tough at times. Myself, and my business, People's Barber, support Brownies hardware 100%. P.S. If you find something a couple bucks cheaper at Home Depot, go to Emeryville! I like to support my neighbors. read more

Really helpful, kind staff who are eager to help resolve any issue! Especially appreciated in times like these :)