In a world that provides very little service anymore I was pleasantly surprised going in here today. I had several devices that needed batteries. One was a garage door opener. One was a key fob and one was a tile which is a key finder. I did not know what batteries I needed. They were not only nice enough to open the devices up and see what batteries I needed. They walked up front and retrieved the batteries that I needed, and when I told them I did not know how to put them in. They took each device and put them in . And did it all efficiently too! Thank you!!!!! If I could give 10 stars, I would everybody else should model this business right here read more

This used to be my favorite Ace store when I had reason to be in the area. Now, I don't get here often, and the construction on Butterfield really encourages one to AVOID the area. This place was hopping today. One entire row of the parking lot and part of another are now dedicated to dirt, mulch, and other yard products. That makes the parking lot even more of a hazard than normal. I picked up a couple items and was on my way. Fortunately I did not need assistance because it looked like that wasn't going to happen anytime soon. read more

Just wanna let everybody know that this store is pet friendly. You just have to have your pet on a leash or in a cart

I love this place . They have a lot of staff. Karen in paint is super nice and goes out of her way

This is my favorite hardware store. It's clean, bright, well organized and the staff are incredibly helpful in person and on the phone. I always find what I need and often find a few things I didn't know I needed! I always feel confident with the advice given or products recommended by staff. I'm never made to feel stupid because of my lack of knowledge or experience, but rather I'm treated with respect and provided with useful information. This is not the closest Ace (or hardware store) to my home, but I drive out of my way to come here. Shares driveway access with Outback Steakhouse. Easy parking. read more

First the place is in a tough to find location but let me tel you it's like finding a needle in a haystack. The available inventory and service is unbeatable. At least two people asked me if I needed help before I even got to the back of the store. I had an emergency issue mounting a bike to my car on the way out of town. I had the pleasure of meeting Andy who came up with several suggestions. The guy really saved me. Can say enough about this place. Oh and the bathroom was really clean so plus plus !! Thank you ! read more

I stopped in here a couple of times recently while working in the area and upon first entering the building, I thought I was going to be in for a 5 star experience. The store is bright and spacious, with aisles that seem to go on forever, just packed with merchandise. I got the feeling that this visit was actually going to be fun...after all, what guy (sure, girls too) doesn't love getting lost in a hardware store? Unfortunately, my optimism was about to be turned inside-out in a matter of minutes. Since my first visit here was to have paint mixed, I stepped up to the Paint Dept and saw no one working behind the counter. No big deal, there's a "Ring Bell for Service" sign, so I do just that. Four times. No one comes (and I'm within ear shot of the cashiers, but they don't bother to notify anyone on their personal intercom system, either). So I start walking, looking for someone who can help me or at least find someone to assist me in finding someone to mix my paint so I can get my can and get back to work. I have to go all the way to the back of the store before I can find one person actually working, and when I ask him if he can help, he looks like I just interrupted his Thanksgiving dinner, but at least he alerts someone on his personal intercom. I thank him and head back to the paint department. Where I wait...again. And then I wait some more, for what had to be at least ten minutes. Finally someone comes and the calibration is broken on the tinting machine. (sigh) Eventually, they got my color right, but I just waisted my whole lunch time in a hardware store and I'm not one bit happy about it. Disappointing, because like I said above, I thought this was going to be a very happy experience. Another negative point would be the very high prices. Sure, you'll probably find what you're looking for here, but you're really going to pay for it. As an example, I bought a pint of MinWax varnish the day before at Home Depot for $4.99. It's $8.99 here. Bottom line: Abundance of merchandise earns Buikema's three stars, but that's where the fun ends. read more

This has the best BBQ section. Lots of accessories for big green eggs and if you use a wood burning smoker they have full logs in a variety of wood types. read more

We can always find someone to answer questions. Large parking lot with ample spots. Easy to get in and out of. Good selection and if you watch for sales, you can get stuff for good prices. read more

Terrible management. My wife brought our Daisy Scout daughter into the store to ask if they would donate paint for the girls to paint windows for local businesses. The Manager says to her (while our 5 year old was standing there) "I've had it up to here with charity. We won't be doing that". WOW! If you don't want to donate fella, just say so in a little more professional manner. Needless to say this has all been relayed to the others at our church. As a business in our community you have a responsibility to at least be cordial and support those who put you where you are. read more

One of the worst hardware stores around. If you need paint, go somewhere else. The individual handling paint is the most condescending and rude individual imaginable. It takes a lot to frustrate me with a customer experience. However, after not being able to give accurate sizes for inventory, not matching multiple colors, and then on top of that flat out being as rude as can humanly be I will never be stepping back into this store again. There are many other stores that deserve my business and dollar and quite frankly understand that the customer shouldn't be treated like cattle. If I could give a negative score I would.......flat out awful. read more

We've always had a great experience at this store! Recently we needed to touch up paint our bathroom and couldn't remember the exact paint color so we brought in a sample from the wall and they marched it perfectly!! We have always experienced excellent customer service and the employees are willing to help us. They have a wide selection of items anything from school supplies to grills to bird feeders to tools and more. Yes, it's not as big at Home Depot but it's a great place to stop. Plus our kids LOVE the mini shopping carts here too. read more

I have always received good help from Ace's employees on Main Street, Wheaton. Employees are knowledgeable of Ace's entire store contents. Store is always clean and orderly read more

I have lived in Wheaton for over 30 years and have been to the store on East Loop Drive and Main Street many times and have always had a good experience. I am asked repeatedly on the floor by the employees if I need help. They are always helpful, courteous and polite. Many times the employees have helped me solve a problem. I like the self serve fastener area. It is great if you only need one screw or nut. At Home Depot you have to buy a half dozen screws or nuts when all you need is one. I always give the independent local stores a chance and give them support before I go to the big box stores. read more

I really like Buikema's, at least the one on North Main in Wheaton. The staff are generally helpful and the product selection is decent. The prices are typically a bit higher than at Home Depot or Lowes, but I am willing to pay more for service and to help a locally owned business like this one. Unlike Home Depot or similar stores, if I want a single screw or bolt, I can buy it here. Home Depot makes you buy a package of them--yes the price per unit is lower, but if I only need a single screw, what do I do with the extras? Like most folks, I would just throw them on my work bench and rarely, if ever, use any of the "left overs." Unfortunately, I believe the future of the "local hardware store," like Buikema's, is likely ending. Hardware store owners will likely find a better investment in most anything these days rather than the financial returns from their stores. read more

It is the second time when I had difficulty with a price mismatch between the store price tag and the price that is stored in their system. I was buying a fire extinguisher at the Buikema Ace in Wheaton and I was surprised that there was a large mismatch between the store price tag and the system price. It took the cashier and the manager 30 wasteful minutes for them to adjust the price. When they adjusted it they did not accept my $5 loyalty rebate coupon because they adjusted the price and they cannot accept 2 adjustments per transaction. I was dismayed by not being able to use my rebate coupon because I had to spend at least $20 on regular price items. I also hate Ace because most of their items are too expensive as compared to Menards and they also cheat you on the price mistakes. I don't see any value added service so they can charge expensive prices. I also don't see any diversity in their employees. I hope they reduce their prices for all their merchandise and be competitive. Otherwise, they will end up like Sears. read more

I would give this a location 5 stars however, one sales person in particualr has forced me to drop it down to 3 stars. We went to Ace Hardware to exchange some light bulbs that my husband bought for the track lighting in our kitchen. We just moved into our our new home last week so he is unfamiliar with these particular bulbs that are needed. We went up to the service desk and there was a sign that said "closed, please use register 1". Because we were in a hurry my husband asked me to stand in line at register 1 while he ran to the back to get the correct bulbs. The woman (name started with an "S") was very rude on why we didnt have the reciept and that she didnt think that I came to the register right away (assuming as though the bulbs were stolen). My husband was upset about this and told a manger that we were just looking to exchange and about the clerk's attitude. He said that he will talk to her. So we went to another check out line because I decided to pick up a few items (one item included a coke that my husband grabbed from the cooler) and didnt want to deal with her again so I check out in another line. As we are walking out the door, she accuses my husband of stealing the coke!!!! Seriously!?!? Didnt you manager just tell you about your attitude, and then you do it again 3 minutes later?!?!?! My husband was so upset that he is unsure that he even wants to shop there despite the fact that he LOVES that place. EVERYONE ELSE THERE WAS GREAT, BUT "S" SHOULD BE PUT IN THE STOCK ROOM AWAY FROM CUSTOMERS. SHE WILL SCARE THEM ALL AWAY. read more

Visit this Ace, or its sister store on Main Street, if you want to experience rude service and help that acts like you are a major annoyance in their day! The paint staff at both stores in particular is so condescending and unhelpful. I spent an hour between two stores to get paint and really truly want to keep small retailers in business but customer service drove me to Home Depot. There I was treated with respect, got my questions answered in a kind manner and got the paint I wanted. This isn't the first time I experienced such poor service but usually I say "one more try." Not after today. I'm done with Ace. read more

I am not a fan of Buikema's, I was in there one day & the manager was ripping into a older employee about sweeping up .. Really in front of customers... I asked the gal at the desk who he was & she said our jerk of a manager.. She & I both were embarrassed for the poor man .. I would have walked out without giving notice if I was that man.. So I have not gone back in there again .. :( ... read more

I rented a rug Doctor yesterday. I called to see if they rented them and checked out pricing prior to coming in. When I was on the phone asking about pricing and if they even rented them out the female sounded very young and didn't know about pricing or if hey charged more for the bigger machines (rug doctors) Overall she sounded "dumb". I feel bad for saying that but she didn't know any question that I asked. I almost didn't come here because if I'm going to deal with her checking the rug Doctor out it might take an hour. If your going to have people answering the phone at least have some knowledge about what your store offers. She also quoted me wrong when it came to the solution that I needed for the vacuum. I might come here again but only if I know exactly what I'm buying. read more

Lived in Wheaton for 47 years and always try and shop locally to support our merchants. And, I used to frequent Buikemas on N. Main st. Used to be a nice place! Then they opened Danada that was closer to my home. To make a long story short, the place has lots of inventory but the staff is the worse i have ever seen in a hardware store. And that now includes North Main as well. Hell, if I am not going to expect any customer service, I'd rather shop at Home Depot & pay lower prices! But today was the icing on the cake. Tuesday morning, store was very quiet. Went to possibly purchase two Weber products. Together totaled just under $800.00. Weber prices are the same no matter where you go so why not save the gas! Anyway, Stood in the BBQ isle for 15 minutes. One employee (young kid) walked past me, not a word didn't even look at me. Waited another 10 minutes and finally went to look for someone. Another 5 minutes and finally found the "key guy'. After asking if he could locate someone for me, the answer was " you will be lucky if anyone ever helps you over there, but I'll try ad find someone". I go back to the BBQ isle. On my way back, there was that same kid (employee) standing there in the adjoining isle, texting on his phone. I didn't say anything just to see what happens. A minute later, he walks past me again while I am standing by the grills, shoved something up on a shelf (now I know he works in that dept), pulls his phone out of his pocket and begins texting again as he walks away! No one ever did show up so I walked out of the store and went somewhere else to buy the Weber grill and Weber smoker! For me, it's back to home depot where I can find the same lack of help and poor attitudes, and save money at the same time! read more

I was always a home depot guy, but had to stop in here for a quick part because i was in a rush. They were so helpful that i just couldn't help but to keep coming back anytime i could. Ive been going to this ACE since 09 now and it is by far my favorite hardware store. I just wish they carried more products so i could give them more business. read more

I really like Buikemas the people are always happy to help you but I am giving them only 3 stars (would be 2 except they are helpful) because they do not have any accommodations for assistance. I have a broken ankle and I am on crutches, other establishments either have a motorized scooter or at least a wheel chair. They just redid their grill area but can't even accommodate those in need. At least the lawn chair is comfy while my husband has to get everything! read more

I really love this place. They always have everything I need and they are always super helpful. I love the older lady at the check out counter, she is always suoer sweet and always gets me the best discounts. I'll be a customer for life! read more

I came in and said I needed help matching some screws and bolts. Guy behind register said, (before I could finish my sentence) "I'll send someone to help you." I went to the aisle he told me to and waited. And waited. I peeked around the aisle toward the front of the store and the employees were all hanging around laughing and having a good time. Finally someone pushing a broom came by and ended up helping me (she was helpful despite the products on the shelf being very unorganized...it took a very long time for her to find what I needed). At checkout the same guy asked me if I qualified for the senior discount, which starts at age 62 (I'm 42.) He smirked when I said no. All in all it seemed that many of the employees didn't care too much about their jobs or their customers. read more

I went to Buikema's Ace Hardware because I wanted to get a key made for my car after I dropped mine and it split apart. The man who helped me (can't remember his name) ended up not being able to make a new key and thought it might be because the battery was dead. (His key reader wouldn't read my key). So, he replaced the battery for me. But the key reader still wouldn't work. So I said thanks anyway and went back out to my car. Put the key in the ignition and....nothing. Crank and crank and crank but the car wouldn't start. I ended up having to have my car towed to the dealer- which was quite a pain in the a** at 5pm on a Saturday. When the dealer called Monday to tell me what was wrong with the car, he said whoever had installed the battery put it in backwards and for some weird reason that caused the car not to start. The dealer put the battery in correctly and the car started up just fine. Now, this guy at Ace may not have realized it was going to do that, but if you do car keys regularly, you should at least know which side of the battery goes up, no? Just saying.....it was not a fun experience and I would NEVER recommend going here for a car key or battery replacement!! At least not unless you're willing to risk needing a tow and a rental car all because some idiot couldn't put in a battery correctly!! read more

My wife came out to this store for paint for a very small bathroom we were repainting so I had her go to ace. The gentleman she dealt with sold her a $50 gallon on paint and my wife wanted a faint like blue color. She gets home puts it in the wall and it's completely white, she takes the paint back and they say we can't add color to this so then my wife buys a $35 gall paint that you can add color too!! This place is way over priced and take advantage of people not knowing exactly how to do things!! I will never shop here again read more

I really like shopping at smaller hardware store like this verses the impersonal cavernous Home Depot. I find the negative comments on here disheartening. The same people who want post negative reviews are likely the same ones who are upset when the small retailers and charm leave their town or close down. As far as the charity comment, you have to realize that small businesses are constantly hit up to support every cause and charity under the sun and it is not always possible! Geez, try asking Home Depot or Lowe's for charity and navigating the corporate process for that! Also try being more appreciative of small businesses. They have families to support as well! I like this store. read more

I've been shopping here for 12 years and love the convenience and customer service. They have a nice selection of good quality stock. There are plenty of guys around to help you if you need, regardless of the time of year. It seems they make an effort to employ people with experience in home improvement projects. There are always several guys around who can give advice and clearly know what they're talking about. I think this store is as selective with their stock as they are with their people. I love having this as one of our neighborhood stores. read more

This is the WORST Ace Hardware store in the world. I went in to purchase paint, and the paint guy was on break. I asked to speak with the store manager. He told me that he knew nothing about paint. "HEY, I HAVE THOUSANDS OF ITEMS IN THIS STORE, I CAN NOT KNOW EVERYTHING." So this is the manager of your store! Why does ACE even give you a franchise. read more

So I needed a new snow blower and a family member told me I should try the ACE in Wheaton because they had good experiences there. My wife and I took that advice and went to the ACE and bought a new Toro snow blower. After we brought it home and were pulling it out of the box we noticed a large bolt and nut loose on the bottom of the box. I looked over the machine and noticed a hole for a bolt to secure the engine block but no bolt. I assumed the bolt I found went there and called Toro Customer Service for Advice. The guy was nice and told me I should take it back to ACE where I bought it and exchange it for another machine because it could be defective. So I called ACE and they told me I should do the same thing. My son and I grabbed the machine and original box and brought it back to the store as Toro and ACE told me to do. When I got there it was like they did not expect me to be there. The first guy I spoke with needed to get his manager and I had to again explain why I was there. I told him the story...showed him the bolt and explained that Toro and someone from ACE told me to bring it back in. I had not even used the machine. It was brand new. He told me it was probably an extra bolt that fell in the box during shipping and that I shouldn't worry. I said I did not think so and showed him the spot where I thought the bolt should go. He then walked away and brought another manager to me and I had to explain my story all over again. After getting nowhere with him he brought the store manager over and this guy just stares at me like I am doing something wrong. I said...look Toro told me to bring this here...your guys told me to bring this here...what is the problem? I said, I just want to exchange it. He says I can't do that. I said fine...I want to return it and he said I can't do that either. That's when I got mad. This was an $800 machine that I just bought and I had a receipt that said I can return it or exchange it in 30 days. I just wanted to exchange it. So the manager said he would need to take it to the back and look it over to see if there was a bolt missing. 5 minutes later I get asked to go in the back. The manager and another worker are opening a box up and telling me they will exchange the machine with a new one. However, they are telling me they looked and even the new machine does not have a bolt where I said it should be. I thanked them for at least giving me peace of mind and took the new machine and left. When I get home I turn over the machine and sure enough there is a bolt in the spot. Unbelievable. These guys should not work at a hardware store! I called the manager back and explained what I just found and he apologized. Honestly, I think they would have just boxed the one up that I brought back and sold it as new. That bolt was one of 2 bolts holding the engine to the frame. If someone bought that machine it might have been a big problem. Unbelievable! I am glad they gave me the new machine but I will NEVER shop at any ACE ever again. As my son who went with me said...these little stores can't handle the returns liked Home Depot or Menards. He's right....or at least I think he is and that is why ACE is not the place for me! read more

I had two keys made, neither one worked. I went to Carlson Hardware in Wheaton and the key worked perfectly!

I am constantly amazed at how awful this store can be. My recent visit cemented the fact that I'll never be going back to this Ace Hardware location ever again. It started with me asking for help finding an item. The male employee I asked was beyond condescending, but eventually pointed me upwards am aisle before quickly walking away. About 10 minutes later, I'm ready to checkout. Of course their computers freeze (like they have every single time I've entered this store). I'm asked to please take my items to another register. That computer freezes too, and the make matters worse, the very nice checkout lady calls got help. Yep, the condescending male employee (who happens to also be a floor manager) comes over and continues his pig headedness (not only towards me, but also towards the poor checkout girl). Mr. Floor Manager fiddles with the computer for 10-15 minutes before blaming my rewards card and me for crashing his computers. He goes on to suggest I check out without my rewards card then take my purchases to another Ace, return everything, re-buy everything, then use my rewards card. Really??? I ask if I should just come back later, and in front of my 3yo daughter, other customers, and employees he says, "Well I don't know if your card is going to crash our computers again or if they'll even be back up." My kid looked genuinely scared, so instead of telling him off, we walked out. They lost my business, and hopefully others will read this review and go somewhere else for their hardware needs. read more