Excellent staff to consult on DIY projects! They are kind, knowledgeable, and have helped me on numerous projects and have never given me a bum steer! read more

Usually a very friendly, pleasant experience with welcoming staff. Not so on 4/15/24. The young man who appeared to be in charge, offered to have staff find my part for me, so I handed over the old part, received a new part from an older gentleman and checked out. It was the wrong size. I went back, telling the young man that I could not make the 1.5" part I was provided fit the 1.25" fitting (as it was not the same size as the part I provided for replacement), only to be thoroughly offended as he told me perhaps I needed a plumber (to replace a HAND tightened PVC sink trap). I assured him I was perfectly capable of changing out the simple part, when I HAVE the CORRECT replacement part. I showed him the original part and the wrong part, and received another trap. That did NOT fit. Both employees failed to note that the trap I provided was threaded on only ONE end and therefore gave me traps threaded on both ends. I take full responsibility for failing to check the replacement parts both times BEFORE purchase, as I had unfortunately grown accustomed to trusting the employees to know their business. After all, isn't it just a game of matching the part? Observation skills? Maybe that just can't be trained :-/ So now I had lost the time, distance, and convenience factors (thereby wasting my client's money) of going to Do It Best vs a big box store and I had been insulted. I went to the store a third time, rather frustrated, I think for good reason, only to find the young man had NO INTEREST WHATSOEVER in ASSISTING me with finding the correct part. He outright told me to go to a big box store. So much for the benefits one used to find by going to the local store :-(. Truly disappointing in a store I once enjoyed going to and whose employees were always kind and welcoming. Albeit, the woman behind the counter was still friendly and the guy at the paint counter was quite welcoming. Too bad it wasn't paint that I needed that day. Perhaps some employee training, education, or rearranging can help redeem the store eventually. But customer service like that was MUCH MUCH worse than no customer service at all! In the end, I looked for and found the correct part independently at a local family owned store. If you want something done right... read more

Really appreciate this store and all the staff. Always someone there to help me get the right stuff so I'm not wondering "will this work?". It's well worth it to Shop Local !!! read more

There's always people with knowledge to help you. So much better than big box stores. Good selections of paint, hardware, and so much more. read more

Never anything but incomparably friendly/helpful service. Yesterday I asked for help finding a replacement screw for one of the handles on my 3-quart Dutch oven. At most my total payment would be a few pennies. Turns out there were problems with the female threads. Two of their guys spent nearly twenty minutes figuring out the best approach. They finally decided to re-cut the female threads (sorry if I'm not using the correct vocabulary). Then they needed to use a drill to slightly enlarge the hole in the handle so it would accommodate the diameter of the new screw's head. They fixed the entire thing (all I was expecting was that I would simply purchase a screw and would fix it at home). The charge? Zero. They clearly ENJOYED serving me--it wasn't just a formal policy of serving a customer. THIS is why I head straight to Do It Best for ANYTHING related to hardware! read more

I went to Do-It-Best today for the first time. I usually go to Farm and Fleet out on Cunningham Ave when I need tools and hardware, but I was in a hurry, and Do-It-Best is closer to my house. I expected Do-It-Best to be small, stuffy, and overpriced. After all, it's a neighborhood hardware store, not a big-box store like Menards. I was wrong! Do-It-Best has friendly, helpful staff, but they offer a Menards-like selection of parts and tools. Also, if you're a student, just show your UIUC ID (I-card) for a 15% discount off of their already cheap prices! read more

This is my go-to hardware store. It's close to my house and I don't have to battle the traffic on North Prospect to get to the big stores. I can get in and out in a short amount of time. What really sets this store apart from other hardware stores is their employees. I have ALWAYS been able to get assistance when I need it without having to wait a long time or wander around for 15 minutes before finding someone (common at the "other" big stores on N. Prospect). The other great thing is that they don't employ a bunch of college kids that don't know squat about home projects. Many of their employees are older and really know their stuff and happy to answer your questions. This is a small store when you compare it to the other big-box stores so they don't have a HUGE selection of items. However, they will most likely be able to provide you with what you need. They have quality items and are always happy to help. read more

This is my go-to hardware store. I always receive the friendliest service and it's easy to get to and navigate through the aisles. The prices are comparable to other hardware stores and you can purchase items online and pick up in the store. If they don't have an item, they'll order it so you can pick it up. The employees are very helpful and knowledgeable. There is a HUGE difference between shopping here and somewhere like Menards/Lowes. They provide a 15% discount if you show your iCard! read more

This is almost worth a trip to Champaign. So well stocked, I've never seen a better collection. I was helping my son fix his frat room, older gentleman cut a pipe and board for me. Low-keyed, extraordinarily well stocked, highly organized, very clean, good prices. Thought it was just a paint store from the signage. Pleasant surprise. read more

This store is most helpful friendly in the land. The size is manageable, clerks are so helpful about any need or query. Tjey can order if not on hand. Super service and friendly help. My favorite spot to go. read more

As much as I want to support a locally owned hardware store I think I'll be sticking with Menards! I walked in to hear James Dobson Christian radio blairing throughout the store....made me want to buy a hammer and take it to the speakers. The employees stared at me like I had a third eye, but not once did they greet me or offer assistance. 2 stars because it's convenient, I can get in and out without having to worry about the traffic and size of the larger hardware stores and I can usually find what I'm looking for! So I do utilize DIB, but only in a pinch. read more

Champaign Do-It-Best is a great neighborhood hardware store. The selection is great, the prices are reasonable, and the staff are amazingly helpful! I recently had my kitchen knives sharpened here and they did a fabulous job. Hard to believe they are actually my garage-sale-bargain knives! I say skip the big box stores and support a local family business, you'll be glad you did! read more