I really want to support local businesses like Cole Hardware. In a world dominated by big-box stores and Amazon, it's great to have an independent hardware store serving the community. Unfortunately, this visit was frustrating. I placed an online order that was estimated to be ready in 15 minutes. I intentionally waited an hour before coming in, but I still had to wait while my order was put together. It honestly would have been faster to walk the aisles myself, grab the item, and pay at the register. What disappointed me even more was the customer service at the front counter. The staff I interacted with came across as dismissive and unfriendly, which made the experience feel less welcoming than I expected. I genuinely want to keep supporting Cole Hardware because local businesses matter. I just hope they can improve the online pickup process and provide a friendlier customer experience. Those two changes would make a big difference and would keep me choosing them over the convenience of Amazon. read more

OMG. What a gem. A hardware store with everything you could need, laid out in charming, organized fashion. The staff went above and beyond. And I struck up a neighborly conversation with the people in line with me. Support this place. In a world of heartless Home Depot's we need to keep a gem like this alive. read more

I come here often because the people are so nice. And all of them were , except for the one who waited on me, grouchy unhelpful, and acted as if they were doing me a huge favor. Not cool If management wants to contact me. I'd be happy to say who it was. Edit:I upped this rating to 4 stars because of the prompt management response . Every other experience I have had was good. read more

Love this place. I was a fan of Cole Hardware in SF, and when they opened a store in Rockridge I was so happy both that we were getting a hardware store but also especially that it was Cole. And in the many years since they arrived at this location I have continued in my admiration. friendly, knowledgable long-term staff in multiple departments who don't make you feel stupid when you ask any questions. I especially appreciate: - typical hardware store supplies in the basement - lovely kitchen department with everything from the cute to the functional (often overlapping categories - they select well!) - garden/ houseplant supplies department - painting section - storage/organization - can message them about anything, including what their options are for an item, and they respond quickly (on their website go to "contact us" and you can start a text conversation) - you don't need to join some silly customer club for discounts, but their keychain card is how I got back my wallet once! (they helped with this!) - they have deals and coupons frequently, discounts for teachers, students, and I don't know which other categories Limitations: - key cutting isn't great. I say this as someone who's been getting copies of keys here for well over a decade. - no, it's not a large hardware store or a big box store, so hardware selection can be limited, but. . . - houseplants aren't in great shape NOTE: they can order most anything for you! even if they dont' normally carry it - I love this service. Also you can message them about any supplies and they'll get back to you, including about what's in stock at that very moment. read more

Love this location. They of course have everything you need for household items (I'm not sure why I didn't think to get things like dish soap and sponges here instead of Target until more recently). They also have great gifts and other odds and ends that are fun to look at. Very helpful staff and of course fantastic location. Support your local hardware store, this is a great one! read more

terrible customer service they clearly aren't interested in doing anything they don't normally have to do every single day weather the company offers it or not. All of the customers they actually tried to help were old and white here I am the only black girl and they just couldn't have been less interested in helping read more

Cole Hardware - the guy that told me the company doesn't have their stuff together to help with a simple key fob but then when I ASKED him to find out - Hardware Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

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Kai is the sweetest, nicest, most reliable, and truly professional person to work with! She told me she'd contact me when they received a new shipment of NeeDohs, and she followed through exactly as promised -- reaching out the very day it arrived. Her communication was clear, timely, thoughtful, and consistently professional. Thank you, Kai -- you're the best! read more

You're better off purchasing appliances from Costco. I had bought a Cuisinart glass blender of about $200.00 and I did not like its dial and features. I genuinely missed my old blender that was around $70.00 when I bought it. They did not attempt to take my return back or offer store credit. Albeit, I did use the blender but it honestly sucked and I just wanted something to be done because I was so dissatisfied with my purchase. The gentleman with blue glasses and long hair did tell me to speak to a manager the next day to handle it but I was like you're making it difficult for me, I'll just keep the blender instead and not go back to your business. This store is good for soap and le Crusets, but do not buy your appliances from here. Limited selection and you will be stuck with your items!!! Everyday I look at my blender that I hate!!!! Go to Costco! read more

This place is a lifesaver. Today I needed some assistance and the person who was working downstairs in the hardware area went above and beyond to help me. Im so grateful for places like this in our neighborhood that employe helpful people, bring tax revenue to our community and have such an incredible selection. read more

Not the cheapest joint in town. But friendly as all get out. I needed a simple item but I had to send my nephew in for it with my credit card and they were really nice to him which I appreciated. Good small neighborhood biz on College Ave! read more

I'm sorry, but this isn't a real hardware store. They rarely have what I need; close but no cigar - a lightbulb that isn't quite right, a different toilet part than the one I want/need, etc. This is more of a mediocre housewares store with some hardware items. I know it's difficult to have a lot of inventory, but I'm feeling like I need to go to Ace Hardware on Grand or, horrors, Home Depot if I really need something specific. Today they couldn't even take my batteries for recycling - they "didn't have room for them". Please don't represent your store in a certain way if you can't live up to the billing. read more

A big thank you to Ryan in the hardware dept. He helped me fixed my old office chair. He was very professional and patient. His expert advice made it easier for me to finish my project AND he was budget conscious on recommending the parts that I needed. Thanks again Ryan for your help and patience read more

My favorite hardware store in Oakland. Everyone's always friendly and helpful, from the cashier to the hardware experts throughout the store. I appreciate how friendly, patient and gracious they are whenever I ask what I think are dumb questions. I've gotten expertise on everything from drywall anchors to plant pots. They take the time to explain things, and I feel I always learn a lot. Parking kinda sucks since there's no dedicated lot and it's in the heart of Rockridge. But overall it's an awesome store with great staff, inventory, and with a lot of character. I even find the creaky floors to be charming :) And it's bigger than you think -- there's a downstairs. Even if Home Depot or Amazon prices are slightly cheaper (and often they're not), I would 100% rather go here for the expertise. These people know what they're talking about, and they're friendly and gracious. read more

Today, I received exceptional customer service from Damion at the Rockridge Cole Hardware. He went out of his way to be helpful, kind, caring plus extremely informative about what I was looking for. It reminded me of how every employees has been towards me since Cole Hardware established itself in the neighborhood in 2016. Yes, you probably could get some of their items a few dollars cheaper on Amazon but great in person customer service is priceless. There's an energy to it that is really extremely special these days. Please support this local business and its fantastic hard working employees. Next time you need to get that random item, call or text Cole Hardware at 510.230.0145 to see if they have it. I prefer text and usually someone will get back to me fairly quickly, no matter what time of the day! read more

Cole Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

I do miss not living in the Rockridge neighborhood. It's where I can reliably get all my Christmas shopping done in advance. Cole Hardware has always been one of my go-to spots for my more pragmatic friends who require a functional, well-designed gift. Today's visit was more typical of my shopping experience at Cole. I found a difficult-size-to-find kitchen item on the shelf, and then pondered several Christmas gift options in a couple of aisles. Meanwhile staff popped by to ask if I needed assistance. The checkout was efficient and thoughtful, my ceramic items were wrapped for safe travel. (I am curious about those frozen pies, but maybe next time.) read more

Good people sells more than hardware. I bought a peach and nectarine pies , boxes batteries ant traps and more read more

Best customer service game in the business! Hats off to Ryan and Kelly. Super helpful even on a busy Saturday afternoon.

I live in the neighborhood so I want to patronize Cole's for convenience and because I want businesses here to thrive. However, I've had 3 awful experiences and I will not return. Experience 1 - I used their referral service to find an electrician. They sent a creepy, nasty man out who felt it was OK to tell me that he "didn't like my view and wouldn't have bought my home." He then proceeded to try to hand me a bid, which I refused, and then he called me later to ask if I intended to use his services. Really?! I reached out to Cole's in the same way that I'd employed the referral service. I shared my experience and no one ever got back to me. Experience 2 - I needed touch up paint and told the man that I just had a knick on the corners of a couple of cabinet doors. I asked for the smallest sample size. The man who helped me told me that the smallest he could sell for that color and finish was a quart--for ~$30. Fine. I took it. All seemed well until...I returned for Experience 3 and found that there was indeed a smaller size (after the woman told me the same line) that could be sold with any color/finish. But, I apparently needed to be a blonde or know the secret handshake to get it. Experience 3 - I am buying the paint. I reach for the receipt, the woman clerk tosses it on the counter and says "next". I say excuse me. She says "you're welcome" in a dismissive way. I ask for the manager and the other woman who'd been working behind her turns around and says "the manager doesn't work this late". I ask for his contact info and she rattles off "Leo@coleshardware.com". Needless to say, I'm over it. I asked for a refund--which she tried to give me in cash though I paid with a card. I will never return. Big box stores, here I come! read more

Big shout out to Ryan at Cole Rockridge! The mortise lock on my master bedroom door stopped working. My Craftsman house is over 100 years old so it's hard to replace these sorts of bits and pieces. Ryan intercepted me as I was about to purchase a new mortise lock that was not a perfect fit and would have required chiseling new holes in the door jamb. : ( He offered to fix the old one, which had a broken spring. After quite a bit of effort, he succeeded and I am a very happy camper! What a fantastic thing to have someone actually willing to fix these good quality original fixtures in our wonderful old houses. And incredible value as he only charged me for the tiny spring! Thank you Cole and double thank you Ryan! You're a gem! read more

Cole Hardware - Ryan fixing my mortise lock - Hardware Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

Always the best. They have everything in stock, from fans to Christmas lights to flowerpots. My husband is obsessed with us their first floor, down the stairs, where they stock endless tools and supplies. Once he goes in, I know he won't be out for at least an hour. The people who were here are incredibly friendly and helpful. We come here to get keys cut, screens for the windows, even reading glasses. And did you know they now stock frozen PIES...?? read more

Welcoming lovely hardware store. I went in today to get mosaic making guidance after Blick's (also awesome) didn't have. I got great patient creative advice and the ok to return what I didn't open. They have also helped before on paint colors. Great store! Shop local! read more

Flip side of Easy Bay Paint Center's lousy customer service.... Cole Hardware folks took time ... analyzed our difficulty and provided some workable solutions. Whatever we come up with... we will be able to buy "local" despite berkeley traffic and buy from Coles Hardware our paint for this project (and there are several interior rooms needing paint as well). read more

Every single time I choose Cole Hardware (usually after having no luck at other hardware stores or options) someone is there to help willingly and in a super friendly way. Elliott today helped us find the perfect size gas hose connector/adapter (the lingo for these things are beyond me and don't even get me started on the sizes) in such efficient and helpful manner - it literally saved us time and headache. Thank you Elliott (I hope I am spelling this right) for today's help - I am so grateful for people like you and a business that is so present and approachable. read more

I love this local hardware store in a charming section of Piedmont. Don't be fooled by the small entry way, this place is big! This place spans all the way inside and also has a downstairs. They have a lot of inventory and I loved that it was a one stop shop for me. I came here to get my knife sharpened by the ReSharp machine. It was pretty cheap and my knife cuts as good as new! If you're a first time customer looking to try to ReSharp machine, I recommend getting a free knife sharpening coupon to try it out. I also needed something to lubricate my door hinges what have been so loud in opening and closing lately. I got a recommendation for a good silicone lubricant from the worker but I chose to get WD-40 because I needed to use it for another purpose. I also got some planters since they have really cute ones here. Overall, a great shop to get hardware tools you need. Workers are friendly and helpful. read more

Cole Hardware - Plant wall - Hardware Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

I came here to pick up a few things as I love that you can get great knowledgeable people to help you. I left with everything I needed and a pie from The Pie Company. read more

Cole Hardware is the kind of neighborhood business people love to love but should frequent more. It is an easy stop to get what you need for your home, just like we all did in the good old days, rather than have it delivered. We've gotten dish soap, Christmas lights, drawer organizers, soda club gas refills, twine, and gummy bears. It helps Rockridge feel like a well-rounded neighborhood shopping district. read more

Stopped in here to pick up one thing on my way to pickup lunch. This looks likes a sizeable store and will be back to peruse. However, this review was for the customer service. Got clear directions to what I was looking for and the nice conversation with the cashier while checking out. Noticed all the cashiers were connecting with customers, new and regular. Refreshing in time where people are in a rush, or focusing on themselves. read more

Today I went in super frustrated with a child's toy, who knew I needed to loosen the screws and then pry the cover off. The screws don't come out....Larry works downstairs in hardware and patiently solved the puzzle, my hero!!!! The very definition of customer service!!! read more

Everyone here is always very friendly and helpful but especially so today - Larry and Oren very patiently helped me reassemble a brass entry way door knob so that I could keep using it, which meant all I had to buy was two screws, not a whole new door knob set. read more

I needed to replace the rusted screws on my watering system. I brought the parts to Cole Hardware. An employee helped me remove the corroded hardware, and we found appropriate stainless steel metric parts. I gave the top a quick spray paint and assembled the hardware. This type of service can only be found at a neighborhood hardware store that provides exceptional service. read more

Cole Hardware - The completed project. - Hardware Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

I used to live just across the Panhandle from Cole Hardware's original location on Cole in SF and they were my go-to when I had a project around the apartment so was happy to see them expand across the Bay to Rockridge (I think they were stalking me). Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Pretty good selection of goods. They will special order stuff that they don't have in stock. If you need a specialty tool for just one use ask about their tool lending service. I found out about this when I was guessing at the size of the shower valve wrench I'd need and the guy helping me asked me if this was for a project or something I'd need long term for multiple uses. Parking can be difficult, but they are near BART, if you can easily carry what you're going to buy. read more

Shout out to Damion for being a great help and personifying the ideal customer service. I had a loose pedal on my bike and needed an Allen key/wrench. Since it was parked outside, there was an issue of trust in letting me try it out to see the right size. He kindly showed me where the Allen wrenches were, I told him my situation and he said: "Let's go take a look". I love that. He came out to by bike, came back inside and said try these. I found the right size, again with trust that I wouldn't take off with the goods. A great transaction and why I love hardware stores with a community feel and employees that go the extra mile. Thanks Damion! (Sorry if I spelled your name wrong). Cole is awesome! read more

Well this little neighborhood gem is always reliable. But TODAY was an exceptional day when I was greeted by Damion. As I was looking at the Green Egg BBQ's in the front of the store, Damion cheerfully directed me to the BBQ section and patiently discussed the "ins and outs" of their grills. He even showed me videos from his computer to help answer my questions. He was the NICEST and didn't try to upsell me. And, the store has everything grill related from sauces and rubs to grilling gloves and cleaners. I am so happy with my new Weber grill and have been slow-cooking a brisket (yes, it is possible in a Weber.). Thanks to Cole Hardware and a big thanks to Damion! read more

Cole Hardware - My new Weber BBQ! - Hardware Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

Prices seem high. Example is WD-40 Specialist Dry Lube with SMART STRAW SPRAYS 2 WAYS, 10 OZ Cole $12.99 Amazon: $7.98 ($0.80/Ounce) List: $8.49 RB read more

I have been in several times to get a little this and that, sometimes I run into somebody helpful, most times it's very transactional and the people at the register often behave like it's their first job ever. I called in today, 6:14, and mentioned I'm gonna be arriving at 7:01 PM, any chance I can get in, I just need to get to drywall anchors...the person on the telephone had to ask the manager, and the manager said I should just come in the morning. I can't come in the morning - I am not retired nor do I work from home. This is why people now shop online. Good customer service would say -"yeah sure we can wait one or two minutes, the beer in the fridge isn't going to spoil." Apparently this manager could not wait. So I will not buy there anymore as I am not treated as a special guest who would pay a premium to shop locally, but as a nuisance. By the way, closing at 7:00 PM makes it difficult for working people to get to the store on time. If you stayed open even till 7:30 PM I think you'd see a lot more traffic. Bye read more

I recently moved to the neighborhood and stumbled upon Cole's Hardware, and let me tell you, I'm so glad I did!!! What an amazing place!! From the moment I walked in, I felt like I was welcomed like a neighbor by the friendly and helpful staff. Alayna and Athena went above and beyond to make sure I found everything I needed. They took the time to walk me through the different products and even provided recommendations on what would work best for me. What really blew me away was their graciousness when my phone ran out of battery and I needed to call a ride home. They didn't hesitate to offer me a charger. Akane and Damion were also so helpful and shared local tips for getting settled into the area! And the store itself is a treasure trove of quality home goods. amazing variety and quality! I can't say enough good things about this place! Akane, Damion, Alayna, and Athena, thank you for helping me out back in January when I'd first arrived! Thank you, Cole's Hardware, for helping me feel a part of the local community when I'd just moved from across the country! read more

Dave at Cole is the best! Our kid wanted a bow & arrow set for Halloween that looked good but couldn't hurt anyone. My feeble DIY skills got us as far as picking out a dowel. Dave carefully added eye screws for us and wisely counseled us to soak the dowel to make it more flexible. The bow was perfect and my kid was so happy. Online ordering can never replace this kind of expertise. We're so grateful to Dave! read more

Cole Hardware - Artemis - Hardware Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

Cole Hardware has been a godsend to the Rockridge neighborhood. Hats off to all the wonderful employees, too many to name. This past week I lost my phone somewhere and since I had been in the store earlier that day, I checked back to see if anybody had found it. No luck! I went home and tried to locate it using different methods. While doing so, there was a knock on my door, and it was Ryan personally delivering my phone to me while on his way home. Ryan went the extra mile! Much relief and many thanks! Richard read more

Employee Athena needs to be looked into. The way she handles customers at the register is cold, rough, and disrespectful. In such a nice store and area, she doesn't fit. Anyone observing her can tell she hates her job. Hope management does something read more

Yelpers Buyers beware of this store's extreme high markup On products especially at time of crisis !! Wow, this is just not cool. As some of you know, the SF Bayarea was recently hit with An air quality issue Due to the recent camp fire. This store had stocks of Dust mask for sale And were selling each for $3. I bought a few for my family plus a different brand from This store. I bought them because I had to help our local school with some outside Activities. I happen to be surfing the net and to my surprise and shock, I realized a box of 20 cost $10 a box so these guys are marking them up 600%! Or $60 a box. Each Mask cost them .50-.75 cent and they are selling them for $3 each ! I posted the exact mask I bought from the store and the exact mask you can buy on line in box of 20 so yelpers can see the mask and their cost difference. I know business need to make a profit and should make a profit but to take advantage of the public this badly is very bad form in time of crisis. I guess the owner of this business will not be doing any donation to the fire victims. My response to the owner below: The mask I am referring to are called " Niosh N95 foldable respirator Mask" And is it not my perspective but the " facts ". You can ordered 50-100 boxes easily on line. The owner's argument and response are nonsense. He did not have to cross mountains to get the 50 cents Mask. Google " Niosh N95 foldable Mask in box of 20 and you will see they are only worth about 75cents " Then Call the store and ask how much the store has been selling them for and you will see the extreme high markup. Taking advantage of the public at time of crisis is really bad and not good for any business public image. Then the owner telling everyone " he does not know what mask they are charging at this severe price " is icing on the cake! Wow ... read more

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