Baller Hardware Co

05/13/10

Love Ballers

by Jacky1eye

If you live in the neighborhood, they probably have what you need when it comes to plumbing parts. As a plumbing contractor, I have been going to Ballers for more than 30 years. They have rarely let me down. Even though I can get my parts for less at my wholesaler, many times I just prefer to get in and out and save time. There is always someone around to help you! (unlike the big box stores where they do their best to avoid you) These people are always willing to help and will even direct you somewhere else if they don't have it in stock. If your looking for some old guy standing by the door to greet and say "Welcome to Ballers" while he's handing you a basket, that hasn't happened yet. You might try WalMart. If you need something for your home, paint, electrical parts, plumbing, screws etc. and not expecting people to roll out the red carpet and bow down to you, this is the place you want to go!

• Pros: Well stocked, convenient, friendly family business
• Cons: Closes at 6pm

02/17/10

rude rude rude

by servwell

This place never ceases to amaze me on how rude they are. Yet I still go back?! Yesterday, we walked in and the older man sitting at register was gazing out the window and ACTUALLY turned his head away. Nice welcome huh? And I think he might actually be the owner. It is so obvious that these people couldn't care less about their customers. Go in and see for yourself, you'll get a good laugh. And it drives me crazy because I want to love this place.

• Pros: great location and selection
• Cons: horrible cust. serv. ...I mean really bad

06/02/08

Source of knowledge and Service

by filmo

I've found that the best thing about Bal ler is that you can get knowledge about what your are trying to do in addition to the part. For example, if you're trying to repair a toilet float and haven't done it before, they will guide you to the parts and accessories you need to accomplish the job.

While you pay slightly more than you would a Home Depot, I've always felt like the advise on the jobs at hand more than offsets the buck or two more it costs. Essentially you pay for the education and get the part thrown in.

It's also pretty much 'no waiting' for service, which I also highly value. Pretty much walk in and somebody will ask you what you need and take you to it. Try that at Home Depot. You won't be wandering the isles for 20 minutes looking for somebody to help you.

I wish they were open longer on the weekend. It seems like since the market is local homeowners mostly, it would be better to have a 'reduced' hours day in the middle of the week or on Monday like restaurants do than to close early on Saturday and Sunday.

• Pros: Service, Service, Service
• Cons: reduced weekend hours

01/13/08

THIS is a hardware store!

by www_brennansmith_com

All we wanted was to connect our new stove and eat hot food again. Three visits to a big-box hardware store and one to an appliance store had stolen about 6 hours from my life all told before I finally wisened up and went to my neighborhood True Value -- Baller's Hardware. In 6 minutes, I had everything I needed to make the connection (in exactly the way that the new building codes required) and I had received a full tutorial from the owner, Craig, on how to use these parts to be cooking in time for dinner. Which is EXACTLY what we did! It was so easy, once someone took the time to help. These people are fantastic, and I am so excited that the people Silverlake / Echo Park / Atwater Village / Los Feliz have this gem available to them!!

• Pros: Near to you, personal service, incredibly knowledgeable, 4th generation family business
• Cons: They don't have 200 of each item . . . more like 20.

11/22/07

Best Neighborhood Hardware Store - Start Here First

by jonnykap

Huge selection. Smart staff, who are actually available, helpful and pleasant (unlike Home Despot), can tell you where things are (unlike HD), and can tell you how to get a project done (ditto) and sell you what you need (" "). Quick service,no waiting, Fair prices, part of the 'True Value' family, offers 'True Value' specials. Great selection of art supplies across the street. Part of the neighborhood for years. Best resource in town for referring reliable, local contractors. You don't need to waste your time at a giant "box" hardware store, if you go to this real hardware store first.

• Pros: No waiting, knowledgable sales people. You van find what you need.
• Cons: If you don't know the neighborhood, it might be hard to find.