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.