Great first job. - Sales Associate Ace Hardware Employee Review

4.0
Feb 9, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The best reason to work here was having the flexibility to both work and volunteer. My manager was willing to schedual me around my Internship duties so I had a steady income all summer. He even saved my position when I left for an overseas internship. The other major reason to work here is to learn to be a great customer service oriented sales associate. We are expected to know every product in the store and have a general knowledge of DIY advise on hand. I have learned more from this job than I had expected and can now fix any little problem that comes up in my appartment.

Cons

Compensation for the work is low and hours can be hard to come by especially during the January to March "dry period," but put in a little extra effort and you can manage. Training in customer service is mandatory, but training on basic repairs and item location is subject to each employee's initiative, which creates a knowledge gap between those who want to succeed and those trying for easy pay. Finally, as an employee at ACE you are expected to learn to run the register. This is not so much a problem as a hassle. I dislike having to leave the customer I am currently helping, and forming a relationship with, just because the guy waiting to check-out can't wait 5 seconds and is smashing the bell repeatedly.

Explore other reviews about Ace Hardware

5.0
Jul 10, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great place to learn a lot

Cons

Not close to my home

1.0
Jun 23, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There are not too many.

Cons

Long hours; indefinite out times; no flexibility; poor communication; lack of respect for warehouse worker is built into the culture; toxic environment with petty politics and high school type drama; rules applied based on convenience and like ability and not job performance; office management is out of touch with the warehouse environment and work processes, this means implanted solutions are usually underwhelming and off track; continued feedback is requested and given but those issues are ignored over and over. Responses are band aids at best and flagrant disregard is more likely. No planning for busy season- WHERE IS THE BENCHMARKING?!; understaffed, under resourced, and over managed (with about 3 more layers of middle management than is needed). The environment is dirty, not temp controlled, warehouse staff is expected to housekeep in addition to the actual job. This job is incentive based and NOTHING is valued but faster- until you make a mistake and then you’re reminded about safety and quality.

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