Rick Karp, owner of this location, your key copying policy has wasted a lot of my time for absolutely no good reason. The whole point of your store is to offer your customers convenience. Walk in, get what you need, pay a lot for the pleasure, everyone is happy. I needed a key copied. It should take 60 seconds. The machine and the operator are literally right there sitting idle. You don't carry the key (an Ilco), so I went online and bought an Ilco blank. No problem. Your employee said he won't copy it because if he makes a mistake then he can't make another. I told him that's fine, I am happy to take the risk, throw it in the trash if you mess up, no problem. Verbatim. It should have been resolved right there. I would have walked out with a key copy that may or may not have been good, and that would have been the end of it, I'm a grown man and can make that choice. But I was told that he can't honor this request because the guy who signs his paychecks said this is his policy, no exceptions. Your saying, "Keeper of the Karma," great job. Either your employee is full of it (very possible), or decentralized command has never crossed your mind as a leadership principle. First review I've written in 6 months. I've had bad haircuts, bad food, bad Lyft drivers, all that is fine because you expect things to go wrong, real life. A bad key copy would have been fine too, no one aligns their machines often anyways except some locksmiths... But a willful decision to not do exactly the thing that makes sense to do, when a customer is asking 5 times with money in hand and a clear acceptance of the risk, that is an abject failure to be the nice corner hardware store that makes the customer happy. Either your employee is a moron, or you are.

I'm a local, 4 decades in the same neighborhood. I gave up on Cole's because of their poor customer service. Well organized, takes 2-3 min to find your purchase but you'll end up standing in line forever. It NEVER fails. Why? 1 inept clerk at the cash register along with poor to non-working electronic equipment. Example: Mid-afternoon, few customers, 1 at counter. I pick up gardening supplies, around $50. Surprised to find customer still at counter and clerk chatting away. Several items on the counter, none have been rung up. The gabfest went on so long I had to put my heavy items down on the floor and reminded both a customer was waiting. That seemed to be a challenge to freeze me out for being so brazen to speak up. I waited another minute or so and the conversation continued with no action to check the man out. When the Gardening Clerk came by a third time with a weak smile and a glare at the fool tending the cash register, I gave her back the items and walked out. ALL of the items can be ordered online via Amazon and will be delivered to my door tomorrow and it was CHEAPER! Why should I support the local brick and mortar hardware store if I can't get decent customer service?

Dude... I love Cole Hardware lol. Coming to this store is like going treasure hunting. Sometimes I'll wander in with no agenda and no plans - and then find something useful, exciting, or random to buy. Recently I got a "stubby hammer" - a mini adorable hammer. I also come here for gardening supplies. They have lots of soils in the back. The best part of cole hardware is the staff. They're knowledgeable and friendly. And not pushy! The staff doesn't hard sell you. One gentleman helped me find tools for de-weeding my garden. He suggested the cheaper option, because he said it did a great job. I've also gotten great tips for gardening. Don't let my photos dissuade you - go check it out!

The store stocks a ton of odds and ends -- you never know what useful thing you'll find in there. The service is excellent, both friendly and very knowledgeable; able to give useful advice for a variety of projects. When the store didn't have the exact thing I was looking for, the assistant immediately offered to call another nearby store to see if they had it. Not another Cole's, a completely unrelated store -- it was clear he just wanted to be as helpful as possible. I love this place and try to patronize it for as many items as possible.

I do like going there. I have for decades, no joke. But I've always thought of myself as a hardware store kind of guy. Heck, you could buy model plane kits there too; the good ones by Revel, if you remember? What can one say about a hardware store? ... They have nice nails? The workers are pleasant and know where all the stuff is and their prices are reasonable, imo. If you're in the neighborhood and have need of a decent hardware store, why not try Cole, on Polk at Green. Maybe I'll see you around there.

This neighborhood landmark is one of the best features of Russian Hill -- polite, knowledgeable staff and a broad inventory of items for everything from household repairs to storage and kitchen/bath solutions makes Cole Hardware's Polk Street outpost tops on our list of places we can't live without. I'm grateful for the decade-plus support they've given to our handyman operation - we literally could not be in business without them.

Cole's is one of those places that is like eating a piece of good chocolate. You can't just have one. They pretty much have every lil thing that you may want or need. Super helpful staff no matter which store you go to. I never leave with only what I came there for , I always find something else I can't live without. I love shopping there. No matter what the project, Cole's is 1st on my list to fill my needs.

This is my neighborhood hardware shop and I absolutely love the service I get when I go in. I am unfortunately notoriously bad about coming 5 minutes before they close, but no matter what, I've received incredibly helpful and friendly service. I also find what I need and when I get the wrong thing, they have gladly returned it. They've got a knowledgable staff and really well maintained store.

Least favorite of the Cole Hardware's in San Francisco. This one feels claustrophobic and unruly. It is difficult to find things without assistance and the staff can be quite gruff, curt, and unhelpful. When you do get a knowledgeable and helpful employee's attention the store has most of what you would imagine in a small hardware store albeit probably costing more than you would rather pay.

rude customer service as soon as I went inside to ask if they had an item I was already getting kicked out for having my bike on me I don't understand why do you have to be rude when its just a bicycle and a question, as is not safe to leave expensive bikes outside in San francisco, could of answer the question before freaking out on bringing a a bike to the entrance. thanks

I highly recommend this place . Friendly neighborhood hardware store. very helpful staff and they have almost everything i wanted. They will help you find a vacuum cleaner belt no matter what kind. Nice store. Great hours. I love that they're always open till 8 p.m. I also got some house plants that look great. Here is pic of my new aloe vera plant from Cole Hardware.

Every time I come to Cole Harware, I have another great experience! Everyone that works there is so kind and welcoming and give great tips on any project I'm currently working on. From kitchen gadgets to DIY supplies, this place really has it all! On top of that, they have competitive prices. I totally recommend visiting Cole next time you need pretty much anything!

Great place for all your quick home improvement projects. Amazing staff members From the store manager to the awesome cashiers and great store associates who are always ready to assist you in the best way possible. They are making sure we stay protected during this Covid times while providing us with outstanding guest service!! Keep it up guys!!! You guys rock!

Amazing local neighborhood hardware store. It's like a tiny Target with more unique home goods in addition to all the hardware. We own a 3 unit rental up the hill and are always working on it. Coles always has exactally what we need (ex. period cabinet hardware for built-in) and customer service is helpful. And the best christmas ornaments!

I would give this place five stars if the vibe during my last visit wasn't so much of a "buy it and leave" one. I've been going to this specific store for almost three years and everyone was always very kind and ready to spend as much time as necessary to satisfy your needs. I'm pretty sure they changed some staff, but not for the better.

Their product selection always cover most of my needs This store is open 7 days a week so I would not go without a tool I need. Staff is friendly and keep being respectful. Cole Hardware is a store San Francisco we cannot do without. Cole Hardware and Ace are my two favorite branches and I like for them to stay. Thank you

It is riduculously expensive. Like I was looking for a simple tiny lock for my bag, and it was a stupid 7 dollars. I mean why?? The place has great hardware options but with immaginary price. I like how it has many branches across San Francisco. But be prepared to spend more than expected when you get anything from here.

Conveniently located (for me) on upper Polk Street, this store manages to cram everything you need in a relatively small space. I have always found at least one of whatever I was looking for. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The only thing I can think of that they may not have is a wide selection of power tools.

Cole’s is my favorite store on Polk Street. I just moved here a few weeks ago and I think I go couple times a week. What can’t you buy there! They have everything from lightbulbs to kitchen wear to footballs to seasonal decorations. The staff are very helpful and friendly.

I went into Cole Hardware to buy a tap for a screw I was unsure the size of. Danny looked at the tiny screw in my hand and correctly ID’d it as a 10-24 thread from about 6 feet away. Yes, they had the tap. Reasons like this are why I’ll continue to shop at Cole Hardware.

Came all the way from Fremont for a part that ace hardware said they had in stocl. Just to find out i spent 3 hours round trip for nothing on public transit. They do have great staff. And we're very helpful and put up with my big grumpy butt. Thank you for your help.

Plenty of hardware products in a family owned and licensed Ace Hardware. Many stores in the San Francisco metropolitan area. Great respects for their customers as a family tradition. Always the best products and services available by knowledgeable employees.

Have things for everything it seems like! This location on Polk St. Is outstanding, the asian cutomer service guy was knowledgeable to my question and courteous. The front register lady, was super nice, with a smile and happy. Good shopping experience.

The best hardware store in the city. As soon as I walked in someone asked me if I needed any help and took me directly to what I was looking for and helped answer my questions. Didn't have to wait for anything, including paying for the items.

Helpful staff. I always go here before buying some doodad on Amazon as they have lots of useful stuff beyond just hardware and tools (kitchen, camping, gardening, etc). Good prices on everyday items, especially compared to CVS or Safeway

Small little hardware store with a friendly staff. They seem to see regulars a lot and they have a good supply of hardware. Considering there aren't too many hardware stores in the area, I'd definitely go to this one. Check it out!

Super friendly hardware store on Polk St. Decent prices and a dense selection. Don't be afraid to ask for help, as it is much quicker than hunting through the aisles yourself. Grab a free bag of popcorn to nibble on as you browse.

Great resource in Nob Hill/ Russian Hill. Cole has everything from hardware to holiday decorations to plants and toys. The employees are wonderfully helpful and happy to advise on the best product for a project.

Incredible customer service! Dave was super knowledgeable and helpful when helping me create a paint sample that matched the color I needed. Recommend stopping by if you have any home improvement needs :)

This place has everything you could possibly need and an amazing staff that will answer any question you throw at them in the most polite and helpful manner possible. I go there for everything!

They have everything you could want at a very affordable price. The employees are super helpful and they place is super clean and organized (unlike some of the neighboring hardware stores)

This is the closest hardware store to me and luckily it has a pretty large selection. The staff is pretty knowledgeable, though a few times when I was in they weren't the friendliest.

Great prices, knowledgable staff, has about everything you'd expect in a hardware store located in prime location. Sometimes I just walk in to get ideas for new projects.

This place is the hardware store that your dad used to go to. They know how to service customers here and there window displays well you just have to see them to believe.

Everything you need, especially in a pinch or last minute. Staff are super friendly and helpful. Great place to get keys cut out just get any paint, tool, plant or pot.

Local hardware store with an impressive selection of offerings and a popcorn machine. We often shop here for gardening supplies and seeds. Friendly staff.

extremely friendly and helpful staff and fair prices. i got this beautiful snap dragon for $4 (it has bloomed even more in the short time i’ve owned it)

People that work here are incredibly friendly and helpful. This place also has a plant section which has everything I need for indoor potting/planting.

My favourite hardware store in sf. You rarely have to wait to get helped and they have a great gardening section that even sells red wriggler worms!

Small hardware store, but they seem to have everything you may need. They have helpful store clerks who will point to what you need. Good store.

Although Cole Hardware is a little bit off the beaten path, it offers nearly everything my closest Ace Hardware has in stock, and more.

Super helpful staff that got me a part at the Polk location coming from rhe North Beach one. Love the service oriented business! …

Went in to get a bulb...staff was helpful and let me know if I got the wrong one to come back and exchange it. Good neighborhood store

Nice neighborhood hardware store with pretty diverse selection and good service. Useful for when I need to grab something immediately.

There wasn't a line had what I wanted sales person answered questions I had concerning the masks I was purchasing. Service was great.

Came in for a quick purchase and received speedy assistance from some pleasant staff members. I would definitely shop here again.

Super helpful and kind staff. Great corner hardware store. Wish I lived closer but it's still convenient even a couple miles away

Cole Hardware is great, and the people who work there are always patient and very helpful with home improvements and repairs :).

I like Cole’s Hardware Store because their open late daily every time I need last minute hardware hard to find ill find it here.

Felicia is my favorite and the whole crew is great. Always try to come up with an alternative if they don't have what I need

Everything is locked down. Receipt says don’t return anything. Good if you need a tool now, bad enough to put up with this.

Good hardware store for the middle of the city. Friendly staff and generally has everything needed for small projects.

Everyone here is always incredibly helpful and like family if you frequent here. Always willing to give their advice!

This place is amazing,They have almost everything,if you need small amount,or small pieces. Staff are very helpful.

Going to write same as previous guy but am so nice so giving these clowns a one star. Nice merchandise - rude staff

You can find so much here! Why log onto Amazon :) ? Staff is super friendly and keen on helping and giving tips!

Fantastic, locally owned hardware store that's community focused, and the staff is always friendly and helpful.

Great store that has pretty much everything you would need from a hardware store. Reasonably priced too for SF.

Great store. Have unique and interesting merchandise. Very well stocked. Salespeople to friendly and helpful

The best shop in SF and not just hardware. Really fun, entertaining and helpful. Forget Amazon GO TO COLE!

I love this neighborhood "hardware and much, much more" store. Lots of kitchen goods and utensils to boot.

My favorite hardware store in San Francisco. They are always helpful and almost always have what I need.

Friendly and knowledgeable staff and great inventory,fair pricing for the convenience of local shopping.

Staff are really lovely and even the security are knowledgable about hardware! Great products too.

Polite and respectful to the people that don't know too much ab[it hardware things such as tools.

Dave is amazing. He walked me through my first project and was patient. I'd go back anytime!

They have everything I need every time I come. Very friendly and helpful. Also dog friendly

Clean, well-stocked hardware and housewares store. Staff are always courteous and helpful.

Most of the staff are knowledgeable. Much better customer service than the Vallejo Store.

Conveniently located hardware store, friendly staff and had everything I was looking for.

I love this store. Super friendly staff and they treat my dog well too! Great selection!

Great selection of everything you might need or have been looking for in the past.

For a small hardware store, it well stocked. Help is available and knowledgeable.

Love this place. It has everything I need and more. Great staff and service too.

Really great family owned business. A bit pricey but not too crazy expensive.

Always helpful and knowledgeable. Support your local businesses. Good prices.

Bought my plants from here & everyone was helpful educating me on care

The staff are so incredibly helpful. Good prices and a huge inventory

Knowledgeable, friendly staff, fair prices and extensive inventory.

Super friendly service and they always have what I'm looking for!

Great local hardware store which packs a lot into a small space.

Great small hardware store. Staff is always extremely helpful.

It's a classic. One of the best ace hardware stores in town.

Great hardware store with friendly and knowledgeable staff.

They've got everything! And great customer service. Thanks!

for a small city store, somehow has everything and more!

Love this hard ware store the have exactly what I need

Open late every day, got most of the supplies.

Amazing and helpful customer service!!

They are very helpful. Thank you ❤️