Best hardware store in Clear Lake, Wisconsin (WI) 2024

I have lived in the area for about 6 years and this has been one of my favorite businesses. I have always found this place to be friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. That was until the Sunday before Thanksgiving when I stopped in to get a snow blower. I found one that was acceptable and was asked if I needed help loading it. I thought that this was a genuine gesture until the gentleman from the firearms department came out to help me and was very rude and critical. He basically told me that I could not get the item in my vehicle and then was throwing orders at me when we were trying to get the thrower loaded. I felt like I was a total inconvenience to him at this point. I finally figured out that if we loaded it the opposite way we could get it in the vehicle. So, I went back in and told him that I had an idea and he got a terrible scowl on his face but came out. Then I had a little trouble lifting because of some health issues... I was parked in the handicapped spot with proper identification which I am sure he was aware of. He actually told me that I was not going to be able to do this. I do not believe this is acceptable customer service. So, finally got the thing loaded and brought it home. The first heavy snowfall came and the snow thrower was used for about 20 minutes before it broke down. One shear bolt came off and then the central auger started scraping the housing and sparking and there was a flat tire. I called the hardware store and was informed that the repair guy was off that day. I was very frustrated at this point, so I took a few days to cool off. I called back to get the snow thrower picked up and repaired because I was told when I bought it that this was an option. I was then told again that the repair guy was off today and that the person who would pick up the thrower was out with covid. There was also a warranty on the snow thrower that does not seem to mean anything if the person that fixes them or picks them up is not available. I purchased this item in good faith that it would be taken care if it broke down but I guess that was just a sales tactic. I am very disappointed in this entire ordeal and am very strongly considering taking my business elsewhere. ~Zach

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