For many years I've been a frequent customer of County Stores. I've bought a lot of hardware and garden stuff here, plus a Weber grill. One of the things I bought was an oscillating sprinkler-- a solid metal model that cost $60.
I got it toward the end of the season and it worked only fair-- I had to adjust it so only the center 80% or so of the little nozzles squirted water-- otherwise, the sprinkler wouldn't oscillate (maybe our well pressure isn't super great, but our dying cheapo model worked fine).
The next season, the sprinkler wouldn't oscillate at all. I couldn't find the receipt, but I took the sprinkller back to the store hoping for the best. The cashier called the manager over-- the fellow who owned the store. He treated me suspiciously throughout our encounter (I made a point of being polite throughout), claiming that they hadn't sold that brand for the past 5 years!
Bottom line-- they refused to take back the sprinkler and give me credit toward another one.
Ironic note: I had to pick up some house paint and brushes at Milford Paint next door. I thought that perhaps they were owned by the same company and, indeed, the fellow behind the counter confirmed that, and told me he was brothers with the owner of County Stores Hardware. I told him about my discussion with his brother and he asked to see the sprinkler. I went back to the car and carried it in. He actually offered to give me all the paint stuff for free-- which was worth $60 or $70!
So... of course, I now make a point to buy all my paint supplies from Milford Paint-- but I can't bring myself to buy even a package of screws from County Hardware.
I need a snowblower, so I guess I'll go to Lowes or Nashua Power (but their reviews are pretty bad). Wish there was a well-reputed snowblower/lawnmower dealer in the Nashua area!
Pros: Knowledgable staff
Cons: Forget returning items without receipt
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