Busy Bee Hardware

I asked what aisle had levels. They wouldn’t tell me and told me to take a number to wait for the next free employee.

Got some keys made here.
Old skool place. Made me smile. Nice peeps working here.

So helpful and friendly. They had the specific part I desperately needed that no other hardwear store had in the area. They really saved me on this one!

Love this place. For a small and personal hardware store this is as good as it gets. I own a business and when stuff goes wrong and I need some hardware this is the place I trust to grab the things I need. Plunger and gloves? Check. White grounded indoor 8 ft extension cord? Check. Needs some keys copied? Check check check.

I’ve been going here for many years for all kinds of products and help and every time am pleased with the service and what they keep in stock. I love supporting local businesses like this!

These people have zero concept of customer service and I’ll make sure to never buy anything from them again. I bought a shopping cart for my mom who is 86 years old and it was too tall for her and tried to return it on the next business day and they would not take it back. Avoid them.

I went here to get a set of keys made after postal & more botched the job. Everyone who worked here was incredibly friendly, noted that the keys I had made were completely off and spent time making sure this new set was legit. I recall going here years ago as well to get keys made and they were great. Nice to know that they provide consistent and solid service!

Amazing customer service and friendly, knowledgeable staff. This will be my go to spot for any hardware needs from now on. Thanks to the gigantic super stores I forgot what it was like to have people at a store that had a genuine care about me as a customer.

These guys were great. First time here I loved the feel of the place very old school. As soon as I walked in I was greeted and service I needed an extra key for my apartment. It was done in less than 2 minutes and I was on my way. Goood local business !

Worst customer service I’ve ever experienced. They are rude and unprofessional. Be sure to check your receipt because they overcharge and make it your fault because they don’t have any kind of system controls in place. Better yet just go elsewhere. I love shopping at small businesses but this one needs to just shut it’s doors.

Unbelievably bad customer service. When attempting to return an unused purchase, the salesman refused and accused me of lying. Rude and aggressive. Totally out of line. What ever happened to the customer is always right? Stay away from this den of malice and thieves.

+The customer service is MUCH more helpful than at other hardware stores (e.g. home depot). I’ve come here several times and there is always someone who can answer my questions, help me figure out what I need, and locate it for me. For example, last week I had an idea of what I needed (lock box for keys, spare keys, batteries). The associate asked if I needed help as soon as I entered, he helped me decide on options for one of the items, I paid, and I was out of the store in less than 5 minutes.
+Prices are reasonable. Although I haven’t done any price comparisons on specific items, it seems in the range of what I would typically expect/​spend.
+/​-​brand selection may be less than at other stores. I happen to like having fewer options in this area.
–if you don’t ask for help and aren’t familiar with the store, it might be overwhelming to find things on your own given the amount of items in a small space.

The hours posted are flexible. I came 5 minutes before closing and it was closed early.
There is metered parking on Santa Monica Blvd but you can find street parking on side streets.

Really outstanding service. I had to get some supplies for drywall work on my new home purchase, and I ended up buying supplies for hanging pics, assembling frames and more. High level personalized service. If they don’t have what you need, they’ll try to get it or point you in the right direction.

Top notch customer service. All clerks were helping other customers when I walked in. The waiting was not a problem, because when it was my turn I got 100% of the employee’s attention.
I had several projects at home that I needed help with. He was able to fully answer all my queries on all 3 projects. I didn’t feel rushed. Another customer had a question, the employee helping me gently said, «I’ll be with you in a moment,» and continued chatting with me without a beat.
I’m happy to patronize a mom-​and-​pop shop with amazing customer service.

This place is super awkward. As soon as you walk in there is a turnstile you walk through.
Then they don’t take too kindly to browsing.
I was actually looking for a decent pocket knife and thought this looked like just the place. After browsing for 20 mins I found the small knife box. Had a few in there so I asked the clerk if I could look at a few. the response was «we don’t have those.» Ok. I asked if they would be getting anymore in. «Nope. We haven’t had those for a few years now.» Ok.
That’s an excellent way to sell products out of your business. Especially when you practically harass the customer to help them.
Also this place reeks of conspiracy theorists with odd newspaper clippings up everywhere about the Federal Reserve etc. Super awkward place.
I walked right out the exit turnstile. I’m surprised they didn’t ask if I wanted my hand stamp after leaving this carnival.
Just take the extra 10 minute drive and head over to OSH on Bundy near Olympic.

Looks like it’s set up more like my dad’s garage… which usually carries everything. They have a lot of basic stuff, as well as a fwe more involved items as well. They’ve jam packed this store.
I see some comments that service could be a little lacking at times… Not here. I did a lap around the store to see if I could find some window screen. By the time I was almost done in this tiny store, someone was already offering to help me out.

So listen to this: I called and said «I’ll be there in two minutes!» and the guy says, «Ok.»
And it took me no more than three minutes to drive down (swear on my racer’s 2014 season), and when I get there, it’s locked up tight…20 minutes before closing.
Why would anyone give a guy like that their money?

I just love Busy Bee. It’s so old school — a time capsule with everything One needs. The workers are really helpful especially the super cool guy with black glasses.
While checking out, 80’s hair band is blasting from the Phone intercom, I suggested to the «very young» checker to get a wireless speaker. She said that the owner insists on music coming from the «speakerphone». Ya gotta love that retro vibe and White Snake!

This quirky little throwback from my childhood is located on Santa Monica Blvd and 15^th Street. A friend of mine told me about this place and said it is the best hardware store in Santa Monica. I wholeheartedly agree!
On my first trip there, I noticed the take a number machine right at the turnstile that you walk through to get in the store. I took a number and an employee came right up, introduced himself asking what he could help me with. That same service has applied to every trip there since then! These guys are all smiles, very patient and willing to go the extra mile to help you get what you need. The place is crammed with items from nuts and bolts to cleaning supplies, every corner bursting with anything you want to make repairs in your home! Everything from the retro sign out front to the layout of the store and the level of service that has long been forgotten makes you think you’ve been transported back in time. Is this Mayberry, RFD?
This place is awesome and I will keep coming back!