Robinsons Hardware & Rental

"Colossal waste of time and energy to visit an dying store with surly staff in a sad strip mall. I hoped to rent a commercial-sized dehumidifier to dry my basement. Another rental place suggested Robinson’s so I called. The person who answered the phone told me they had one available. I replied I was on my way. The parking lot was nearly empty. As I approached the front door, I noticed a sign saying “Please Push door.” Odd, but whatever. So much for handicapped accessibility. I walked past plenty of clean, well-stocked shelves and thought, “this place is huge.” I made my way to the rental counter in the back where I encountered a guy fixing a machine. I inquired about renting a dehumidifier and was told “it was out.” Then his interrogation began. “Did you call?” “Yes.” “Did you call this store or my store in Hudson?” “This one.” I’d only called 30 minutes before. I don’t have a photographic memory but I certainly remembered which location I called. “What number did you call?” “508-881-… “Who did you speak to?” “I don’t know.” The person didn’t offer their name. “Well you’d better find out…We only have one and it’s out.” Really? I understand mistakes happen. I spent enough time in customer service roles myself to realize that the customer is not “always right,” but to repeatedly insinuate that a customer is somehow to blame for his staff’s laziness or negligence is rude, condescending, and unacceptable. The guy seemed like a typical boomer who was too insecure to admit that he or his staff had made a mistake, let alone apologize to a potential customer. Normally I’d ask when they’d expect their equipment to be returned, but I’d had enough of their attitude. On my way out, their exit door had a sign saying, “Push,” so I asked the sullen young man standing behind the register if they were, “too cheap to fix their automatic doors?” “They’re $20,000 a piece to fix.” Hard to believe this place has been in business since 1874, especially with their rotten attitude."

"I get my mowers and snow blower serviced at Robinson's in Framingham. They've always done great work and return the equipment quickly. They also clean it! I have them pick-up and drop-off which is huge since I don't have a truck. It costs a little extra but is worth it. They even once picked up my girlfriend's grandparent's snow blower even though they are technically out of range. Now that's wanting to help! The service department is knowledgeable and friendly. I bought my Honda mower here, and will continue to support them any way I can. I have also rented a portable generator from the Hudson store when they didn't have it at Framingham, and they are just as awesome there! I love supporting this small business because they are so focused on helping me. That's hard to find at big box stores."

"I've tried to buy a mower, snowblower and parts there several times over the past few years. The people I spoke to were rude, condescending and insulting. One of them said he was the owner. They basically forced me to buy from the hardware store a few miles away. I don't know how this place has any customers."

"It's honestly so heartwarming and surprising that stores like this still exist. Jeff has been infinitely helpful and patiently offered so much of his time and expertise. Especially as first time homeowners with no family anywhere in New England, I can't describe how grateful and happy I am to have found this store so close our new home. Can't recommend them strongly enough for hardware, home improvement, diy, paint or rental needs. No more home depot or Lowe's for us!"

"Did I mention how much I like Jeff U and his team at Robinson's Hardware Framingham (Saxonville)? Always feel welcome when I walk in the door. Staff is extremely knowledgeable about a variety of home improvement tools and helpful fixes. Very well stocked. Jeff (co-owner) helped me pick out my latest generator (Honda) without overspending. How often does that happen? A gem of a store and team in my book."