Basics Plus

Really clueless staff. No manager available. Worst attitude I have seen from customer service. Avoid this store and go to 3^rd avenue and 13^th just two blocks down.

Amazing customer service! I had a problem with vacuum and guy was very quick and helpful and went far above and beyond to help with the broken piece, even though it was out of warranty and he didn’t have to hand deliver to my apt. VERY IMPRESSED!

Even tho it says closes at 10, don’t get there at 950 coz they won’t let u in — no matter what. Way to lose a quick sale. Why not work until 10 and then lock up?
Also once bought a toaster that didn’t work. Went back to return it, and tried the toasters in store with the staff. Not a single toaster of that brand worked. They’re still on the shelf.

You have to go to the exact store location (they have about nine) for a refund and the manager has to be in the store. I tried twice and gave up. A horrible policy, will never shop there or recommend. Go to Bed Beth and Beyond, same prices, better service.

I love Basics Plus and shop there often. It’s a great store with a helping and knowledgeable staff. The products are high quality and the prices are normal. I definitely recommend going for great hardware and household items especially because you’ll find everything you came for and won’t have to search for other places. They even make keys, couldn’t ask for more :)

As I noticed there is another review by Christina, I am not surprised but infuriated I was profiled, followed and accused of stealing. I will never shop at the store again. Ironically I live a block away on 4^th at 1 Union Square South.
I will go to the store on 3^rd where the help is very attentive and respectful of their customers.

Don’t shop here! I bought a number of items, and came back a week later with a few of them. They were in the original packaging and I had my receipt. The owner was there and he was extremely nasty. While he did take the return, he rudely stated that he doesn’t normally do so. When I pointed out that his return policy says he does, he repeatedly accused me of buying the items for display. That was so bizarre. Who displays a cutting board and colander in their original packaging? When I asked to use the ladies room, he refused.

I bought an item there that was faulty, it rusting within several months and chipping paint — dangerous things to have in your food. I took the product back, and they said I should send it back to the company. I was surprised that a locally owned store would not do this on my behalf, and stand by their merchandise. They showed no concern that they are selling a faulty product. They offered no replacement. When I then dealt with the manufacturer, very time consuming venture, they would not replace the item either. I went back to the store and explained this challenge. They still would not replace. They did search in the computer to help me find a receipt, but they mostly wanted me to go away. I still fail to see why they will not help on my behalf. Cheated and sold crappy stuff.

After being sexually assaulted in the doorway of the store on 13^th st and University place, and being told by the latino doorman who works here that he couldn’t help me because «It didn’t happen in the store» — I know I won’t be returning here.
It’s a wonderful place to shop when you armed with some mace, a cellphone dialed to 911, and the expectation of having your crotch grabbed in front of staff, only to be told no one could help you.

I’ve been coming to Basics Plus quite a bit in the last few months as my office is around the corner. I’ve come to make copies of keys, buy lightbulbs and an assortment of odds and ends. Each time I’ve come here, I’ve asked an employee to help me find what I’m looking for and they always deliver quickly and efficiently. The prices are definitely high, but I’ll pay them for a conveniently located manhattan hardware store with a staff that is friendly and makes my life easier.

BEWARE! NO REFUNDS ARE GIVEN IF A MANAGER ISN’T ON DUTY. Who ever heard of this? Went into the store today and there were two «greeters» at the door that stop you to «assist». When I told Samantha that I was there for a refund, she kind of smugly stated «We cannot do refunds today because there is no manager in the store». I was stunned. There seemed to be more than ample staffing and I couldn’t believe that not person was trained or capable of performing a refund. And if that is the store policy, then shame on them for not having a manager scheduled at all times. Like other reviewers, the store has good products but substandard customer service. I want to support local stores. but it is back to Amazon Prime for me. I can get anything in the universe for free shipping and better prices. Basic Plus, I’m leaving you for Amazon.

Great selection but SO OVERPRICED. I’m used to paying a premium on everything in NYC, but this is ridiculous. Six dollars for a single mason jar when every other store in the city sells them for $ 1.99. $ 45 for a simple dimmer switch that’s $ 25 elsewhere. And then get this — $ 4.99 for a 4 pack of AA batteries, not bad, but $ 12.99 for an 8 pack of the exact same brand??? How does it make sense to triple the price for double the amount? I really miss Surprise Surprise :(

Just became a complete fan of this spot.
So, I was upset when ‘Surprise! Surprise!’ closed.
Thankfully, basics plus opened up.
I kept seeing people walk down from the same store front area with home goods.
So I knew another home goods store had to be in the area.
Apparently, there is another basics plus store in gramercy too.
The selection is better than the previous store, as is the customer service.
I’m excited this store is here.
They win @ life.

This place conned me out of $ 7.99. Sold me an Oxo squeegee, which didn’t work for my windows, didn’t give me a receipt, and then wouldn’t exchange it two days later (even though it was unused and in original, unopened package). What are the profit margins on an item like that? Worth losing a customer over a few bucks? I was going to apply the amount to a larger purchase. Now I will never step foot in any of their locations again. I love to support small businesses, but Home Depot is only a ten minute walk!

Service was great but the food was mediocre. The screws were severely under cooked but the jars of glue were divine. I don’t believe they do their own cooking in the back. All of the L brackets definitely came from some central facility which is disappointing. When you come to a neighborhood mom and pop establishment like this you expect a certain level of personalized intimacy. The hardware here was definitely not made just for me.
But all in all, I would return.

This place has a good selection of products, but I am giving them one star because of bad customer service.
I really wanted to support a local shop and not just buy my household supplies at a big chain, but I doubt I will go back.
When I tried to return a bathmat in brand new condition the manager would not take it because it was a sale item. When I bought it, and even on the day I went to return it and the product was still on sale, there was no labeling about it being a final sale. The item still had its tag and was never used. After I made that point, the manager then seemed to come up with another reason on the spot and said they don’t take bathmats back because of hygienic reasons. This was also not written anywhere in the return policy nor was it was indicated anywhere in the store.
BASICS PLUS, I would suggest that you clearly indicate these rules in your return policy so as to not lose well-​meaning customers who have the potential of going back. I would also recommend that you treat your customers with politeness and respect as you explain a policy that wasn’t outlined before a purchase.
Like Jennifer W. below, I believe I was also the victim of racial discrimination. The manager showed animus towards me through his tone and language. Maybe he thought, ‘Oh, just another Latino/​a returning things again.’ Granted, he didn’t say this and I couldn’t read his mind, but that is the attitude I got from him. I left feeling like I was not welcome there. No problem, because I won’t be returning. I hope, for this business’s sake, that the other locations have better people working for them.

BRAND NEW LOCATION: 3^rd AVE x 13^th St! Great new store in E Village — no longer need to hike over to BB&B for kitchen/​home products. Huge selection! Same prices as BB&B, but no 20% coupons. :(Friendly service. Tia (at checkout) was very friendly and helpful.

I’ve always liked the selection of products they have at Basics Plus. When they enlarged the selection got even better. Staff has always been cool and helpful. I appreciate being able to stop by and get harder to find stuff like Bodum replacement glass in stock. Yesterday I went in there with a part from my Miele vacuum cleaner that had been broken. Not only did they have the obscure little part but the kid behind the counter installed it for me no charge. Thanks Basics Plus!

I didn’t get off work until late and desperately needed some materials to finish a project at home. Basics was the only place open and despite the below average reviews, I was desperate and hopped over.
Disclaimer: I didn’t actually find what I was looking for because I needed a very specifically sized nail. However, I was blown away by the service. Not only was everyone that I interacted with extremely pleasant, they were very helpful, directing me to right areas of the store and even going through the shelves with me to locate the pieces. And their prices seemed pretty fair to me.
They’ve made my good list in terms of service, so even though I didn’t get anything this time, they have my business next time I’m making home improvements.

I would never, EVER recommend this store to anyone as long as I shall live. I was harassed, and discriminated against.
WARNING: this review contains content pertaining to that Racist of an Owner/​Manager. If you are ignorant to racism or can care less simply because it did not happened to you, clearly move on…
I walked in and began browsing; simple as that. I came in to look at storage bins for organizing the tons of girly stuff I have in my room. After picking up one pricey storage container after another (14 freaking dollars for a bin that can fit in the palm of my hand), I decided to check out the other items. They have candles, lotions, etc… As I was browsing I was connected to my earphones as I was talking on the phone as well. Im stopped by what Im assuming is the owner: old white male with snow white hair. He asks me if I need help and I politely declined, ending my statement with a «but thank you anyway». He replies with «You know your bag is open, right?»
Excuse me?
I glance at my color-​block oversized purse (for all the male Unilocalers out there, Im basically saying my bag was two colors) to see that it was unzipped at the top because my giant red school folder was sticking out (which I didn’t want to bend). I tell him in a curt tone that Im well aware of that. This is how I generally carry my purse, and this is how it was all day, right before I walked into this store. He replies in a mocking tone «Ooooh. You’re a tough girl, right? I guess I can mess with you!» and shakes his hands back and forth as if to show he’s scared. I ask him what was he implying and he walked away. Needless to say he followed me around the whole store until I left.
If this a$$ would have ASKED me to zip up my bag, I would have. But because he practically down right accused me of theft (and then made sure he had clear view of me every one aisle down) he lost a potential customer. At that moment I did realized I was the only african-​american customer in that store. I understand that due to its prime location being right across the street from the Union Sq train station, its customers usually consists of caucasians. However thats inexcusable for how that b@stard made me feel.
Like I mentioned earlier, if the topic of discrimination doesn’t bother you, please continue to live blissfully under your rock. However I do hope my review can be of use to some.